While sipping on my second cup of morning coffee I came across a stat that noted that in December 2023 coffee searches hit an ALL time high in North America well above any other drink. It inspired me to do a little digging into “coffee cultural and trends”. Thinking of a great Valentines gift? Maybe its time to replace that old coffee pot.
The coffee culture in North America is thriving, with both Canada and the United States showing a deep appreciation for this beloved beverage. Recent statistics reveal interesting trends in coffee consumption in both countries.
Canada’s Coffee Craze
Rising Popularity: Coffee consumption in Canada has seen a steady increase over the years. In the 2021/22 period, Canadians consumed over 5 million 60 kg bags of coffee, marking a significant rise from the 4.25 million bags consumed in 2010/11!
- A Morning Ritual: About 80% of Canadian coffee drinkers enjoy their coffee in the morning, with seven out of ten coffees consumed at home rather than in coffee houses or at work
- Age and Coffee: Coffee consumption in Canada increases with age. The 55 to 64 age group represents the largest portion of coffee drinkers, while those aged 18 to 24 make up the smallest portion
- The Market’s Worth: The Canadian coffee market is valued at more than USD $18 billion, highlighting the significant economic impact of coffee consumption
- Coffee Chains: Tim Hortons remains the most popular coffee chain in Canada, with over 4,000 locations across the country
- Ethnic-inspired coffees: The coffee trends in Canada are evolving, with consumers showing a growing interest in bean transparency, ethical sourcing, and new ingredients that focus on health and sustainability, including more health-conscious and sustainable choices in coffee ingredients, such as plant-based dairy alternatives and natural sweeteners.
Coffee in the United States
- Specialty Coffee on the Rise: Younger adults aged 25-39 are driving the increase in coffee consumption, with a preference for specialty coffee over traditional brews
- Home Brewing Trends: Single-serve coffee machine sales grew by 50% between 2015 and 2020, reflecting a shift towards convenience in coffee preparation
- Coffee Shops as Workspaces: The trend of using coffee shops as workspaces continues, with the advent of internet cafes in the 2000s and the ongoing trend of remote work
Both Canada and the United States share a deep love for coffee, with each country showcasing unique trends in consumption and preference. From the rise of specialty coffee to the enduring popularity of coffee chains like Tim Hortons and Starbucks, North America’s coffee culture continues to evolve and thrive.
