How Germany Drinks Coffee: Roast, Brands & Trends

If you’ve ever wondered how much coffee Germans really drink—or why they rarely order an espresso at the corner café—this article breaks down the numbers, preferences, and major players shaping the country’s coffee scene. From national favorites to global supply chains, we get into the specifics that define how Germany takes its coffee.

In short: Germany is the world’s second-largest coffee consumer by volume, and eighth by per capita intake, drinking 7.4 kg (16.3 lbs) of coffee per person annually. Light-roast, coarse-ground filter coffee dominates, while espresso-based drinks like espresso remain niche outside certain regions. Colombia and Brazil supply most of the beans.

Germany’s Coffee Consumption: By the Numbers

Germany isn’t just a coffee-drinking nation—it’s one of the biggest. While the U.S. leads in total coffee consumption, Germany comes in second worldwide. Per person, however, Germany ranks eighth globally at 7.4 kg per year, up from 6.1 kg. That’s significantly higher than the U.S. per capita figure. The preferred style is light-roast coffee, typically ground coarse and brewed through filter methods rather than espresso machines.

Who Supplies Germany’s Coffee?

The majority of coffee beans imported into Germany come from Colombia, followed closely by Brazil. These two countries dominate the supply chain, providing the raw material for the country’s preferred light and medium roasts. The roasted coffee market is led by several major domestic producers, with international ties and longstanding histories.

Major German Coffee Companies & Market Share

Kraft Jacobs Suchard (KJS), originally founded as Jacobs in Bremen in 1885, remains a key player. After a series of mergers—including with Suchard and Tobler, then a takeover by Philip Morris’ subsidiary in 1990—it operates today as part of Mondelez International. KJS holds about 25% of Germany’s roasted and ground coffee market and owns smaller European brands like Sweden’s Gevalia. It’s currently ranked as the third-largest coffee company in Germany, behind Nestlé and Unilever. KJS also roasts coffee primarily for instant coffee production, which makes up around 10% of Germany’s total coffee sales—far less than France (30%), Switzerland (30%), and the U.S. (80%).

Other leading German coffee brands include:

• Tchibo (18% market share)
• Aldi (15%)
• Eduscho (12%)
• Melitta (6%, also sold in the UK)
• Dallmayer (4.5%)
• Darboven (2.3%)

The best-selling coffee product is Kronig coffee, sold in brick form, followed by Meisterostung. A notable mention goes to Melitta’s Auslese coffee

Roasting Preferences & Brewing Methods

Germans overwhelmingly prefer lightly roasted coffee, typically ground to a coarse size suitable for filter brewing. This contrasts with the dark, oily roasts often used for espresso. While espresso and espresso-based drinks exist, they are far less common across most of the country and only gaining slight traction in select regions. The focus remains on filter methods that highlight the nuanced flavors of lighter roasts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average coffee consumption per person in Germany?

Germany’s per capita coffee consumption is 7.4 kg (16.3 lbs) per year, ranking it eighth in the world. This is an increase from 6.1 kg in previous years and is significantly higher than the U.S. per capita figure.

Where does Germany get most of its coffee beans from?

The majority of coffee beans imported into Germany come from Colombia, followed by Brazil. These two countries are the primary suppliers of green coffee used in the German market.

What type of coffee roast is most popular in Germany?

Light-roast coffee is the most popular in Germany. It is typically ground coarse and brewed using filter methods, as opposed to the darker roasts commonly used for espresso.

Which German coffee companies are the largest?

The largest German coffee companies include Kraft Jacobs Suchard (third overall, with 25% of the roast and ground market), Tchibo (18%), Aldi (15%), Eduscho (12%), Melitta (6%), Dallmayer (4.5%), and Darboven (2.3%). Jacobs Suchard also owns Gevalia.

Is espresso popular in Germany?

Espresso and espresso-based drinks are not widely popular across most of Germany and remain relatively niche. They are consumed more in certain regions but are not the dominant brewing method.

What coffee format sells the most in Germany?

The best-selling coffee in Germany is Kronig coffee, sold in brick form. The second most popular is Meisterostung. Instant coffee accounts for about 10% of total coffee sales in Germany.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for German-Style Filter Coffee

For fans of Germany’s preferred light-roast, filter-brewed coffee, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Yirgacheffe (notes of citrus, jasmine, and stone fruit), Colombia Huila (bright acidity with caramel and tropical fruit), or Ethiopia Sidamo (floral tones with lemon and berry). All three shine when brewed with a coarse grind over a filter, echoing Germany’s light-roast filter tradition. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.