National Coffee Day

National Coffee Day is a holiday that falls on September 29. It is the country's favorite drink, and many people can't start their day without drinking a cup of joe. The smell of freshly brewed coffee in the morning is irresistible to almost everyone. Whether you love the classic Americano or prefer the trendy Flat White, make sure to have the perfect cup (or cups) of coffee today!

Coffee lovers are in luck because just two days after National Coffee Day, they can celebrate International Coffee Day on October 1st.

Background

National Coffee Day was created by the National Coffee Association. The earliest records that can be found of the celebration are on the National Coffee Association's social media accounts and dates back to September 2013, although some claim the celebration began as early as 2005. 

As well as being a day when coffee lovers can enjoy their favorite drink, National Coffee Day also aims to help independent coffee shops around the country. It also promotes specialty coffee from struggling coffee farmers around the world, and helps them to make a living wage. 

History of Coffee

Evidence shows that the first coffee was enjoyed in 15th century Yemen, where monks from the Sufi monasteries in Mokha first roasted beans and brewed coffee. Traders then brought the seed to Ethiopia, so that they could cultivate and farm coffee beans. 

Coffee arrived in Europe by way of Venice in 1615, where it was deemed to be 'Satan's drink' due to its bitter taste. The drink, however, eventually got the approval of the Pope himself, and the first coffee house opened in Venice in 1645. 

The drink became popular in North America in 1773 when Americans revolted against the British tea tax and replaced tea with coffee as their preferred drink. James Folger was one of the first people to successfully sell coffee in the 19th century. The drink also traveled across to Canada where the first business to call itself a coffee house opened in Toronto in 1801.

In the 1960s people became interested in the concept of specialty coffee and Starbucks was founded in 1971. Today, the coffee industry is worth around $45 billion in the United States, and $18 billion in Canada, that's a total of $63 billion!

As the interest in good coffee grows, so do different ways of brewing it and the appearance of independent coffee shops, where coffee connoisseurs can try the latest flavors and roasts from around the world. Professional coffee tasters are called cuppers; according to them, the perfect cup of coffee depends on its body, acidity, aroma, and flavor. This is all determined by the bean, the roast, and the brew of the coffee. 

The popularity of coffee

How many people drink it? 

Without a doubt, coffee is the nation's most popular drink. In 2015 a survey showed that 59% of Americans said that they regularly drink coffee, the second most popular drink, bottled water was enjoyed by 58% of the nation. 53% of the public regularly drink soft drinks, and 47% drink tea. 

According to the Coffee Association of Canada,  71% of Canadians drink coffee, whereas 63% drink tap water and 48% drink tea. 

In both countries, the popularity of coffee grows among older generations, with 18-24yr olds being the least likely surveyed group to drink coffee. 

What do we drink? 

According to research, the top five most popular drinks to order in a coffee shop are:  

Drinks such as the Flat White and Cortado have become more popular in recent years, as has the trend of using alternative milk such as oat milk, almond, or even pea. 

What to do on National Coffee Day

The good news for coffee drinkers is that many coffee shops and restaurants have offers for free coffees or discounted coffees on National Coffee Day. Whether you prefer to get yours to-go or you like to sit down and calmly enjoy your coffee, make sure to visit your favorite place to take advantage of the offers.

If you are trying to get more into coffee and try different roasts and brews, see if there are any coffee tasting or cupping events in coffee shops near you and attend them. This would also be a great way to know people that are also interested in coffee.