Coffee Day: let’s explore coffee consumption habits around the world
On October 1st we celebrate International Coffee Day for being the second most consumed beverage in the world after water. According to an estimate by the International Coffee Organization between 2021 and 2022 around 2 billion cups of coffee will be consumed every day, this in total is equivalent to 170.3 million 60 kg bags of coffee.
Many people make coffee their breakfast, others use it as an accompaniment or to give energy during the day; some people drink it after the main meals at midday or in the evening. Although coffee consumer habits are very varied, 66% of the world’s population finds this beverage very necessary to start their mornings or to give themselves a revitalizing break in the middle of a hectic day.
Changes in Colombian Coffee Consumption
In the last six years there has been a significant change in coffee consumers’ habits, especially in generational terms, where an increase in the participation of young people has been observed.
According to the Federación Nacional de Cafeteros de Colombia, when analyzing exclusively the population over 12 years of age in the country, it is estimated that the average per capita consumption has experienced an increase, going from 2.8 kg in 2015 to 3.4 kg in 2021. It is believed that the positive perception of coffee has increased consumption from an early age, as for many it is a food that provides energy to the body, works as an antioxidant, improves mental concentration and boosts physical performance, as reported by the FNC.
Many Colombians who enjoy this beverage choose to incorporate filtered coffee into their morning routine as an integral part of breakfast and also after lunch. In rural areas, coffee is enjoyed approximately 6.03 days a week, with an average of 3.7 cups per day. In contrast, in the cities, coffee is consumed about 5.37 days a week, with an average of 3.3 cups a day.
Although it is more traditional to consume coffee in the morning, there is a growing interest in this beverage during the night, and also of good quality. Reports on consumption trends carried out by Kantar reveal that 14% of Colombians who enjoy coffee do so in the evenings, accompanying relaxing activities such as watching television or surfing the Internet. This change in consumption habits reflects the versatility and the rootedness that coffee has in the daily lives of Colombians.
Coffee consumer´s Trends in Europe and the United States
Europe plays a prominent role in the world coffee consumption panorama, representing 32% of the total, according to the CBI, a subsidiary body of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Europeans have an undeniable affinity for coffee, with an average of more than 5 kg of coffee per person per year. Luxembourg leads the list as the country with the highest individual consumption, with a staggering average of 11 kg per person. This country is closely followed by Finland and the Netherlands, with 8.2 kg each, Sweden with 7.7 kg and Denmark with 7.4 kg per person.
Unlike Colombia, where filtered coffee is the favorite, in Europe espresso and strong coffee dominate. Countries such as Italy and France, where coffee culture is intertwined with socializing and the art of relaxing, stand out for the abundance of cozy, open air coffee shops that seem as if everyone is “sharing” a cup of coffee. In these places, it is common to see people enjoying this beverage in a relaxed environment, often accompanied by cookies or fresh bread.
In the United States, coffee consumption is similar to that of Colombia, with an average of about 4.4 kg per person per year, which is equivalent to about 3-4 cups per day, mainly filtered coffee and other preparations such as Cold Brew, whose popularity has increased. The Covid-19 pandemic has given rise to unique consumption habits, with 48% of people opting to purchase coffee through the Drive-Thru service from their vehicles. In addition, for the majority of coffee lovers in the United States, premium quality and environmental commitment are essential aspects when choosing their preferred coffee.
Although coffee consumption habits vary greatly around the world, all people who enjoy coffee have something in common: an appreciation for the taste, aroma and sensations that it provides.
In Colcafé we are concerned with satisfying the coffee consumers, from the quality of the bean to the sustainable production processes that go according to the evolution of the needs of the clients. To learn more about our brands and products click here or if you are interested in our solutions for your company click here.
We invite you today to celebrate International Coffee Day with your favorite preparation, learn here about free virtual courses for amateurs, baristas or chefs and entrepreneurs, as well as more than 100 recipes to celebrate.
