International Coffee Day

International Coffee Day History

International Coffee Day is a global celebration aimed at promoting and appreciating coffee as a beverage while highlighting the importance of protecting the rights of coffee growers. The Observance focuses on enhancing public awareness of the coffee industry and the significant role of millions of farmers in cultivating this vital crop. It seeks to encourage ethical trade practices, sustainable farming methods, and expansion of market access to small-scale coffee growers.

Originating in Japan in 2001, the first International Coffee Day was organised by the All Japan Coffee Association. Eventually, the International Coffee Organisation (ICO) established a formal date, October 1st, which was first celebrated in 2015. In Australia, the coffee culture has grown significantly over the past two decades, with a blossoming craft coffee and specialty coffee scene. As a result, Australians now play an active role in supporting coffee producers, elevating working conditions, and endorsing environmentally responsible farming methods. Local flat white enthusiasts can take pride in the fact that Australia's coffee culture consciousness has positively impacted the industry.

International Coffee Day observances throughout Australia include various events, promotions, and fundraisers hosted by different organisations, cafes, and coffee lovers. These typically include free tastings, discounts on coffee products, educational sessions, and raising funds to support needy coffee communities. Australian celebrations align with the global date; therefore, International Coffee Day occurs nationwide on October 1st. This day is an opportunity to acknowledge the hard work of creating the perfect cup of coffee and affirm Australia's commitment to supporting the growth and sustainability of the coffee industry.

International Coffee Day facts

• Based on the Food Regulation Standing Committee and Caffeine Working Group, Red bull has an average caffeine content of 32.0 mg/100ml, compared to a cappuccino which has caffeine content of 101.9 mg/100ml. Espresso style coffee made from ground coffee beans has 194.0 mg/ml of caffeine content. According to the Mayo Clinic, up to 400mg of caffeine is the safe limit for most adults
• Two of the main types of coffee bean consumed include Arabica and Robusta.
• Australians consume around 1.91kg of coffee per capita annually, which is relatively low compared to countries like Finland or Norway. However, the focus is on quality rather than quantity, as Australian consumers typically choose higher-quality coffee options.
• Melbourne is often considered the birthplace of Australia's modern coffee culture, with the city's Italian migrants in the 1950s introducing espresso machines and popularizing European-style cafes.

In the News and Trending in Australia for International Coffee Day

Top things to do in Australia for International Coffee Day

• Make a coffee infused dessert. Our favorite picks:
  Coffee Cream Pie, Coffee cheesecake, Mocha-Walnut Brownies
• Have a Coffee-based alcoholic drink. Here are our favorite picks:
  Brazilian Coffee (made with Kahlua)
  Irish Coffee Creamtini (made with Irish whiskey)
  Mexican Coffee (made with tequila and Kahlua)
  Pitch Dark Coffee Stout Beer
• Coffee regions in Australia, such as the Yarra Valley or the Blue Mountains, often offer tours that showcase the coffee growing process, from bean to cup. These tours allow visitors to walk through coffee plantations, interact with coffee farmers, and gain insights into the entire coffee production process.
• On International Coffee Day, many Australians experiment with brewing their own coffee at home. From trying different pour-over methods to testing out new brewing gadgets, coffee enthusiasts enjoy exploring various techniques to create their perfect cup of coffee.