This day is more than just a celebration; it’s an acknowledgment of the role that coffee plays in our lives. Whether your preference is a simple classic or a complex but carefully constructed brew made to order, National Coffee Day champions the bean that we can’t live without.

The rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee is a morning ritual that is cherished by millions, but few know the fascinating history behind their favourite beverage. The story of coffee begins on the Kefa region of Ethiopia, where wild coffee plants believed to have originated. According to one popular legend, around 850 CE, a goatherd named Kaldi discovered coffee when he noticed his goats acting unusually energetic after eating berries from an evergreen bush. Curious, Kaldi tried the berries himself and experienced a similar burst of energy, leading to the discovery of coffee.

From Ethiopia, coffee made its way across the Red Sea to southern Arabia. The stimulating effects of coffee made it an instant favourite and this led to the spread of coffee drinking across the region and the rise of a new social and cultural institution: the coffeehouse.

The first coffeehouses, known as qahveh khanehs, appeared in Mecca in the 15th century and later in Constantinople (now Istanbul) in the 16th century. Dubbed “schools of wisdom,” coffeehouses were centres of intellectual conversation, and coffee had already become deeply ingrained in daily life and culture.

As coffee continued to spread, it made its way to Europe through Venetian merchants in the 16th and 17th centuries. The Pope himself famously gave coffee his blessing after sampling it. By the end of the 17th century, coffee had taken Europe by storm, flourishing in Britain, the British colonies in America, and nearly all of continental Europe.

The growing demand for coffee led to its cultivation in Java, Indonesia, and later, the Americas. By the 18th century, coffee had become a global commodity, with Brazil emerging as the world’s largest producer—a title it still holds today.

In the 20th century, advancements in coffee production and technology, such as industrial roasting, vacuum-sealed containers, and instant coffee, transformed the coffee industry. Today, the top coffee-producing countries include Brazil, Vietnam, Colombia, Indonesia, and Ethiopia. The late 20th and early 21st centuries also saw a rise in demand for organic, fair-trade, and sustainably grown coffee, reflecting a shift in consumer values.

As we celebrate National Coffee Day, it’s important to recognize the rich history and cultural significance of this beloved beverage. From its origins in Ethiopia to its global spread, coffee has become more than just a drink—it’s a symbol of social interaction, intellectual exchange, and cultural tradition. Coffee Roasters, and Office Coffee Services, are a core part of the CAMA Membership. So, raise your cup and enjoy the perfect brew, knowing that you’re a part of a long and storied tradition that spans centuries and continents.