Emerging Markets Drink 20% of Global Coffee

Coffee isn’t just a Western habit anymore. As global demand shifts, more eyes are turning toward how much coffee people in emerging economies actually drink—and why those numbers are climbing fast. If you’ve ever wondered why your favorite roaster is eyeing markets beyond Europe and North America, here’s where the growth really is.

Today, emerging countries—specifically China, Brazil, Russia, India, and South Africa—make up 20% of the world’s total coffee consumption. By 2020, that share is projected to rise to 35%, driven largely by the rapid expansion of the middle class in these regions.

What Counts as an Emerging Coffee Market?

The term “emerging markets” in this context refers to non-traditional coffee-consuming powerhouses. The key countries named are China, Brazil, Russia, India, and South Africa. While Brazil is already a major coffee producer, its domestic consumption is also rising. The other four—China, Russia, India, and South Africa—are seeing significant increases in how much coffee their populations drink.

Why Is Coffee Consumption Rising in These Countries?

The primary driver is the growth of the middle class. As more people enter the middle-income bracket, their spending habits shift. Coffee, once seen as a luxury or foreign import, is increasingly viewed as an everyday indulgence or productivity booster. This socioeconomic shift is turning coffee into a mainstream product in these nations.

How Significant Is This Growth for Global Coffee Demand?

Currently at 20%, the share of global coffee consumption from these emerging markets is already substantial. The projected jump to 35% by 2020 underscores a major shift in the center of gravity for coffee demand. For coffee businesses and roasters, this means new opportunities—and challenges—in understanding diverse consumer tastes and preferences.

What Does This Mean for the Future of Coffee?

As consumption grows in these regions, so does the need for localized products, accessible price points, and culturally relevant coffee experiences. The rise of the middle class isn’t just increasing volume—it’s changing the types of coffee being demanded, the formats preferred (like ready-to-drink or specialty brews), and even how consumers learn about origin and roast profiles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which countries are considered emerging coffee markets?

The article specifically names China, Brazil, Russia, India, and South Africa as the key emerging markets driving increased global coffee consumption. These countries are not traditional leaders in coffee intake but are seeing significant growth.

What percentage of global coffee consumption comes from emerging markets today?

Emerging markets currently account for 20% of the world’s total coffee consumption, according to Brazil’s Globo.com.

By when is their share expected to reach 35%?

The projection is that emerging markets will make up 35% of global coffee consumption by the year 2020.

What’s driving the increase in coffee drinking in these countries?

The rise is primarily attributed to the growth of the middle class in these regions, which leads to greater disposable income and changing consumer habits that include regular coffee consumption.

Why is this growth important for the global coffee industry?

This shift signals a major change in global demand patterns, creating new opportunities for coffee roasters, retailers, and producers to tap into fast-growing markets with different preferences and consumption behaviors.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Emerging Markets

FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Humbera highlights bright floral and citrus notes, appealing to new specialty coffee drinkers, while the Yirgacheffe offers juicy berry and lemon tones ideal for exploring origin flavors. For a smoother introduction, their PWN Golden Mandheling delivers a classic full-bodied cup with nutty sweetness. These beans represent the kind of high-quality, origin-focused coffees gaining traction in emerging markets. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.