The Latest Coffee Statistics: A Comprehensive Look at the Global Coffee Industry

Coffee is one of the most popular beverages in the world, and the global coffee industry is a multi-billion dollar market. The industry has grown significantly over the past few decades, with coffee consumption increasing in both developed and developing countries. This article will explore the size of the global coffee industry, its key players, and some interesting coffee statistics about coffee consumption around the world.

In 2022 DriverResearch posted survey results about American consumption of coffee. It makes for interesting reading.

• 3 in 4 Americans drink coffee every day
• 49% of people drink 3 to 5 cups of coffee a day
• 1 in 2 consumers Americans most prefer medium roast coffee
• 68% of Americans don’t drink decaf or decaffeinated coffee
• 38% of Americans prefer their coffee unsweetened, while 49% use sugar
• 41% of people enjoy or prefer black coffee
• 68% of Americans make coffee at home every day
• 32% of consumers purchase coffee from a coffee shop 1 to 3 days a week
• A majority order shot-flavored lattes at a coffee shop
• 56% of Americans at least somewhat agree that drinking coffee benefits their health
• 39% of Americans enjoy Starbucks coffee the most

This is just a snapshot of their research – read their comprehensive research here.

World Coffee Market

In fact, it is estimated that there are more than 250 million habitual coffee drinkers today! That said, coffee continues to be one of the most popular beverage choices around the globe. So what are some recent coffee statistics? Here’s a look!

There are many different types of coffee available on the market today. In 2015, dark roast accounted for almost two-thirds (64%) of all roasted coffee sold worldwide. The medium roast was second with 15% and the mild roast made up 13%. Other popular types include Ethiopian (7%), Colombian (6%), Jamaican Blue Mountain (5%), and Kenyan AA(4%).

In terms of countries, Brazil led sales in both volume and value terms followed by Vietnam and Indonesia. China recorded double-digit growth for both roasts and flavored coffees while America experienced flat or declining sales due to tighter regulation of flavored coffees.

Coffee Consumption Trends Around the World

A report by MarketsandMarkets projected the global coffee market to reach $27.8 billion by 2024. In 2016, the world consumed an average of 254 kilograms of beans per person— up from just 62 kilograms in 1975. The top five countries consuming the most coffee are Brazil (13%), USA (11%), Indonesia(10%), India(9%) and Mexico (7%). However, not all areas have seen consistent growth over time; in some cases – such as Europe – coffee consumption has actually fallen.

Global Coffee Production Statistics

The latest report from The World Coffee Forum (WCF) expects the coffee production industry to grow at a rate of 2.5% each year through 2021. With increased production comes increased demand for coffee, which in turn has led to an increase in prices and exports around the world. In 2015, global coffee exports totaled $21.4 billion, showing a 3% increase from 2014.

As global demand increases and production grows, so too does wastefulness within the coffee industry. Approximately 20% of all coffee beans are lost during processing or storage; this amounts to approximately 150 million bags of beans every day! To combat this wasteful trend, many companies are working on new ways to process and store their coffee beans in order to reduce waste and improve quality.

Tariffs and Trade Agreements

Tariffs and trade agreements are important factors impacting coffee trade. In recent years, there have been several high-profile disputes between countries over tariffs and the imposition of trade barriers. 

The global coffee industry is experiencing significant growth due to increasing demand from developed countries and developing economies. However, the global coffee trade faces a number of challenges, including tariffs and trade agreements that adversely affect coffee exports. In February 2018, the United States imposed significant tariffs on imports of coffee beans and other agricultural products from Mexico, Canada, and China sparking fears of a trade war. Tariffs on imported coffee have raised prices for consumers in countries that produce most of the world’s coffee beans. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has estimated that these tariffs will increase domestic costs by $734 million annually and lead to a loss of 2,000 jobs in roasting operations alone.

Coffee is one of the most heavily taxed crops in the world. The average tariffs on coffee are 16%, higher than any other agricultural product. These high tariffs lead to a loss of revenue for countries that produce coffee and add costs to consumers. For example, Mexico’s Coffee Association estimated that the US tariff will increase prices for Mexican citizens by 50% and reduce sales by $130 million annually.

The Impact of Specialty Coffee on the Market

The specialty coffee industry has grown tremendously in recent years and has become a popular choice for consumers. Specialty coffee is made from high-quality beans that are roasted to create unique flavors. The impact of specialty coffee on the market is significant, as it accounts for a significant portion of global sales.

In terms of popularity, specialty coffee is most popular in North America and Europe. In 2016, these regions accounted for nearly half of the total global sales. Asia Pacific experienced a notable growth rate over the past several years, driven by rising consumption in China and other emerging markets. However, the market share of specialty coffee in South America remains low compared to other regions.

Another important factor impacting the market is price. While prices vary based on geographic region and bean type, overall prices tend to be higher for specialty coffees than regular coffees. Premium brands command a higher price point than lower-priced options, which helps to promote their adoption by consumers who seek out premium products.

Impact of Organic, Fair-Trade Coffee on Global Markets

Since its inception, the global coffee industry has witnessed significant growth. In 2015, coffee production reached 151 million metric tons, resulting in an average annual growth rate of 3.4 percent between 2000 and 2015. The market for roasted coffee beans is particularly well-developed and growing rapidly. In value terms, the global roasted coffee market was worth $22.2 billion in 2016 and is projected to reach $30.5 billion by 2021. These figures underscore the strong demand for this beverage across various regions of the world.

Given this widespread demand, it comes as no surprise that many companies are looking to capitalize on the trend by introducing new products and services aimed at meeting consumer demands. Nestlé Waters North America is focused on developing and marketing organic, fair-trade coffee. A report by the National Coffee Association (NCA) projected organic coffee sales to reach $1.3 billion by 2020. This represents a compound annual growth rate of 7 percent over the next four years, so it is clear that fair-trade coffee is becoming increasingly popular.

The impact of organic, fair-trade coffee on global markets is clearly visible in terms of both revenue and consumption trends. In 2016, organic/fair-trade coffees accounted for 10 percent of total roasted coffee bean sales15. The market for this type of product has been growing rapidly in developed countries such as the United States and Europe, but it remains relatively small in some countries, such as Brazil and China. This is likely due to the high cost of organic coffee beans and the fact that many consumers are still unfamiliar with this type of product.

The Growing Popularity of Specialty Coffees in Europe and the US

The global coffee market is seeing increasing demand for organic, fair-trade beans, as consumers become more aware of the environmental and social benefits of purchasing such coffee. In Europe, organic and fair-trade coffee sales are growing at a rate of 10-15% each year, while in the US, specialty coffee sales are expected to grow by 20% over the next five years.

A reason for this growth is that specialty coffee is seen as a healthier alternative to regular coffee. Organic and fair-trade coffee beans are often higher in antioxidants and other nutrients, which can improve overall health. Additionally, specialty coffee is often more expensive than regular coffee, but this premium price reflects the quality of the beans.

As the global market for coffee continues to grow, specialty coffee beans will continue to become more popular. This trend is likely to benefit both the environment and human health, as consumers learn about the benefits of organic, fair-trade coffee.

Rise in Sales of Single Origin and Direct Trade Coffee Beans

As the global population continues to grow, so does their demand for coffee. Thanks in part to increased awareness of the health benefits associated with drinking coffee, as well as its popularity among millennials and other age groups, the market for specialty coffee beans is growing rapidly across the globe. Here are some of the latest coffee statistics to illustrate this point:

In 2017, total sales of specialty coffees reached $19.1 billion globally, a 6% increase from 2016. Increasing demand for organic and fair-trade coffees drives this growth. In fact, organic sales accounted for 36% of all specialty coffee bean sales in 2017 – an increase from 31% in 2016. Fair-trade sales grew even faster, reaching 47% of total specialty coffee bean sales in 2017, up from 41% in 2016.

The countries where specialty coffee beans are consumed the most are also evident the popularity of specialty coffee beans. In 2017, the United States was the largest consumer of specialty coffee beans, accounting for 31% of global sales. China was second, with 17% of global sales. However, it is important to note that while these two countries are the largest consumers of specialty coffee beans, they account for only a small fraction of the world’s population. In fact, over half of all specialty coffee bean sales (55%) were generated in Europe.

One reason for this growth in demand for specialty coffee beans is the increasing popularity of single-origin and direct trade coffees. Single-origin coffees are coffee beans that are sourced from a single farm or plantation. Direct trade coffees are coffee beans that are traded directly between the grower and the roaster. These coffees are typically more expensive than those that are produced through the conventional coffee production process, but they are believed to be of higher quality.

Overall, the global coffee market is continuing to grow at a healthy pace, and specialty coffee beans are playing a major role in this growth. As consumers become more aware of the health benefits associated with drinking coffee, and as they become increasingly interested in trying different types of coffee, the market for specialty coffee beans is only going to continue to grow.

Summary & Outlook

The global coffee industry is experiencing significant changes, with respect to production and consumption. The demand for coffee continues to surge in developed markets such as the United States and Europe while developing regions are benefiting from growing exports. Over the past decade, much has changed in terms of how people consume coffee; it’s becoming more popular to brew at home thanks to innovations in equipment and brewing methods. In spite of these positive developments, several challenges continue to face small farmers across developing economies, which could have a negative impact on long-term growth prospects for the global coffee market.