With the level of passion and artistry that goes into our local coffee joints, as well as the fact that coffee machine hire is on the rise, with coffee machines becoming a fixture of our modern workplaces, there’s no denying that we Aussies have developed a total infatuation with coffee. In fact, some critics have referred to Australian coffee as the best on the planet! But we haven’t achieved this honour all on our own, in fact, we’ve had some superb models to emulate. Here are a few of the world’s other coffee connoisseurs.
Italy
You may or may not be surprised to hear that Italy only welcomed its first-ever Starbucks restaurant in 2018, and Starbucks Milan is perhaps the most extravagant Starbucks that exists worldwide. Its marble flooring and Palladian style exterior sets perfect precedence for the American franchise’s endeavours to encapsulate Italy’s rich coffee culture. Like all Italian cuisine, coffee culture in Italy is all about maintaining traditions. The Italians have prided themselves on their ability to produce rich, high-quality blends, and so they haven’t been in the habit of watering down their caffè with sugar and cream. However, there has been talk that Italy’s next generation of baristas is looking to adapt to global industry demands, and so we may even start to see Melbourne-style flat whites in the heart of Rome!
Brazil
South America is single-handedly the largest producer of coffee in the 21st century, but what you may not know is that Brazil’s exports alone contribute to about 27% of global coffee production, with a whopping 43.2 million bags leaving Brazil’s ports every year. This doesn’t mean that Brazil isn’t keeping some of the good stuff for themselves, though, as you’ll be able to observe if you’re lucky enough to frequent coffee shops in Rio de Janeiro.
Ethiopia
If Brazil is the hub of South America’s coffee production, you can call Ethiopia the heart of Africa’s coffee scene, as the nation produces around 4 million 60kg bags per year, with a rise in production of 1.4% being estimated to occur over the next few years. In fact, Ethiopia has also been called the birthplace of arabica, the most widely consumed species of coffee in the world. The original arabica bean was cultivated on Ethiopian soil, and to this day there are still some strains of arabica that are only grown in Ethiopia, and so are widely sought after in the global coffee market. And like Italy, Ethiopian coffee is steeped in tradition, with the drink being incorporated into special events, alongside having its own unique cultural ceremony. If you’re planning a trip to East Africa anytime soon, experiencing Ethiopia’s strong coffee culture is an absolute must.
Vietnam
Moving east now to the quirks and charm of Vietnam, Asia’s number one producer of coffee, we see how cultures can shape coffee consumption in a big way. Although the French introduced coffee to Vietnam during the 19th century, since the nation gained independence, Vietnam has truly made coffee their own way. Vietnamese coffee is praised for its strong robusta blends and rich, bitter taste. The extra bitterness of robusta coffee is indicative of the species’ higher caffeine content. For this reason, it’s common for Vietnamese cafes to serve their coffee with sweet condensed milk, creating a dynamic creamy taste that makes drinking Vietnamese-style coffee quite a singular experience that’s certainly worth a place on every coffee fanatic’s bucket list.
Finland
So we’ve paid a visit to Brazil, Ethiopia, and Vietnam, all the coffee-producing monoliths of the modern world, and now it’s time to head north to Europe once more, where we can have a gander at Finnish coffee culture, arguably one of the strongest coffee cultures on the planet (next to Australia, of course). Finnish people drink their coffee light and warm to stave away the cold. To them, coffee is a healer, a unifier, and a source of absolute joy. Finnish people also believe in the power of coffee breaks, using coffee to break up the day as we may do with our meals. There are actually words in Finnish for coffee that’s drunk at different times in the day. Whilst ‘aamukahvi’ is drunk in the morning, ‘iltakahvi’ is the name given to your final cup of coffee or your ‘evening coffee’.
So there you have it! Coffee is beloved the world over. Its versatility provides us with a never-ending source of experimentation and innovation, and the warmth that emanates from our daily cup of joe is a boundless wellspring of comfort. So take a seat and savour your blend, knowing that you’re sharing your table with the people of the world.
With the fervor and finesse that defines our local coffee culture, it's no surprise that coffee machine hire is gaining traction, making coffee machines a staple in modern workplaces. The passion for coffee Down Under has even earned Australia the title of having the best coffee on the planet, a claim supported by the vibrant coffee scenes across the country.
Let's dive into the global coffee tapestry. Italy, a country steeped in culinary traditions, only welcomed Starbucks in 2018. Starbucks Milan, with its extravagant marble flooring and Palladian style, mirrors Italy's rich coffee culture. Italians, known for their dedication to tradition, take pride in producing rich, high-quality coffee blends, resisting the temptation to dilute their caffè with sugar and cream. Yet, there's a whisper of change, with the next generation of Italian baristas exploring global trends, hinting at a potential infusion of Melbourne-style flat whites in the heart of Rome.
Venturing to South America, Brazil emerges as the powerhouse, contributing 27% to global coffee production. With a staggering 43.2 million bags leaving its ports annually, Brazil stands as the largest producer in the 21st century. However, the locals in Rio de Janeiro keep some of the finest coffee for themselves, showcasing the nation's love for its caffeinated treasure.
In the heart of Africa, Ethiopia stands as the birthplace of arabica, the world's most consumed coffee species. Producing around 4 million 60kg bags annually, Ethiopia's coffee culture is deeply rooted in tradition. The nation's unique cultural ceremonies and incorporation of coffee into special events make experiencing Ethiopia's strong coffee culture a must for any coffee enthusiast planning a trip to East Africa.
Heading east to Vietnam, Asia's top coffee producer, we witness a blend of history and innovation. Introduced to coffee by the French in the 19th century, Vietnam has embraced its own style. Renowned for strong robusta blends, Vietnamese coffee's rich, bitter taste pairs perfectly with sweet condensed milk, creating a distinctive and delightful experience.
Our journey concludes in Finland, where coffee culture rivals the best. Finnish people savor their coffee light and warm to combat the cold, viewing it as a healer, unifier, and source of joy. Coffee breaks hold a special place, with specific Finnish words for morning and evening coffee—'aamukahvi' and 'iltakahvi.' Finnish coffee culture, akin to Australia's, celebrates the warmth and community found in every cup.
In essence, the global love for coffee transcends borders, offering endless avenues for experimentation and innovation. So, as you savor your daily cup, relish the shared table with coffee enthusiasts worldwide.
