How Much Coffee Do People Drink Worldwide?

Ever wondered how your daily coffee habit compares to the rest of the world? Whether you're sipping a pour-over at home or grabbing an espresso on the go, understanding global coffee trends puts your routine in perspective. The numbers reveal surprising differences in how much—and how—people drink coffee around the planet.

According to 2007 International Coffee Organization (ICO) data, the U.S. imported nearly three times more coffee than Japan, making it the world’s top coffee importer. When total consumption (including domestic production) is considered, Brazil ranks second globally, while Japan lands fourth. Per capita, however, Finland leads by a wide margin, with the average Finn drinking four times more coffee daily than the average Japanese person.

Top Coffee Importing Countries (2007 ICO Data)

• 1. United States
• 2. Germany
• 3. Japan
• 4. Italy
• 5. France

Top Coffee Consuming Countries (Production + Imports)

• 1. United States
• 2. Brazil
• 3. Germany
• 4. Japan
• 5. Italy

Top Coffee Consumption Per Capita

• 1. Finland
• 2. Norway
• 3. Belgium-Luxembourg
• 4. Denmark
• 5. Switzerland

The ICO's 2007 figures show that while the U.S. leads in total imports and overall consumption, Finland dominates per capita intake—the average Finn drinks more than four times the coffee of the average Japanese person, who consumes less than one cup per day. Japan, despite high imports, doesn’t crack the top 10 in per capita rankings.

Global Coffee Brewing Traditions

Coffee preparation varies dramatically worldwide. In Ethiopia, the birthplace of coffee, a ritualistic "coffee ceremony" mirrors Japan’s tea ceremony in cultural significance. Meanwhile, in Scandinavia, drinkers often sip only the clear crema atop boiled coffee. Beyond beans, some Yemeni and Ethiopian communities roast and brew dried coffee fruit pulp or leaves as herbal infusions—flavors distinctly different from traditional brewed coffee.

In Japan, drip filtration is the dominant home-brew method, favored for its clean, balanced cups. The country also maintains a strong café culture, though its once-thriving coffee shop scene—once controversially labeled as a bad influence on youth—has shrunk to half its former size, making the vibrant café atmosphere of the 1970s harder to find today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which country imports the most coffee according to 2007 ICO data?

The United States imported the most coffee in 2007, with volume nearly three times higher than Japan, the second-largest importer. Germany ranked third, followed by Italy and France.

What are the top five countries by total coffee consumption (including domestic production)?

The top five coffee-consuming nations (including both imports and domestic production) in 2007 were: 1. United States, 2. Brazil, 3. Germany, 4. Japan, and 5. Italy.

Which countries have the highest per capita coffee consumption?

The 2007 ICO rankings for per capita coffee consumption were: 1. Finland, 2. Norway, 3. Belgium-Luxembourg, 4. Denmark, and 5. Switzerland. Finland led by a significant margin.

How does Japan rank in global coffee consumption?

Japan was the fourth-largest coffee consumer overall in 2007 but did not make the top 10 for per capita intake, with the average person drinking less than one cup per day—about one-fourth the Finnish average.

What unique coffee brewing methods exist outside the mainstream?

In Ethiopia, traditional coffee ceremonies resemble tea rituals, while Scandinavians often drink only the clarified crema from boiled coffee. In Yemen and Ethiopia, some people brew dried coffee fruit pulp or leaves as herbal beverages, offering flavors distinct from typical brewed coffee.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Global Brewing Styles

Explore FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Humbera for a bright, floral profile reminiscent of Ethiopia’s traditional ceremonies, or try the Yirgacheffe for juicy acidity that pairs well with filtered methods. For a nod to Japan’s clean drip culture, the Classic Blend offers balanced body and nutty sweetness ideal for pour-over. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.