International Coffee Day

International Coffee Day History

International Coffee Day is an annual observance that highlights the diverse culture, history, and global impact of coffee. This event is celebrated with a range of activities, aiming to promote fair-trade coffee and honour the efforts of coffee growers and producers. The initiative also encourages the recognition of the vibrant community of coffee lovers and supports coffee-related businesses worldwide.

International Coffee Day was first celebrated in 2015 after being officially launched by the International Coffee Organization. For New Zealanders, this day brings particular relevance as the country is renowned for its thriving coffee culture, with an ever-growing number of coffee shops, roasteries, and innovative espresso creations. In fact, New Zealand was ranked 13th in the world for coffee consumption per capita in 2018, showcasing the importance of this beverage in residents' daily lives.

Locally, International Coffee Day in New Zealand is celebrated with various events and special promotions. Coffee shops often offer discounts or free cups of coffee, and barista competitions may be held to showcase the country's talented coffee experts. Additionally, it is a great opportunity for local roasters and cafes to share their passion for coffee with their customers, fostering a sense of community and appreciation for this beloved drink. While International Coffee Day is celebrated on October 1st worldwide, New Zealand occasionally hosts its own country-specific events for this occasion on different dates, providing various opportunities to rejoice in the rich coffee culture that New Zealand boasts.

International Coffee Day facts

• Based on the Food Regulation Standing Committee and Caffeine Working Group, Red bull has an average caffeine content of 32.0 mg/100ml, compared to a cappuccino which has caffeine content of 101.9 mg/100ml. Espresso style coffee made from ground coffee beans has 194.0 mg/ml of caffeine content. According to the Mayo Clinic, up to 400mg of caffeine is the safe limit for most adults
• Two of the main types of coffee bean consumed include Arabica and Robusta.
• According to official data, the country consumes around 60,000 tonnes of coffee per year. The average New Zealander consumes about 2.9 kilograms of coffee annually.
• One of the most popular coffee drinks in New Zealand is the Flat White. It is believed to have originated in the 1980s as a variation of the Italian cappuccino. A Flat White consists of a shot of espresso topped with steamed milk in a smaller, more concentrated form compared to a cappuccino or latte.

In the News and Trending in NZ for International Coffee Day

Top things to do in NZ for International Coffee Day

• Make a coffee infused dessert. Our favorite picks:
  Coffee Cream Pie, Coffee cheesecake, Mocha-Walnut Brownies
• Have a Coffee-based alcoholic drink. Here are our favorite picks:
  Brazilian Coffee (made with Kahlua)
  Irish Coffee Creamtini (made with Irish whiskey)
  Mexican Coffee (made with tequila and Kahlua)
  Pitch Dark Coffee Stout Beer
• New Zealand is known for its vibrant coffee culture, so going out and exploring local cafes is a great way to celebrate. You can try different coffee styles, learn about the various roasts, and indulge in freshly brewed coffees.
• If you're a coffee enthusiast, spend the day perfecting your home brewing skills. Try different brewing methods like pour-over, French press, or AeroPress, and explore different coffee beans to find your perfect cup.