International Coffee Day

International Coffee Day History

International Coffee Day is a global observance that honours one of the world's most popular beverages and promotes fair trade. The event aims to create awareness about the challenges facing coffee producers and celebrate the contributions of coffee growers, roasters, baristas, and other industry professionals. Recognising the importance of sustainable coffee production, the day also encourages people to support ethical and environmentally friendly practices throughout the supply chain.

The first official International Coffee Day was observed on October 1st, 2015, following an agreement between several countries during the International Coffee Organisation's (ICO) Member States session. In South Africa, the coffee culture has seen rapid growth over the past few years, with local coffee shops and roasteries emerging across the country. This growth has also encouraged South African consumers to appreciate local flavours and support homegrown coffee brands. International Coffee Day allows South Africans to both celebrate and indulge in this beloved beverage while also raising awareness about the global coffee community.

On International Coffee Day, South African coffee enthusiasts can participate in various activities and promotions to show their support for the industry. Many coffee shops and roasters offer tastings, workshops, and special deals to attract local customers. Some establishments may even join forces with global coffee organizations to promote fair trade awareness and contribute to community development projects in coffee-producing countries. While International Coffee Day is observed on October 1st worldwide, specific dates for events and promotions in South Africa may differ, so coffee lovers should check local listings to ensure they don't miss out on the celebrations.

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.
• The majority of the coffee consumed in South Africa is imported, with the top sources being Brazil, Vietnam, Colombia, and Uganda.
• South Africa consumes both Arabica and Robusta coffee beans. Arabica beans are milder and preferred for specialty coffee drinks, while robusta beans are more bitter and typically used in instant coffees and blends.

In the News and Trending in South Africa for International Coffee Day

Top things to do in South Africa 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
• Gather some friends or coworkers and organize a coffee tasting session at home or in a coffee shop. Select coffees from different regions and learn to differentiate their tastes, acidity, aroma, and body.
• Join a coffee tour. Several cities in South Africa offer coffee tours that take participants behind the scenes of coffee production. These tours typically include visits to coffee farms, roasteries, and tasting sessions, providing a comprehensive understanding of the coffee-making process.