INTERNATIONAL COFFEE DAY
Every year on October 1st, International Coffee Day celebrates one of the world’s favorite beverages. It’s also a day to promote fair trade coffee and to raise awareness about the plight of the coffee growers.
It probably doesn’t surprise you that coffee is one of the most consumed beverages in the world. In fact, after water and tea, coffee is the third most consumed beverage in the world. Almost 10 million bags of coffee around the globe are exported each month. In the United States, Americans drink 400 million cups of coffee a day. That sounds like a lot of coffee! But you might be surprised to know the United States doesn’t even make the top ten for coffee-addicted countries.
The top ten countries that consume the most coffee include:
1. the Netherlands
2. Finland
3. Sweden
4. Norway
5. Canada
6. Lebanon
7. Germany
8. Brazil
9. Qatar
10. Switzerland
On this list, the United States ranks 14th for countries that are most addicted to coffee. There is one obvious reason that so many people drink coffee. This beverage contains caffeine, which helps to stimulate the nervous system. This in turn helps people feel awake, refreshed, and focused. Drinking the right amount of coffee each day is also linked to longer lifespans, reduced chances of getting Type 2 diabetes, and protection for the liver.
HOW TO OBSERVE #International Coffee Day
The best way to celebrate this day is to enjoy a cup of Joe. Since this day is special, why not have two cups? You can take advantage of free or discounted coffee that many coffee houses offer on this day. You can also learn how baristas make various kinds of coffee drinks. Other ways to participate include:
- Take a friend out for a cup of coffee.
- Try a different brand of coffee or coffee drink you’ve never had before.
- Watch a film on coffee production, such as “From Crop to Cup,” “Black Gold,” or “Birdsong and Coffee: A Wake-Up Call.”
- Read a book that teaches you about coffee like “Uncommon Grounds” by Mark Pendergrast or “Coffee Obsession” by Anette Moldvaer.
Post a selfie of you with your cup of coffee on social media with #InternationalCoffeeDay.
INTERNATIONAL COFFEE DAY HISTORY
For many years, the United States has had its own National Coffee Day. In October of 2009 at the New Orleans Coffee Festival, the day was referred to as International Coffee Day. The international day was later promoted by China. In 2009, Taiwan celebrated its first International Coffee Day. Nepal and Indonesia followed suit. In 2014, the International Coffee Organization (ICO) launched the idea to make International Coffee Day an official event. On October 1, 2015 countries around the world celebrated International Coffee Day together. Today, 77 member states of the ICO, along with dozens of coffee associations from around the world take part in the annual event.
