International Coffee Day (ICD), is annually observed across the globe on October 1, to honor coffee and the people behind it.
- It is an initiative by the International Coffee Organization (ICO), aimed at recognizing the hard work of people in the coffee industry, including farmers, roasters, baristas, and coffee shop owners.
- The day not only highlights the importance of coffee but also promotes fair trade and sustainable practices in coffee production.
Theme:
The 2024 Theme of International Coffee Day is, “Coffee: your daily ritual, our shared journey.”
- This theme focuses on the importance of teamwork across the entire coffee industry, from farmers growing the beans to the businesses selling coffee.
Background:
i.In March 2014, the member states of the ICO agreed to observe International Coffee Day(ICD) on 1 October of every year to create a single day of celebration for coffee lovers around the world.
ii.The first ever ICD was observed on 1 October 2015 by 74 member states of the ICO and 26 coffee associations from around the world.
iii.The first ICD coincided with the 115th session of the International Coffee Council (ICC) and the first Global Coffee Forum (GCF) which took place during Expo Milan 2015 in Milan, Italy.
About Coffee:
- i.Coffee plant originated in Ethiopia and spread to the Middle East before making its way to Europe in the 15th century.
ii.It comes from coffee beans, which are the seeds of the berries from the Coffea plant.
iii.The two main types of coffee beans are Arabica and Robusta.
- Arabica is known for its smooth taste, while Robusta has a stronger, more bitter flavor.
iv.It is one of the 3 most popular beverages in the world (alongside water and tea).
Keyfacts :
i.Coffee is the world’s second most traded commodity after Oil.
ii.The top 5 coffee producing countries are Brazil, Vietnam, Colombia, Indonesia and Ethiopia.
iii.The Top 3 coffee producing states in India are Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu(TN).
iv.World coffee exports amounted to 11.19 million bags in August 2024, compared with 10.25 million in August 2023.
2024 Events:
i.To commemorate the ICD 2024 on 1 October 2024, the ICO launched a campaign that has provided different ways for people to get involved. They have created videos, posters, and postcards that show the importance of teamwork in the coffee industry.
ii.With 2025 designated by the United Nations as the International Year of Cooperatives, the ICO’s campaign draws inspiration from this milestone, emphasizing collaboration as the key to a more sustainable and equitable coffee sector.
About the International Coffee Organization (ICO):
Executive Director(ED) – Vanúsia Nogueira
Headquarters – London, the United Kingdom(UK)
Established – 1963
