International Coffee Day

International Coffee Day is observed annually on October 1st. It’s a global celebration of coffee as a beverage, aimed at appreciating its history, culture, and everyone involved in bringing that perfect cup—from farmers to baristas.

History of International Coffee Day

International Coffee Day was officially proclaimed by the International Coffee Organization in March 2014, during a meeting of its member states. The first global observance under this name took place on October 1, 2015, launched at Expo 2015 in Milan.

Before being unified on October 1, different countries celebrated Coffee Day on various dates. Over time it became more coordinated, aiming to use a single date to highlight coffee’s role worldwide and to promote fair trade and sustainability in the coffee industry.

Why is International Coffee Day important?

This day matters for many reasons. It’s a chance to remember the efforts and struggles of coffee growers—often working in difficult conditions—and to raise awareness about fair trade, sustainable farming, and equitable livelihoods. Coffee doesn’t just appear in your cup; it’s the result of a long chain involving cultivation, labor, trade, and culture.

It also celebrates the culture of coffee. How people gather over a cup, how coffee plays into art, routine, moments of pause, and community. Coffee connects people across different places and walks of life. Observing this day helps people pause and appreciate those small rituals that often carry meaning and comfort.

Some things many people find meaningful:

• recognizing the hard work of coffee farmers and producers
• promoting sustainable and fair trade practices in the coffee industry
• exploring different brews, roasts, and coffee traditions from around the world
• enjoying moments of connection — a chat over a cup, a quiet morning ritual
• supporting local coffee shops or trying new coffee experiences

How to Celebrate International Coffee Day

You don’t need anything fancy. Start with drinking your favorite coffee—whether at home, in a café, or with a friend. Try something new if you usually go with the same brew. It could be experimenting with a roast, a brewing method, or even trying cold brew or espresso if you usually do filter or vice versa.

Also, use it as a moment to learn: where your coffee comes from, who grows it, what challenges they face (climate, economic pressure, etc.). If possible, support fair trade or local coffee producers. Maybe visit a local roastery or café that sources ethically. Share your love of coffee with others—invite someone for coffee, talk about what coffee adds to your life.

Here are simple ideas:

• brew your favourite cup, or try a new type of coffee
• visit a local café and treat a friend to coffee
• buy from a coffee grower or roastery with fair trade or sustainable practices
• share a coffee story online or with friends: why you love coffee, where you discovered a great cup
• support small cafés or shops, especially those that emphasize quality and ethics

International Coffee Day Dates Table

Alex’s Take on International Coffee Day

Well, let’s celebrate! I love coffee—and honestly, very few people don’t. As someone who tries to follow a healthy lifestyle, I’ve often looked into the debate about whether coffee is good or bad for you. Back when I worked as an editor, I read and checked quite a few articles on the subject. My conclusion? Coffee is more likely helpful than harmful. The problem is, a lot of the “studies” out there aren’t that solid—sometimes the sample is too small, sometimes the methods are flawed, sometimes the research is funded by coffee companies. And almost every scientific paper adds the same note: they can’t really prove cause and effect. Do coffee drinkers live longer because of coffee—or are people who happen to drink coffee already healthier in other ways? Who knows. My take: drink coffee, but in moderation. Straight coffee is better than milk-heavy versions, and one or two cups a day is better than overdoing it. And if you don’t drink coffee at all, I don’t think you’ll suffer either.

Here’s a fun fact: did you know that most people don’t actually like the taste of coffee at first? It’s true—coffee is bitter, and there’s nothing naturally appealing about that flavor. But the brain quickly learns to associate the taste of coffee with the euphoric boost it gives, and before long, you think you “like” the taste. What’s even more interesting is that most people love the smell of coffee from the start. I think that’s because, as kids, we saw our parents in good moods “under coffee,” and we learned to link the smell with happiness.

So let’s celebrate the holiday and enjoy life! ☕️