An espresso sized look at the world of coffee

So, what is coffee? This probably sounds like a silly question in a coffee-focussed blog post, but you’d be surprised at how many people think instant coffee is the real deal. Coffee is one of the worlds most traded agricultural commodities, ranked only second to oil. The Coffea plant is a genus of flowering plants in the Rubiacease family, which contains over 120 species. The most commercially significant members of the family are Coffea arabica (Arabica), which represents 60-70% of global production, and Coffea canephora (Robusta), which represents 30-40% of global production. Like other plants and trees, the coffee plant produces fruits which contain seeds for reproduction. These fruits are commonly known as the coffee cherries, and the seeds the coffee beans. We make coffee from roasting the beans and then grinding and brewing the beans in water and we can even make a hot drink from steeping the cherries in water, which is called as ‘cascara’.

Source: Sip on Science: Coffee – ISawTheScience

Coffee is primary grown in tropical and subtropical regions around the world, known as the Coffee Belt, which includes countries in Central and South America, Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean. Don’t get too excited about trying to grow it in your English greenhouse though as it is a very high maintenance and stubborn plant. I did however see a small plant in the oxford botanical gardens, but alas, no coffee cherries were in sight.  What the Bean Belt countries offer (and what we lack) is a recipe of very important climactic conditions required to grow the mighty coffee bean. These include: moderate temperatures, high humidity and well-distributed rainfall. Sounds easy, but coffee is very particular about where it will grow. Even a slight change in conditions within the bean belt, which inevitably happens and is slightly different in each growing region, will greatly influence the taste of coffee. Of course, aside from the climate, the soil quality is of tantamount importance. The term “terroir” is used to describe the influence these factors have on the taste of the coffee.

Source: The Coffee Belt: What Is It and Where Is It Located? – Two Chimps Coffee

Now to my favourite thing about coffee: the legend of its origin. There is no scientific evidence, but the popular story about the origin of coffee begins in 850 CE, in Kefa, Ethiopia. A herder was grazing his goats when, one day, he noticed that the goats were behaving unusually. To understand the cause of their unusual behaviour, he collected samples of the plants berries that the goats had been eating. To his great surprise, he discovered that consuming the beans resulted in what was probably the first ever case of a caffeine buzz. The rest is history.

Fast forward hundreds of years, and coffee is now a widely consumed beverage with a rich history, significant economic impact, diverse preparation methods, and a profound cultural importance. Some may ask: why does coffee have such a global significance? Well…..

Economics

• Coffee is a major industry. It is one of the most traded commodities worldwide. It supports the livelihoods of millions of people globally, from small-scale farmers to larger-scale producers and traders, and of course, coffee roasters like me. For many developing countries in particular, coffee is a major source of export revenue, significantly contributing to their economies. Countries including Brazil, Vietnam, Colombia and Ethiopia are some example.

• Infrastructure: The coffee industry drives infrastructure development in rural areas, including improvements in transportation, water supply, and access to markets.

Cultural Significance

• Social Rituals: Coffee plays a central role in social interactions and rituals in many cultures. From Italian espresso bars to Ethiopian coffee ceremonies, it is a beverage that brings people together.
• Daily Routine: For many, coffee is an essential part of their daily routine, often consumed as a morning stimulant to kickstart the day or during breaks to enhance productivity.

Health Benefits

• Antioxidants: Coffee is a significant source of antioxidants, which help protect cells from damage.
• Stimulant Effects: The caffeine in coffee acts as a stimulant, improving mental alertness and physical performance.
• Cultural Exchange: Coffee houses and cafes serve as cultural hubs where people from different backgrounds come together, facilitating cultural exchange and fostering community.

Innovation and Sustainability

• Agricultural Practices: Coffee farming has led to innovations in agricultural practices, including shade-grown and organic coffee methods that promote biodiversity and sustainable farming.

• Sustainability Initiatives: The industry is increasingly focusing on sustainability, with initiatives aimed at reducing environmental impact, such as eco-friendly packaging, waste reduction, and sustainable farming practices.
• Conservation Efforts: Many coffee-growing regions are involved in conservation efforts to protect natural habitats and biodiversity. Shade-grown coffee, for instance, supports forest ecosystems.

Coffee is clearly an important global commodity which is embedded in many societies. So, what are the indicators going forward? What are the current trends in the coffee industry? Thankfully it’s good news. The global coffee market was valued at approximately USD 102.02 billion in 2020 and is expected to reach around USD 155.64 billion by 2026, growing at a compound annual growth rate of about 6.2% from 2021 to 2026. On the other side of the supply chain, global coffee consumption has been increasing steadily. The International Coffee Organization (ICO) reported a growth rate of about 2.5% per year in coffee consumption. And even better news for me, there is a growing demand of specialist coffee, which includes single-origin and organic and fair-trade certified coffees. The specialist coffee market is expected to grow 9.3% from 2021 to 2028.

I could just keep writing about coffee, it is simply a marvellous plant. I do hope to keep sharing my thoughts on all-things coffee. Ali and I have plans to share our thoughts on the roast process, botany, sustainability issues and maybe even a bit of an exploration of synaesthesia and chromesthesia (well, we can try). Watch this space.

Bye for now!

Sarah, Counterpoint Coffee.