Emerging Nations Now Drink 20% of Global Coffee

Coffee isn’t just a Western habit anymore. As the specialty coffee scene expands beyond Europe and North America, a major shift is underway: emerging economies are drinking more coffee than ever before. If you’ve noticed coffee shops popping up in cities like Beijing, Mumbai, or São Paulo, there’s data behind the trend. So how much are these countries really contributing to the global coffee market—and why?

Emerging nations—including China, Brazil, Russia, India, and South Africa—currently make up 20% of global coffee consumption. By 2020, that share is projected to rise to 35%. This growth is largely driven by rising middle classes and changing urban lifestyles.

What the Numbers Say About Global Coffee Consumption

According to the International Coffee Organization (OIC), global coffee consumption reached between 142 million and 173.6 million 60kg bags per year by 2020, averaging around 166.1 million bags annually. In 2012, that figure stood at 142 million bags. That’s millions more cups being poured worldwide—much of it in places you wouldn’t traditionally associate with coffee culture.

Why Emerging Markets Are Drinking More Coffee

Analysts point to a key driver: the growth of the middle class. By 2020, an estimated 1 billion people in emerging countries are expected to enter the middle class. With higher disposable income, consumers are able to enjoy what were once considered luxuries—including a better cup of coffee. Urbanisation has also played a role: coffee shops are multiplying rapidly, shifting consumption from home to cafés. The number of cafés is forecast to triple over the next decade, further embedding coffee into daily life.

Another significant factor is the advancement of instant coffee production. Modern manufacturing techniques now offer tea-drinkers and newcomers a smoother, more palatable coffee experience, acting as an entry point into the broader coffee category.

Brazil: A Saturated but Sophisticated Market

Interestingly, Brazil’s contribution to this growth is relatively modest. While it remains one of the world’s largest coffee producers, Brazilians already consume a staggering 6kg of coffee per person per year—more than the average American, French, or Italian consumer. The market is nearing saturation, with limited room for volume growth. However, there is a significant shift toward higher-quality coffee. Brazilian consumers are increasingly demanding premium offerings, creating opportunities for value-added sales among local roasters and exporters.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which countries are considered emerging markets in coffee consumption?

The key emerging countries driving global coffee consumption include China, Brazil, Russia, India, and South Africa. Together, they accounted for 20% of the global coffee market and are projected to reach 35% by 2020.

How much coffee do emerging countries consume globally?

As of the latest estimates, emerging countries currently consume 20% of the world’s coffee, with projections to increase to 35% by 2020. This equates to a growing share of the approximately 166.1 million 60kg bags consumed annually by 2020.

Why is coffee consumption rising in emerging markets?

The rise is primarily due to the growth of the middle class, urbanisation, and the spread of coffee shops. With higher incomes, more people can afford premium coffee experiences, while city cafés make coffee drinking a social, out-of-home activity.

What role does instant coffee play in these markets?

Instant coffee has become more palatable thanks to advances in industrial production. It serves as an accessible entry point for tea drinkers and others new to coffee, helping boost overall consumption in emerging markets.

Is Brazil’s coffee consumption still growing?

Brazil’s per capita coffee consumption is already high at 6kg per year, above levels in the US, France, and Italy. While volume growth is slowing due to market saturation, there is strong demand for higher-quality coffee, shifting focus to premiumisation rather than quantity.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Emerging Markets

For coffee lovers in emerging markets looking to explore specialty-grade beans, FrontStreet Coffee offers the Ethiopia Huakui, a vibrant Ethiopian offering with notes of citrus, jasmine, and tropical fruit—a great introduction to washed African profiles. The Colombia Huila Gesha is another excellent choice, showcasing floral aromas, sweet berry, and a silky mouthfeel. Finally, the Yunnan Arabica from Southwest China brings a unique terroir-driven cup with chocolatey sweetness and mild fruity undertones. All three beans highlight the diversity of origin and processing that appeal to new and experienced drinkers alike. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.