International Coffee Day: More than a cup of Coffee

In this article, we will celebrate International Coffee Day, look at the history of coffee, some facts and benefits about coffee, and how technology has been a supporting enabler for coffee and the coffee industry.

In this article, we will celebrate International Coffee Day, look at the history of coffee, some facts and benefits, and how technology has been a supporting enabler for coffee and the coffee industry.

“Coffee, the favourite drink of the civilized world.” – Thomas Jefferson

The 1st of October marks International Coffee Day, founded in Milan in 2015 to help raise awareness and improve the fate of coffee farmers by promoting fair trade and living wages. The day is celebrated by member countries of the International Coffee Organization (ICO), various coffee associations and coffee enthusiasts as well as drinkers around the world. The day celebrates the diversity of the quality and spirit of the coffee industry.

History of Coffee

Legends state coffee has been around since the 9th Century. According to the National Coffee Association (NCA) - Legend has it that a goat herder Kaldi discovered coffee after he noticed that after eating the berries from a certain tree, his goats became so energetic they did not want to sleep at night. He reported the findings to the abbot of the local monastery, who made a drink with the berries and found that it also had a similar effect. This can be seen as the First cup of coffee being born. Word spread east and coffee then reached the Arabian Peninsula. Here began a journey that would bring these now well-loved coffee beans across the globe.

The International Coffee Foundation

The International Coffee Organization (ICO) is the main intergovernmental organization for coffee, bringing together exporting and importing governments to tackle the challenges facing the world coffee sector through international cooperation. Its member governments represent 98% of world coffee production and 67% of world consumption.

The ICO’s mission is to strengthen the global coffee sector and promote its sustainable expansion in a market-based environment for the betterment of all participants in the coffee sector.

__The ICO’s newest initiative is focusing on __

Regenerative and SMART coffee agriculture

Green industry and retail with zero waste and pollution

Responsible consumption and disposal

There is one major support tool that is a driving force behind this…technology.

Technology & Coffee

Coffee and technology have been entwined since the invention of coffee drinks. The two go hand and hand, coffee cannot be made or reach its consumers without technology.

In this case, technology is transforming coffee into the magical drink we all know and love. Technology is used at every step of the coffee creation process, from harvesting coffee beans to washing, roasting, and final production. As natural technology advances so do coffee production methods.

As the demand for quality coffee continues to grow globally, modern technology is a source of support for the industry as it strives to meet the growing demand. There seems to be a strong relationship between advanced technology and the coffee industry. Due to the demand for coffee and the new demand for new consumer tastes in coffee combined with the annual increase in demand, coffee producers face the challenge of keeping up with demand and increasing their supply and productivity, these challenges are being resolved by technological advancements.

Advanced technology makes it possible to easily connect coffee producers from different countries and continents. Better interaction between different coffee producers creates more valuable knowledge. This repository provides feedback and solutions on issues related to coffee production.

Life for coffee farmers has changed significantly in the last decade due to technology. Gone are the days when coffee farmers lived and worked in isolation from the rest of the coffee industry. Modern real-time data on agricultural practices and easy-to-use financial applications make supply chains more efficient than ever allowing coffee farmers and their businesses to change for the better.

All Things Coffee

Coffee is loved and enjoyed by so many all over the globe, for some, the first cup of coffee in the morning is what they depend on to set their day up on the right path, here are 10 interesting coffee facts:

Around 2.25 billion cups of coffee are consumed every day globally.

One in three people drink coffee.

Coffee is the second most traded commodity.

Espresso is the most popular coffee drink in the world.

Top consumers of Coffee are America, Brazil, Germany, and Japan.

Global Consumption increases by an average of 2.5% per year.

Starbucks opens an average of two stores per day.

Coffee comes from a fruit, and the bean is the pit of the coffee cherry.

There are two types of coffee Arabica and Robusta.

Brazil grows the most coffee in the world.

Like all things in life, the key is balance, when coffee is consumed in the appropriate amount, it has certain health benefits:

Coffee is most known for boosting one’s energy levels due to containing caffeine, and the caffeine within coffee has been known to show increases in energy levels and decrease individuals’ fatigue. Some researchers have also stated that coffee may be good for long-term cognitive health.

Coffee is also rich in antioxidants, which help prevent and repair damage to cells and genetic material around your body.

Research from Harvard Health Publishing has also linked moderate consumption of coffee with individuals having a longer life span, plus a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and Parkinson’s.

Individuals’ daily cups of coffee may have more benefits than most realize.

So in honour of International Coffee Day, celebrate your love for coffee and the journey it has taken to get to you!