Tag: coffee consumption

Cappuccino Tops the List of Favorite Coffee Drinks in Moscow

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Dubai – Qahwa World

Cappuccino is the most popular coffee choice among residents of Moscow, according to economist and global economy expert Khadzhimurad Belkharoiev.

Belkharoiev noted that after cappuccino, the most consumed coffee drinks are Americano and various types of latte. Overall, Muscovites consume coffee significantly more than residents of other major Russian cities—around 50% more than in St. Petersburg. Seasonal changes also affect beverage preferences: in winter, coffee and tea consumption rises, while in summer people tend to choose mineral water and soft drinks.

The economist added that the coffee market continues to grow, fueled by changing consumer habits and even medical advice recommending moderate coffee consumption to support vascular health.

Reflecting on history, Belkharoiev pointed out that tea was the dominant drink during the Soviet era due to trade ties with India, while high-quality coffee was scarce and considered a luxury.

Today, the situation is very different. Global coffee production reaches tens of millions of tons each year, with a large share exported internationally. The worldwide market is valued in the hundreds of billions of dollars, and billions of cups of coffee are consumed annually outside the home. Since the early 2020s, global coffee prices have steadily risen, a trend that is also reflected in Russia, where consumption is gradually shifting from tea to coffee.

Belkharoiev attributes this change to generational and market factors. Younger consumers tend to choose coffee when visiting cafes and restaurants, and the coffee sector remains highly profitable. The growing availability of home coffee machines has also boosted domestic coffee consumption.

Regarding prices, retail coffee costs have increased over the past year, and cafe prices have risen as well. However, expected increases in Robusta production globally could help stabilize prices. Nevertheless, according to Belkharoiev, the era of cheap coffee is effectively over.

Coffee Prices in Russia Keep Climbing: How Much Does a Cup Cost Now?

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Prices in retail and cafés continue to climb as the market braces for further increases in 2026

Moscow – Qahwa World

Russia’s coffee market experienced a sharp rise in prices throughout 2025, a trend that has become clearly visible to consumers both in retail stores and in cafés. As 2026 begins, prices for instant coffee and coffee beans remain at elevated levels, reinforcing concerns that a daily cup of coffee is becoming an increasingly expensive habit.

  • Sustained Growth Over Three Years

Over the past three years, coffee prices in Russia have followed a steady upward trajectory. According to data from Rosstat, the average price of one kilogram of instant coffee stood at 2,638 rubles in January 2022. By the end of that year, the price had risen by approximately 25%. Although a brief decline was recorded in 2023, it proved short-lived.

From January 2024 onward, prices resumed their upward movement, reaching 3,500 rubles per kilogram by December. In November 2025, instant coffee hit a new record high of 4,152 rubles per kilogram. Overall, instant coffee prices increased by nearly 60% over three years.

Coffee beans followed a more gradual but largely uninterrupted upward path. In January 2022, one kilogram cost 1,136 rubles, rising to 1,490 rubles by the end of that year. Prices remained relatively stable throughout 2023 before entering a new growth phase in 2024. By November 2025, the price of coffee beans reached 2,061 rubles per kilogram—an increase of roughly 80% over three years.

Industry experts note that official statistics reflect average market dynamics, which may underestimate the real financial impact felt by consumers in day-to-day purchases.

  • Key Drivers Behind the Price Increase

At the beginning of 2025, market forecasts suggested coffee prices could rise by 30–40%. In practice, price increases in several segments exceeded those expectations.

Market participants report that over the past two to three years, prices for many popular brands of ground and whole-bean coffee in retail stores have risen by 50–100% compared to 2021 levels.

The primary drivers of this trend include Russia’s near-total reliance on imported coffee, elevated global prices for coffee raw materials, and fluctuations in the ruble exchange rate. Additional pressure has come from higher costs associated with international payments, logistics, and packaging materials, all of which increase production costs before roasting even begins.

  • Impact on Cafés

Rising raw material costs have also affected the foodservice sector. During 2025, prices for coffee-based beverages increased by an average of 15–30% year-on-year. In certain formats—particularly 100% arabica and specialty coffee—the increase reached 35–45%.

In many cases, cafés implemented price increases gradually, introducing several small adjustments over the course of the year rather than a single sharp hike.

At the same time, industry representatives emphasize that profit margins remain limited. The cost of coffee itself accounts for only a small portion of the final price of a cup, while operating expenses—such as rent, wages, and taxes—make up the bulk of costs.

  • Price Outlook for 2026

Forecasting coffee prices for 2026 remains challenging due to multiple external variables, including weather conditions in producing countries, exchange rate movements, and the stability of global supply chains. Potential changes in tax policy could also add further pressure.

Current expectations point to continued price growth, though at a more moderate pace. Under a baseline scenario, prices could rise by 8–15% over the year if currency and logistics conditions remain relatively stable. In the event of renewed volatility, increases could be higher, particularly in higher-quality coffee segments.

Despite rising prices, demand for coffee in Russia remains resilient. Strong consumer attachment to the product has allowed the market to adapt to higher price levels without a significant decline in consumption.

  • A New Phase for the Coffee Market

Experts broadly agree that Russia’s coffee market is entering a new phase. While the period of sharp and sudden price shocks may be easing, a return to previously low price levels appears unlikely in the near term.

Instead, the market is expected to settle into a phase of relative price stabilization at higher levels, with future pricing shaped by currency dynamics, competition, and consumers’ ability to adjust to the evolving market environment.

Xinhua: Coffee Shifts from Social Tradition to Daily Habit in Jordan

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AMMAN — Qahwa World

Xinhua News Agency has published a report highlighting the growing role of coffee in Jordanian daily life, as changing lifestyles and urban expansion reshape long-standing consumption patterns across the country.

According to the report, coffee in Jordan is no longer limited to social occasions and formal gatherings. Instead, it has become a regular part of everyday routines, particularly in urban centers such as the capital, Amman, where specialty cafés continue to expand.

Amin Alasoufi, head of the Economic Studies and Research Department at the Amman Chamber of Industry, was quoted as saying that coffee has evolved from a symbol of hospitality into a daily consumer product. He noted that population density, urbanization, and changing work and social habits have contributed to rising demand.

Official data cited in the report show that Jordan imported more than 55,600 tons of coffee in 2024, valued at 151.2 million Jordanian dinars, or approximately 213 million U.S. dollars. Average annual per capita consumption has reached around 5 kilograms, indicating steady and sustained growth.

The expansion of the café sector reflects this trend. The number of cafés operating nationwide has exceeded 1,664, marking a 9.6 percent increase compared with 2023. Many cafés now serve as multipurpose spaces for social gatherings, informal meetings, and study sessions.

Xinhua also quoted Mohammad Odeh, who opened a specialty coffee shop in western Amman three years ago, as saying that coffee consumption remains stable regardless of economic conditions. He explained that while consumers may reduce spending in other areas, coffee continues to be a daily necessity.

From a social perspective, the report cited sociologist Fadia Ibrahim, who attributed the shift to broader changes in social behavior. She noted that traditional Arabic coffee continues to symbolize hospitality, respect, and social cohesion, particularly during weddings, funerals, and reconciliation events. At the same time, modern cafés appeal to younger generations seeking flexible social spaces and diverse flavor options.

In downtown Amman, traditional Turkish coffee houses continue to operate alongside modern cafés, reflecting a balance between heritage and contemporary lifestyles. Saif Abdulmunem, owner of Central Cafe, one of the city’s oldest cafés established in the 1930s, told Xinhua that while modern café concepts have influenced the market, traditional cafés still attract customers seeking authenticity and familiar social environments.

The report concluded that for many Jordanians, the cultural meaning of coffee outweighs distinctions between traditional and modern settings. Ahmad Khalil, a 42-year-old employee from Amman, was quoted as saying that coffee is always the first thing offered to guests, regardless of the occasion, as a sign of respect and hospitality.

Rising Prices Redraw Coffee Consumption Habits

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Dubai – Qahwa World

Surging coffee prices have not pushed consumers to abandon their daily cup. Instead, higher costs are reshaping how coffee is consumed. As global inflation weighs on household budgets, many consumers are adjusting purchasing habits rather than giving up a routine that has become embedded in everyday life.

Market indicators show that coffee demand remains relatively steady despite higher prices, highlighting the sector’s resilience and ability to adapt. This comes at a time when climate-related challenges and trade pressures continue to drive costs upward across global supply chains.

Production Under Pressure, Prices on the Rise

Coffee markets are facing a widening gap between supply and demand. Output has been affected in several key growing regions, while transportation and logistics costs have risen. Together, these factors have contributed to elevated price levels over the past period.

Top Coffee-Producing Countries

(thousand bags, 60 kg per bag)

Rank Country Expected Production
1 Brazil 63,000
2 Vietnam 30,800
3 Colombia 13,800
4 Indonesia 12,450
5 Ethiopia 11,560
6 Uganda 6,875
7 India 6,050
8 Honduras 5,800
9 Peru 4,200
10 Mexico 3,903

New Ways to Keep the Habit

Rather than cutting coffee out altogether, consumers are increasingly turning to lower-cost alternatives. Home brewing has gained popularity, with many attempting to recreate café-style drinks using simple equipment. This approach allows consumers to preserve the experience while reducing spending.

The shift reflects a broader rebalancing of priorities, where enjoyment is maintained but costs are kept under control.

Coffee Shops Adjust Their Strategies

Changes in consumer behavior have also prompted cafés to rethink their business models. Faster service options and more affordable menu choices are becoming more common, as operators respond to growing price sensitivity.

Market observations suggest that coffee consumption has not declined, but has instead taken new forms, with customers opting for simpler or less expensive options rather than stopping purchases entirely.

Coffee as a Resilient Consumer Good

Coffee offers a clear example of a product with relatively flexible demand in the face of price shocks. Even as prices reach historically high levels, consumption remains broadly stable, reflecting coffee’s status as a daily essential for many people.

Largest Coffee-Consuming Markets (2025–2026)

(thousand bags, 60 kg per bag)

Rank Country / Entity Expected Consumption
1 European Union 41,870
2 United States 26,550
3 Brazil 22,162
4 Japan 7,550
5 Philippines 6,780
6 China 5,500
7 Indonesia 4,900
8 Canada 4,800
9 Vietnam 3,750
10 Russia 3,610

Coffee Consumption Significantly Lowers Risk of Multiple Sclerosis

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Dubai – Qahwa World

Multiple Sclerosis (MS), a severe and currently incurable autoimmune disease of the central nervous system, may have a new mitigating factor: coffee.

A rigorous systematic review and meta-analysis of multiple prior studies—combining data from over 4,500 participants—has found that individuals who regularly consume coffee are 22% less likely to develop MS compared to non-drinkers. This finding, published recently in the journal Neurodegenerative Disease Management, suggests a significant association between this common beverage and reduced risk for the debilitating condition.

  • Understanding the Disease

MS is defined by the immune system mistakenly attacking the protective myelin sheath surrounding nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord. This damage disrupts communication between the brain and the rest of the body, leading to a host of symptoms including chronic fatigue, vision problems, numbness, and severe mobility issues.

While the precise cause of MS remains unknown, researchers believe it involves a complex interplay of genetic predisposition and environmental/lifestyle factors, such as smoking, diet, and Vitamin D deficiency. This new research suggests that simple dietary choices may play a crucial role in prevention.

  • The Strength of the Evidence

The meta-analysis, which combined the results of numerous papers, included a cohort of 2,193 individuals with MS and 2,344 people in the control group. Of the participants diagnosed with MS, 1,072 were identified as regular coffee drinkers.

Researchers suggest the neuroprotective effects of coffee—particularly the compounds found within—could be the mechanism behind the correlation. These compounds have been demonstrated to:

  1. Reduce systemic inflammation, a key driver of autoimmune attacks.
  2. Limit oxidative stress, protecting neural tissues from cellular damage.
  3. Decrease the activation of immune cells within the brain, potentially slowing the autoimmune response.
  • Important Caveats for Readers

Despite the compelling 22% reduction figure, the authors of the study urge caution in interpretation. They noted that the individual studies included in their review had heterogeneous results—some showing benefits, others showing no effect, and a few suggesting negative associations.

Therefore, while the pooled data suggests a strong protective link, it is impossible to draw generalized, causal conclusions at this time. The researchers stressed that more targeted, prospective research is essential to establish a definitive cause-and-effect relationship or to determine the optimal consumption levels for risk mitigation.

Nonetheless, these results align with a growing body of evidence linking the consumption of coffee to positive health outcomes in conditions where chronic inflammation is a major contributing factor.

 

Russians Drink Over 10 Million Liters of Coffee in Cafés Every Month

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Moscow – Qahwa World

Russians consume around 10.3 million litres of coffee in cafés every month—the equivalent of 696,000 cups per day. According to RBC, citing a study by Platforma OFD, this amounts to about 0.45 cups per adult urban resident per month.

In September–October 2025, the average café receipt reached 463 rubles, up 17% from the previous year. The average price of a cup of coffee rose by 15% to 213 rubles, while the average number of items per order increased to 3.1.

Beverages dominate café sales, accounting for 70.4% of all receipts, with customers often adding sandwiches, cakes, or pastries to their orders. Russians tend to prefer the so-called “white cup” — milk-based drinks such as cappuccino and latte, which make up 80.1% of total sales. In contrast, “black cup” drinks like espresso and americano account for 19.9%, though their average price is higher at 229 rubles per cup.

Cafés are most actively expanding in the Central, Northwestern, and Southern federal districts. According to Dmitry Batyushenkov, CEO of Platforma OFD, market growth potential lies in regions with “white spots” — residential areas still lacking sufficient coffee shops.

Meanwhile, SberAnalytics reports that in the first half of 2025, the average check at cafés, bars, and restaurants across Russia increased by 10%, reaching 580 rubles. The most expensive dinner on record was in a Moscow restaurant, totaling 4.8 million rubles, followed by meals in Krasnodar (3.9 million rubles) and Moscow Oblast (3.6 million rubles).

Residents of Moscow and St. Petersburg spend the most on dining out — about 16,000 and 13,000 rubles per person annually, respectively, compared to the national average of 9,400 rubles. More than 57% of all restaurant and café spending is concentrated in the top 10 regions, including Moscow, St. Petersburg, Krasnodar Krai, Sverdlovsk Oblast, and Tatarstan.

Experts note that the growing popularity of cafés and restaurants reflects structural changes in Russia’s urban lifestyle, where coffee is increasingly becoming a symbol of daily culture and social connection, rather than just a beverage.

Coffee Prices in Russia Soar to 4,000 Rubles per Kilogram

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Moscow – Qahwa World

Coffee prices in Russia have reached an all-time high, with instant coffee exceeding 4,000 rubles per kilogram for the first time. Ground and roasted coffee have also risen sharply, prompting a noticeable decline in demand of 4–11% across categories.

A Steep Climb Over the Past Year

According to Russia’s Federal State Statistics Service (Rosstat), the price of natural instant coffee rose to 4,006 rubles per kilogram in September 2025, up from 3,988 rubles in August — an annual increase of 18.3%. The price of ground and roasted coffee jumped to 1,994 rubles per kilogram, marking a 29.3% rise compared with last year. In the foodservice sector, the average cup of coffee now costs 110.9 rubles, up 13.6% year-on-year.

Analytics from Check Index show that between June and August, the average retail price of coffee reached 829 rubles, 12% higher than in 2024. The average receipt for whole-bean coffee grew by 22% to 1,508 rubles per pack, while instant coffee climbed 11% to 461 rubles. Ground coffee increased by 16% to 650 rubles, and coffee capsules saw a 17% rise to 881 rubles per pack.

Why Coffee Is Getting More Expensive

The primary driver of the surge is the global rise in coffee prices. Over the past year, Arabica prices have increased by 1.5 times, while Robusta surged by 40% in just three months.
The International Coffee Organization (ICO) attributes this to poor harvest conditions in Brazil, the world’s largest producer. Additional pressure has come from U.S. tariffs on Brazilian coffee, which encouraged American roasters to stockpile supplies. European roasters are also building reserves ahead of the EU’s deforestation-free supply regulations.

According to Olga Lebedinskaya, Associate Professor at the Plekhanov Russian University of Economics, domestic factors are also adding strain: inflation, higher transportation costs, international payment difficulties, and rising labor and rental expenses have all contributed to the surge.

“The market has become highly concentrated, leaving few alternative sources,” she explains. In 2025, Brazil overtook Vietnam as Russia’s main coffee supplier. From January to September, Russian companies imported $287.9 million worth of Brazilian coffee beans, nearly double the value imported during the same period in 2024.

Lebedinskaya notes that Laos could become an alternative source, but logistical barriers remain unresolved. “While for Russia this would serve as a niche complement to Brazilian and Vietnamese supplies, for Laos it means diversifying exports without raising costs dramatically,” she said.

What to Expect in 2026

Lebedinskaya forecasts that global price increases will reach Russia’s retail market with a six-month delay, meaning consumers are likely to see new price levels by spring 2026.
“Many coffee shops are already gradually adjusting their prices to soften the impact,” she noted, adding that the traditional tactic of replacing Arabica with cheaper Robusta is no longer effective, as both varieties are now priced nearly equally.

She expects coffee shops to expand their beverage menus by promoting alternatives such as matcha, chicory, and milk-based drinks, while espresso and Americano will likely see the fastest price growth.

According to Alexey Plugov, Director of the Agribusiness Analytical Center AB-Center, 2025 is set to record the highest average global coffee prices since the 1977 coffee crisis. In 2026, he predicts that prices will remain high but fall by 10–15% from 2025 levels.

Tea and Cocoa: Moderate Movements

Rosstat data show that as of October 6, the price of black tea in Russia reached 1,351.9 rubles per kilogram, rising 7.3% over the year — slower than the overall annual inflation rate of 8.1%. According to AB-Center, green tea prices grew by 3.9%, while black tea in bags increased by only 1.6%, averaging 84.7 rubles for a 25-bag pack.

In contrast, cocoa powder prices rose 7.1% year-on-year in September to 1,139 rubles per kilogram. Plugov notes that global tea prices could rise 8–12% in 2026, while cocoa prices may fall 5–10%, though still remaining well above 2022–2023 levels.

How Gen Z Is Brewing a New Global Coffee Culture

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Dubai – Qahwa World

In a world shaped by economic uncertainty, climate challenges, and changing consumer values, Generation Z is redefining how humanity drinks its coffee and tea. Born between 1995 and 2009, this generation stands out for its digital fluency, health awareness, and desire for personal expression — qualities now transforming one of the world’s oldest beverage traditions.

Coffee has long dominated consumption in developed markets such as Europe and North America, where per capita retail brewed consumption reached 127.7 and 98.5 litres respectively in 2024. Yet the real growth potential lies in the emerging regions of Asia Pacific and the Middle East — areas home to the largest Gen Z populations. With incomes rising and tastes evolving, these regions represent a new frontier for the global coffee and tea industry.

According to Euromonitor International’s Voice of the Consumer: Lifestyles Survey (2025), daily caffeine intake among Gen Z varies sharply between regions. Europe leads with around 44% of respondents consuming caffeine at least once a day, followed closely by Latin America and North America. In contrast, daily consumption rates are lower — though rising rapidly — in Asia Pacific (31%) and the Middle East & Africa (29%). The numbers underline both cultural diversity and untapped opportunity.

Generation Z is not simply consuming — it is curating. For these young consumers, coffee and tea are deeply personal experiences. Half of respondents in Euromonitor’s survey said they actively seek products and services tailored to their own identities and lifestyles. This is why social media now plays a central role in shaping beverage trends: matcha and coconut lattes, discovered on TikTok and Instagram, quickly turn from niche products into cultural symbols. In this digital space, a drink is not just consumed — it is shared, styled, and photographed.

Beyond cafés, the same creative energy is transforming home brewing. For Gen Z, the coffee machine has become both a tool of experimentation and a reflection of self-expression. Brewing at home satisfies both economic practicality and the pursuit of the perfect café-quality cup — an act that blends creativity, mindfulness, and comfort.

Health and sustainability are equally crucial. Young consumers are embracing functional coffee that delivers benefits beyond caffeine — from mushroom and collagen-infused blends to beverages that support digestion, focus, and beauty. At the same time, their environmental awareness is reshaping the market. Gen Z is far more receptive than previous generations to lab-grown and “beanless” coffee, such as the innovations being developed by Atomo Coffee and start-ups in Singapore, France, and the United States. For them, technology and ethics can coexist — and even enhance each other.

Social platforms remain at the heart of this transformation. TikTok and Instagram have become cultural laboratories where new drinks, aesthetics, and habits are born. Major brands are adapting fast: Starbucks’ Coco Matcha and Coco Cold Brew reflect this generation’s visual culture, while Nespresso’s collaboration with The Weeknd shows how celebrity storytelling can deepen brand connection. Direct-to-consumer brands like Blue Tokai and Sleepy Owl in India, or Perk Coffee in Singapore, are thriving with subscription models that deliver convenience, personalization, and loyalty in equal measure. Even convenience chains are evolving — 7-Eleven now offers automated tea machines, while Korea’s Coffee Banhada uses artificial intelligence and unmanned drive-throughs to serve customized brews to tech-savvy customers.

The world’s next coffee revolution will not be defined by new beans or machines but by new values. As Gen Z continues to mature, its influence on global coffee and tea culture will expand across continents, uniting digital innovation with human connection. The future of coffee, it seems, will be crafted as much by individuality and sustainability as by flavor and aroma — one personalized cup at a time.

92% of Germans Drink Coffee — But Habits Are Changing

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Berlin – Qahwa World

Coffee continues to dominate German daily life, making it the country’s favorite beverage. Yet recent surveys reveal that while consumption remains remarkably high, habits are shifting under the influence of age, inflation, and changing social values.

A 2025 survey by Ipsos Observer for Aral found that 92% of Germans drink coffee, with 68% consuming it daily. Despite these impressive figures, the share of daily coffee drinkers has fallen steadily over the past decade — from 76% in 2016 to 72% in 2018, and now 68% in 2025.

The same survey shed light on consumption patterns:

35% drink two cups a day,

27% three cups,

18% four cups,

9% just one cup.

When it comes to preparation, filtered coffee leads with 44%, followed by cappuccino (37.8%), café crema (33.9%), latte (29.7%), latte macchiato (26.4%), and espresso (22.2%). Milk preferences also show diversity: 37.8% prefer whole milk, 26.3% skimmed milk, 15.1% plant-based alternatives, and 13.5% condensed milk, while 25.2% drink it black. A majority — 60.1% — prefer no sugar.

Motivations reflect both necessity and pleasure. About 80% of Germans say caffeine is essential, with 42.2% admitting they find it hard to wake up without coffee, and 24.8% unable to start the morning without it. Yet for many, coffee is also a moment of enjoyment — 54.8% drink it for pleasure, 45.2% for relaxation, and 35.5% to fill breaks or enjoy personal time.

Inflation and shifting attitudes

A separate study by SINUS-Institut and OPINION, conducted in 2022 to mark World Coffee Day, emphasized the role of inflation and broader social changes. It showed that while 92% of Germans consume coffee, 15% reduced their intake due to rising prices. Younger Germans (under 40) and East Germans were particularly likely to cut back.

At the same time, many remain loyal to quality: 37% are still willing to pay more for good coffee, especially those with higher education. Sustainability is also a growing priority — about 30% prefer ethically sourced coffee, with support strongest among the so-called “Post-Materialist” milieu, who see coffee choices as part of their responsibility toward climate and society.

Consumption varies by age: Germans under 30 drink about seven cups a week, while those aged 60–69 drink more than 16 cups. A third of the population is open to trying new coffee types, with the most adventurous group being people in their thirties. About 20% describe coffee as a hobby, and nearly 19% place importance on having a state-of-the-art coffee machine.

In a comparative survey in Austria, drip coffee was far less popular (15%) than in Germany (34%), reflecting Austria’s stronger espresso culture. Inflation also had an impact there, with 18% reducing consumption, slightly more than in Germany.

Together, these studies show how coffee remains Germany’s most beloved drink, consumed by nearly the entire population. Yet economic pressures, generational differences, and evolving values are gradually reshaping how — and why — Germans enjoy their daily coffee.

China Coffee Market Set to Surpass $45 Billion by 2032 as Demand Soars

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Dubai – Qahwa World

China’s coffee market is experiencing a remarkable surge, driven by shifting consumer habits and rapid retail expansion. The market was valued at USD 20.9 billion in 2024 and is projected to more than double to USD 45.5 billion by 2032, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.19% between 2025 and 2032. This growth marks a profound transformation in a country long dominated by tea culture, positioning coffee as a rising force in the beverage sector.

Coffee production in China is concentrated in Yunnan, which accounts for over 60% of national output, followed by Hainan and smaller contributions from Fujian. Despite these efforts, the domestic supply remains insufficient to meet demand, leaving the country heavily reliant on imports. This has prompted both government agencies and private companies to invest in research and development aimed at boosting productivity and improving quality. Instant coffee continues to hold the largest market share due to its convenience, while ground coffee and whole beans are expanding as consumer tastes diversify.

Retail competition is intense, with international and domestic chains reshaping the landscape. Starbucks now operates more than 3,300 stores across China, while Luckin Coffee is racing ahead with plans to open 10,000 outlets, supported by a digital-first model tied to WeChat. This strategy not only simplifies ordering but also enables data-driven insights into consumer behavior. Meanwhile, Manner Coffee has captured younger professionals by pricing its drinks up to 40% lower than Western rivals and offering eco-conscious incentives such as discounts for reusable cups. Costa Coffee, on the other hand, leans on product localization, tailoring flavors to match regional preferences, with noticeable differences between its Beijing and Shanghai menus.

E-commerce has emerged as a critical growth driver, with Alibaba’s Tmall commanding a 56.6% share of online coffee sales, followed by JD.com at 24.7%. This dominance highlights the growing importance of digital platforms as consumers increasingly purchase both imported and domestic coffee products online.

The competitive landscape is anchored by major global and local players including Nestlé, Starbucks, Luckin Coffee, Gloria Jean’s, Kraft Heinz, Coca-Cola, JAB Holding, and Luigi Lavazza, alongside domestic firms such as Hainan LISUN and Dehong Hogood Coffee. Each is striving to consolidate its position through geographic expansion, product innovation, and stronger consumer engagement strategies.

Looking ahead, analysts predict that growth will not only be quantitative but also qualitative, as trends in sustainability, functional beverages like protein coffee, and digital integration reshape the industry. With a projected CAGR of 10.19% and consumer demand accelerating at unprecedented speed, China is on track to establish itself as a global powerhouse in the coffee industry, blending its growing domestic production with a robust import market to satisfy a rapidly evolving consumer base.

Specialty Coffee Consumption in the United States Reaches Record High

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Washington, September 9, 2025 (Qahwa World) – The Fall 2025 National Coffee Data Trends report, published by the National Coffee Association, shows that specialty coffee consumption in the United States has reached its highest level on record. Fifty-seven percent of Americans reported drinking specialty coffee at least once in the past week, a figure that matches the highest level ever recorded and confirms that specialty coffee has become a central part of everyday life across the country.

The report also highlights the strong role of younger generations, with forty-six percent of Americans between the ages of 18 and 24 saying they consumed specialty coffee on the day before the survey was conducted, the highest daily rate since 2020. Analysts attribute this trend to the integration of younger consumers into modern coffee culture, their preference for higher quality and innovative experiences, and the growing popularity of coffee-related social events that encourage sharing and discovery.

The study notes that new preparation methods are fueling this growth. Cold brew consumption rose to seventeen percent, an increase of three percentage points compared with the start of the year, while ready-to-drink coffee beverages reached nineteen percent, up four points. These figures reflect the American consumer’s attraction to options that combine convenience and freshness, particularly during warmer months.

Industry observers say the expansion of specialty coffee consumption opens new opportunities but also presents challenges. Large chains are benefiting from the growth of app-based orders and drive-thru services, while independent cafés and roasters are finding their strength in providing higher quality products, origin transparency, and stories of sustainability. This balance between convenience and authenticity is expected to shape the future of the U.S. coffee market.

The significance of this growth is underscored by the size of the overall industry, valued at 343 billion dollars. Specialty coffee is no longer just a matter of personal taste or social trend but a powerful economic sector in its own right. With rising consumer awareness of origin, production methods, and environmental certifications, specialty coffee is expected to continue strengthening its position both domestically and internationally.

The findings suggest that the United States has moved beyond the so-called third wave of coffee, which focused on artisanal preparation, and is entering a new phase that blends quality with convenience and social experience. For a new generation of consumers, coffee is no longer simply a morning beverage but an evolving lifestyle choice that reflects broader shifts in consumer culture.

Why Coffee Prices Are Rising — And What It Means for Consumers?

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Dubai, September 4, 2025 (Qahwa World) – Coffee drinkers around the world are paying more than ever for their daily brew. In the United States, the price of ground roast coffee reached $8.41 per pound in July, a record high and a 33% jump from last year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Prices for all types of coffee, including instant and roasted, were also up 14.5% year-on-year in July. That made coffee the second-fastest rising item in the consumer price index, just behind eggs.

This sharp increase is the result of three main factors: extreme weather in producing countries, falling inventories, and new trade tariffs on Brazil, the world’s largest coffee exporter.

Weather shocks

Coffee is highly sensitive to climate conditions. Even small changes in weather can damage the crop and reduce yields.

Brazil, which produces about 40% of the world’s coffee, has faced a mix of severe drought and heavy rains in recent seasons. Experts call this pattern “precipitation whiplash.” The plants first suffer from lack of water, then get too much, leaving beans of lower quality and lower quantity.

Vietnam, the second-largest producer, had a similar problem. Its coffee production dropped by 20% in 2024 due to drought. Later, heavy rains caused further damage to the harvest.

“Coffee plants are very sensitive to their environment,” said Mike Hoffmann, professor emeritus at Cornell University. “Drought weakens the plants, then excess water comes in and harms the quality and the yield.”

Trade tariffs

On top of weather problems, trade policy is adding more pressure. The Trump administration imposed 50% tariffs on Brazilian coffee, which could keep prices high in the U.S. and other markets.

A report by the International Coffee Organization (ICO) warned in August that these tariffs would place “upward pressure” on global prices, especially since the U.S. imports about 32% of its coffee from Brazil.

Still, analysts believe big chains can manage the cost better than small buyers. For example, Starbucks might only need to raise prices by 0.5% or less to cover the tariff cost, thanks to its large size and strong purchasing power.

Low inventories

For the past few years, many coffee companies chose to run down their existing stockpiles instead of buying beans at higher market prices. As a result, global inventories are now at very low levels compared with history.

According to a Bernstein research report, when inventories are low, the market is more exposed to sudden shocks. If demand rises or if another supply problem hits, prices can spike very quickly.

Prices and consumption

The way consumers feel the price increase depends on how they buy their coffee.

At grocery stores, coffee prices usually follow commodity prices more closely. When wholesale prices go up, supermarkets often raise prices quickly. When prices fall, they may use discounts and promotions to attract shoppers.

In coffee shops and restaurants, prices are less volatile. Chains like Starbucks or Dunkin’ may take longer to pass higher costs on to customers, since they can spread out the impact across many products and markets.

Short-term and long-term outlook

Some relief could come in the short term. Better weather and new investment in farming productivity may help bring prices down slightly. Sustainable farming methods and technology could also improve efficiency and stabilize supply.

But the long-term picture is more worrying. Climate change is expected to bring more frequent droughts, floods, and extreme weather events. These patterns will continue to hurt production in major coffee regions.

“The prices will continue to go up, in my mind,” Hoffmann said. “Climate change isn’t going away. The severity of droughts, flooding — all of that will get worse. And it’s not just coffee. It’s the whole food supply.”

What it means for the future

The global coffee market is heading toward more uncertainty. Consumption is still growing worldwide, but production is struggling to keep up due to climate, economic, and political challenges.

This means consumers should expect coffee prices to stay higher than average in the coming years, with possible spikes whenever new disruptions occur. For farmers and producers, the situation may bring both risks and opportunities. Those who adopt technology, invest in climate-resilient farming, and improve supply chains may be able to thrive in a difficult environment.

For everyday coffee drinkers, the “morning cup” may remain affordable at big chains for now, but at-home brewers are likely to keep seeing bigger swings in grocery store prices.