Every year on October 1, International Coffee Day is celebrated worldwide to honour the hard work of millions of coffee farmers, producers, and baristas.
This year's theme is focused on "promoting the right to a safe and healthy working environment in the coffee supply chain."
Coffee Production Process:
Coffee's history dates back to the ninth century in Ethiopia, where wild coffee plants grew. Over time, it spread across regions, including Yemen and Europe.
Coffee "beans" are actually the seeds found inside red coffee cherries. A coffee plant takes about three to four years to yield its first harvest.
Types of Coffee:
There are two main types of coffee beans used globally – Arabica and Robusta. Arabica beans make up 60-70% of coffee production.
They are known for their mild, aromatic qualities. Robusta beans, on the other hand, have a bold, strong, and somewhat bitter taste. They contain more caffeine and are often used in instant coffee.
Top Coffee-Producing Nations:
In 2020, the world produced around 10.7 million metric tonnes of coffee beans. Brazil, as the largest producer, contributed about one-third of this total, growing both Arabica and Robusta varieties.
Vietnam followed closely as the second-largest producer, with Colombia, Indonesia, and Ethiopia rounding out the top five. These five countries together account for nearly 75% of global coffee production.
