Arab Countries Triple Coffee and Tea Consumption

When global coffee and tea markets shift, industry watchers want hard numbers. For years, reports have hinted at booming interest in hot beverages across the Middle East—but how much have habits really changed? New data finally puts measurable growth on the map, especially for the Arabian Peninsula.

Over the last ten years, coffee and tea consumption in Arab countries has increased more than threefold. In the UAE alone, intake rose 85% over just the past three years. On average, people in the UAE consume 3.5 kilograms of tea and coffee per year, with coffee consumption nearly double that of other Gulf states and tea consumption up 47%.

What the Numbers Show: A Decade of Growth

According to the latest statistics from the International Coffee Organization, the Arab world has seen a dramatic surge in coffee and tea consumption over the past decade—more than tripling overall. This growth isn’t limited to one country or drink type; it reflects broader regional shifts in consumption habits.

The UAE: Leading the Charge

The United Arab Emirates stands out as the region’s most dynamic market. Over the past three years, its coffee and tea consumption jumped 85%. UAE residents now consume an average of 3.5 kilograms of tea and coffee per person annually. Notably, coffee consumption in the UAE is approximately double that of other Gulf countries, while tea consumption has grown by 47%.

Global Context: Emerging Markets Drive Demand

Globally, coffee consumption topped 8 million metric tons in 2011, marking a 2.4% year-on-year increase. That year, the world drank an estimated 14 billion cups of coffee per day. Emerging markets are proving more resilient to economic challenges than developed ones, making them the primary drivers of current coffee consumption growth.

UAE’s Role in Global Coffee Trade

Beyond domestic consumption, the UAE is a key player in the global coffee trade. It has been the fastest-growing coffee market globally from 2009 to 2014, with sales projected to rise 80% over that period and a compound annual growth rate exceeding 12%. The country is also a major tea trading hub, re-exporting around 18,000 tons of tea between 2010 and 2011.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much have coffee and tea consumption levels risen in Arab countries over the past ten years?

Coffee and tea consumption in Arab countries has increased more than threefold over the past decade, according to the International Coffee Organization.

What is the annual per capita consumption of tea and coffee in the UAE?

In the UAE, the average person consumes 3.5 kilograms of tea and coffee per year.

How does UAE coffee consumption compare to other Gulf countries?

Coffee consumption in the UAE is about double that of other Gulf countries.

By what percentage has tea consumption grown in the UAE?

Tea consumption in the UAE has increased by 47%.

How much did global coffee consumption grow in 2011?

In 2011, global coffee consumption exceeded 8 million metric tons, up 2.4% from the previous year.

What was the daily global coffee consumption in 2011?

In 2011, the world consumed an estimated 14 billion cups of coffee per day.

How much did UAE coffee and tea consumption grow in the last three years?

Over the past three years, coffee and tea consumption in the UAE grew by 85%.

What is the UAE’s coffee market growth forecast from 2009 to 2014?

The UAE’s coffee sales were projected to grow 80% from 2009 to 2014, with a compound annual growth rate over 12%.

How much tea did the UAE re-export between 2010 and 2011?

The UAE re-exported approximately 18,000 tons of tea between 2010 and 2011.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Arab Market Trends

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