The US celebrates National Coffee Day on September 29 of each year. It’s a date steeped in our coffee history when, exactly 3 centuries ago, on September 29, 1723, the US received its very first coffee shipment from Brazil [10].

Today, National Coffee Day is a day to celebrate our coffee farmers around the world. The event sheds light on our coffee growers’ plight. It also helps raise our awareness of fair-trade coffee.

As this year’s National Coffee Day draws nearer, let’s celebrate the day by learning a thing or two about it. We also encourage you to make a cup of coffee as we share some of the best ways to celebrate National Coffee Day.

Report Highlights:

1. National Coffee Day is celebrated in the US annually on September 29 [8].
2. We celebrate International Coffee Day on October 1 of each year [1].
3. Several countries also celebrate National Coffee Day, including Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ethiopia, Germany, Indonesia, Ireland, Japan, the Netherlands, Peru, Russia, Switzerland, Turkey, and Vietnam [7].
4. Brazil produces 46.1% of the world’s arabica, while Vietnam produces 35.9% of the world’s robusta [2].
5. The world’s biggest coffee importers are the EU and the US, accounting for 52% of coffee imports [2]. 
6. On average, Americans drink at least 1.2 cups of coffee per day.
7. Almost 4 in 5 Americans drink caffeinated coffee [3].
8. Nearly 2 in 5 American coffee drinkers like sugar in their coffee[3].
9. Around 4 in 5 Americans like cream or milk in their coffee [3].
10. Most Americans (88%) like regular coffee, while they like cold brew (31%) the least [3].

When is the National Coffee Day in the US?

September 29 of each year marks National Coffee Day in the US [8]. The event commemorates the first coffee shipment from Brazil to the US back in 1723.

National Coffee Day will fall on a Sunday this year, 2024. Big coffee brands will also be celebrating the event, so expect to see tons of coffee-centric deals, promotions, discounts, and special events.

If you're a coffeeholic, you better mark your calendar and check out those deals!

Does Starbucks Do Anything for National Coffee Day?

Yes, Starbucks, the biggest coffeehouse chain in the US, celebrates National Coffee Day. The company serves free coffee tastings and introduces limited-edition coffee blends. You can also expect good discounts on specific drinks and sizes. Special promos and freebies are also available to loyalty program members. You can also get free Starbucks coffee simply by bringing in a clean and empty reusable cup.

Not all Starbucks stores and Reserves participate, though. These promotions and special offers also change, so check your local outlet to be sure.

Does Dunkin’ Do Anything for National Coffee Day?

Dunkin’, Starbucks’ biggest competitor, also offers its customers something on National Coffee Day. These can be free coffees for their Rewards Members or bracelets for coffee lovers. It can even be free coffee on all Mondays in September and October.

Similar to Starbucks, Dunkin’s special National Coffee Day deals also vary. Not all of its locations also take part in the event.

What are the Deals for National Coffee Day?

More National Coffee Day deals will pop up as the day approaches. We’ll see more brands participate in the said event, so keep yourself in the loop by checking this page.

We’ll update you with some of the best National Coffee Day deals from the country’s biggest coffee brands.

Is There an International Coffee Day?

There is an International Coffee Day, and we celebrate it yearly on October 1. This event was initiated by the International Coffee Organization to unite all those who love coffee worldwide [1]. 

Starbucks also commemorates this event by offering free brewed coffee for every reusable cup purchase. Some international Starbucks businesses offer free or discounted cups when you purchase one of their handcrafted beverages.

Again, not all international Starbucks stores participate in International Coffee Day. If some do take part, know that they don’t offer the same deals or host the same events.

Who is Celebrating National Coffee Day?

Many countries worldwide also celebrate their own National Coffee Day [7]. Canada, for one, also celebrates its National Coffee Day on September 29. Japan celebrates it on the same day as International Coffee Day on October 1.

Other countries that celebrate National Coffee Day:

• Germany: 1st Saturday of September
• Costa Rica: September 12
• Ethiopia (this is where history says coffee began): September 15
• Ireland: September 19
• Switzerland: September 26
• The Netherlands: 4th Tuesday of September
• Indonesia: March 11 
• Italy: March 23
• Brazil: May 24 
• Colombia: June 27
• Peru: August 4
• Russia: November 23
• Turkey: December 5
• Vietnam: December 10

In addition to celebrating coffee in general, we also celebrate specific types of coffee:

• National Irish Coffee Day: January 25
• National Cold Brew Day: April 20
• National Frappe Day: October 7
• National Cappuccino Day: November 8
• National Espresso Day: November 23

What is the History of National Coffee Day?

The exact history of National Coffee Day remains unclear. But some say it’s the National Coffee Association (NCA) that kicked off the first official National Coffee Day in the US in 2005 [6]. Their goal was to raise awareness of our coffee farmers' and workers’ plight. 

This includes the socioeconomic and environmental issues faced by the coffee industry. The event also aimed to promote coffee consumption and fair-trade practices.

While the NCA’s event was successful, it was only on September 29, 2009, that National Coffee Day truly took off as a holiday. And we have the Southern Food and Beverage Museum to thank for that when it dubbed the New Orleans Coffee Festival as “Coffee Day” [5].

Online interest in National Coffee Day began in 2010. Checking Google Trends, it had an interest over time value of 10 in September 2010. This doubled to 29 in 2011 and peaked in September 2015 at 100.

Interest over time means “searches over time.” The highest value (100) is the peak popularity of the search term. The higher the value, the more popular and more searches it had during that period. A value of 0, on the other hand, means there’s not enough data or there’s been no searches at all.

Around that time, National Coffee Day has already become a well-established event. Big coffee brands were celebrating it, and specialty and artisan coffee culture also exploded in popularity.

Online interest in National Coffee Day gradually declined after 2015. By September 2023, it‘s only half as popular as it was eight years ago at 54.

Interest may have waned over the years. However, it still remains a popular event that many coffee lovers look forward to yearly.

What is the Purpose of National Coffee Day?

National Coffee Day is more than just celebrating our love for coffee. It’s also about promoting fair trade coffee and ensuring small-scale coffee farmers, especially in developing countries, receive fair prices for their coffee and decent labor conditions.

We also celebrate National Coffee Day to gain a better understanding of:

• Coffee’s impact and significance on various cultures around the world
• The different coffee beans and brewing techniques and how they influence coffee’s flavor, aroma, and strength
• The health benefits of coffee

How Do You Celebrate National Coffee Day?

Making a cup of good coffee is one of the best ways to celebrate National Coffee Day, and what better way to celebrate it than by trying something new?

Our HaNoi and BanMe contain the highest-grade robusta coffee on the market. Both options are exceptionally strong and intense coffees, perfect for your morning pick-me-up.

If you prefer arabica coffees, you'll love our DaLat, SaiGon OG, or DaNang blends.

If you’re craving iced coffee, our Instant Black Coffee will make the perfect glass of decadent Vietnamese iced coffee with condensed milk.

Of course, your National Coffee Day celebration shouldn't stop with a cuppa. 

→ Shop all Cafely Coffee

There are more fun ways to enjoy National Coffee Day:

• Visit a coffee house — Make your day align with National Coffee Day’s purpose. Try new local coffee houses, especially those that promote fair-trade coffee. It’s a great way to support local businesses and honor the event’s advocacies.
• Sign up for a coffee tour — Coffee tours are a great way to learn more about the industry, from cultivating the plants to roasting the beans and even learning new brewing styles. Whether you prefer Chemex brewers or more traditional Turkish coffee pots, there's always room to learn a new brewing method.
• Go on a coffee cupping session — This sensory experience allows you to smell, taste, and compare different coffee beans, varieties, and blends. It’s an excellent way to find a new favorite coffee blend to try!

You can make your National Coffee Day as relaxed or as fun and exciting as you want. You can make it your “me-time” or enjoy the day with friends. But the important thing is to celebrate, appreciate, and enjoy your cuppa.

Fun Facts & Statistics About Coffee:

We’ve gathered some fun and interesting coffee facts and statistics for National Coffee Day. These include tidbits on coffee production, consumption, and coffee types.

Note: A “bag” refers to a standard 60-kilogram jute bag. This has been the standard measurement of coffee since the 18th century when Brazil started producing coffee commercially [4].

1. What are the Two Types of Coffee Beans?

We typically grow two coffee species — arabica and robusta. Arabica is more popular than robusta and is preferred by nearly 3 in 4 (70%) people. Robusta, its more intense cousin, is preferred by a little over 1 in 4 (30%) coffee drinkers [9].

2. Which Has More Caffeine, Robusta or Arabica?

Arabica coffee may be preferred by most people. But if you’re after a stronger pick-me-up, then robusta is your brew! Robusta packs double the caffeine punch at 2.09% of caffeine per bean. On the other hand, arabica coffee only has 1.09% of caffeine per bean [11].

Related: How Much Caffeine is in Coffee?

3. What is the Most Produced Coffee?

Data from 2019/2020 to 2023/2024 shows that we produce, on average, 1.2 times more arabica than robusta. By the end of the 2023/2024 season, arabica coffee production worldwide is forecasted to be around 97.3 million bags. That works out to around 27% or 1.3 times higher than robusta’s forecasted 74.1 million bags [2].

4. Which Country Produces the Most Arabica Coffee?

December 2023/2024 forecast shows Latin America produces 80% (77.9 million bags) of the world's arabica coffee. In this region, Brazil is the top arabica producer worldwide. The country produces 46.1% (44.9 million bags) of the world’s total arabica (97.3 million bags) [2].

5. What Countries Produce the Most Robusta?

Asia is the world’s main source of robusta coffee, according to the December 2023/2024 forecast. Coffee produced in this region accounts for 56.4% (41.8 million bags) of the world’s robusta coffee. 

Within this region, Vietnam is the top robusta producer worldwide. The country makes up 35.9% (26.6 million bags) of the world’s total robusta (74.1 million bags) [2].

6. Which Country Produces the Most Coffee in the World 2024?

The world’s top 10 coffee (arabica and robusta) producers by December 2023/2024 are Brazil (66.3 million bags), Vietnam (27.5 million bags), Colombia (11.5 million bags), Indonesia (9.7 million bags), Ethiopia (8.4 million bags), Uganda (6.9 million bags), Honduras (6.5 million bags), India (6 million bags), Peru (4.2 million bags), Mexico (4.1 million bags) [2].

7. Which Country is the Largest Exporter of Coffee?

Brazil and Vietnam are the top coffee exporters, supplying nearly half (48.4%) of the world’s coffee. Brazil will have exported 43.9 million bags (30.8%) and Vietnam 25 million bags (17.6%) of the total 142.2 million bags by December 2023/2024, respectively [2].

8. Which Country Imports the Most Coffee?

On the other hand, the European Union and the United States are the top importers. They will have imported 47 million bags (33.8%) and 25.4 million bags (18.3%) of the 139.2 million bags by the end of 2024, respectively [2].

9. How Much Coffee is Consumed Globally?

We love our coffee so much that global domestic coffee consumption is forecasted to increase by 0.3%, from 169 million bags in 2022/20223 to 169.5 million bags by year-end [2].

10. Which Country Consumes the Most Coffee?

The United States consumes the most coffee at 1.6 billion kilos annually. Americans, on average, drink 1.2 coffee cups daily.

Brazil, the world’s top coffee producer, lands 2nd place, consuming 1.32 billion kilos annually.

11. Which State Consumes the Most Coffee?

California consumes the most coffee, with 245.4 million kilos annually. But this may be because the state has the largest population. When it comes to drinking coffee, Hawaiians rank first, drinking the most cups at 2.7 cups daily.

12. What Percent of American Adults Drink Coffee?

At least 3 in 4 (75%) Americans say they drink coffee. An equal percentage of men (75%) and women (75%) enjoy their brews. American adults enjoy coffee, but those aged 30-44 and 65+ enjoy it the most. At least 77% of both their populations drink coffee, compared with 68% of those aged 18-29 [3].

13. How Often Do Americans Drink Coffee?

A cuppa or two a day is enough for most Americans (38%), but some (16%) drink coffee more than three times a day. Of this percentage, a small few (4%) have a cuppa more than five times a day [3].

14. At What Age Do Most Americans Start Drinking Coffee?

Most Americans (36%) say they first drank coffee at the age of 21 or older. A small few (3%) started at the age of 5 or younger [3].

Although most started drinking coffee in their early 20s, over 1 in 3 (35%) believe it’s okay to start at an earlier age, 17-20.

Related: Can 12-Year-Olds Drink Coffee?

15. What Percentage of People Drink Decaf?

Americans love their caffeine, with nearly 4 in 5 (79%) drinking caffeinated coffee. Only 1 in 10 (10%) prefer decaf. The rest (10%) enjoy drinking both [3].

16. How Many Coffee Drinkers Use Sugar?

Nearly 2 in 5 (37%) use sugar with their coffee, while 20% say they use sugar alternatives. Around 3 in 10 (30%) people prefer no sweetener at all [3].

17. What Percentage of People Use Creamer in Their Coffee?

The majority (79%) want varying levels of coffee creamer and milk in theirs. Only around 1 in 5 (20%) coffee drinkers prefer their coffee black [3].

18. What is the Most Popular Way to Brew Coffee at Home?

Drip coffee is the most popular home brewing method, says nearly 1 in 2 (49%) coffee drinkers. Single-serve pod coffee machines (33%) and instant coffee (17%) ranked 2nd and 3rd [3].

Coffee bags (5%), cold brew drip makers (8%), and French press (8%) are the least popular methods. 

19. What Type of Coffee is Most Popular?

Almost 9 in 10 (88%) adults either love or like regular coffee, while 10% dislike or hate it. Regular coffee aside, cappuccino seems to be the favorite of most, with 71% either loving or liking it. The least liked coffee type is cold brew, with 31% saying they either dislike or hate it [3].

20. How Common is Caffeine Withdrawal?

Caffeine withdrawal is real, says nearly 1 in 3 (31%) coffee drinkers who tried to abstain. Women (34%) are 1.3 times more likely to experience caffeine withdrawal symptoms than men (27%) [3].

At least 3 in 4 (75%) people say headache is the most common symptom of caffeine withdrawal. Irritability (42%) and fatigue (27%) follow in 2nd and 3rd places [3].

So, there you have it! We hope you enjoyed these tidbits of coffee statistics and facts.

Related: How to Reduce Heart Palpitations from Coffee

Summary: National Coffee Day Statistics

Every day is a coffee day for a coffeeholic, but on National Coffee Day, we take our love for coffee a single shot further and participate in the many coffee-centric events.

We indulge in decadent special-edition coffee blends. Some buy premium brews and even new coffee equipment. Wearing coffee-centric accessories also becomes a thing. But the most common is to participate in National Coffee Day events hosted by big coffee brands.

With all these festivities to distract us, let’s not forget that National Coffee Day can also be a day to learn more about our favorite beverage.

References

1. 1 October is International Coffee Day. (2015). International Coffee Organization. https://www.ico.org/international-coffee-day.asp
2. Coffee: World Markets and Trade: Global Market Analysis. (2023). In U. S. Department of Agriculture. https://apps.fas.usda.gov/psdonline/circulars/coffee.pdf
3. Daily Survey: Coffee. (2022). YouGov. https://docs.cdn.yougov.com/nibkj7xq0y/tabs_Coffee_20220921.pdf
4. Ewing, R. (2015). Brazil ditches standard jute coffee bags, leading move toward bulk. Reuters. https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSKBN0U30GF/
5. Jones, C. (2009). Today is International Coffee Day! SportsNOLA. https://web.archive.org/web/20150929032605/http:/sportsnola.com/today-is-international-coffee-day/
6. National Coffee Day. (2020). Calendarr.com. https://www.calendarr.com/united-states/national-coffee-day/
7. National Coffee Day Around the World. (2024). Favy. https://favy.com/coffee-clubs/national-coffee-day-international
8. National Coffee Day: September 29, 2023. (2023). US Census Bureau. https://www.census.gov/newsroom/stories/coffee-day.html
9. Nguyen, C. (2021). Is Arabica coffee better than Robusta coffee? K-Agriculture. https://k-agriculture.com/is-arabica-coffee-better-than-robusta/
10. Shaw, T. (2022). National Coffee Day in USA in 2024. There Is a Day for That! https://www.thereisadayforthat.com/holidays/usa/national-coffee-day
11. Zainuri, N., Paramartha, D. N. A., Fatinah, A., Nofrida, R., Rahayu, N., Anggraini, I. M. D., & Utama, Q. D. (2023). The Chemical Characteristics of Arabica and Robusta Green Coffee Beans. BIOTROPIA, 30(3), 318–328. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/376316588_THE_CHEMICAL_CHARACTERISTICS_OF_ARABICA_AND_ROBUSTA_GREEN_COFFEE_BEANS_FROM_GEOPARK_RINJANI_INDONESIA