Coffee, a beloved beverage cherished by many for its stimulating effects and rich flavors, holds a significant place in European culture. This report aims to explore the top ten European countries with the highest coffee consumption, shedding light on their preferences, habits, and cultural nuances surrounding this beloved drink.
Europe’s Coffee Consumption Trends
According to data sourced from the International Coffee Organization, Europeans collectively consumed a staggering 273 million kilograms of coffee between June 2020 and June 2021. This robust consumption translates to approximately 35 billion cups of coffee consumed annually across the continent.
However, determining the exact ranking of European countries in terms of coffee consumption can be challenging due to varying data sources and methodologies. While several organizations offer different perspectives, this report primarily relies on data from Statista for its reliability and recentness.
Top 10 European Coffee-Drinking Nations
- The Netherlands
- Consuming an impressive 8.3 kilograms of coffee per capita annually, the Netherlands leads the pack in European coffee consumption.
- The Dutch favor a straightforward approach to their coffee, often opting for filter coffee, preferably enjoyed black.
- Finland
- Close behind, Finland boasts an average consumption of 7.8 kilograms of coffee per person annually.
- Finns enjoy their coffee predominantly as a light filter brew, with coffee accompanying nearly every meal.
- Sweden
- With a per capita consumption of 7.6 kilograms annually, Sweden celebrates its coffee culture through the tradition of “Fika,” promoting social gatherings over a cup of coffee.
- Swedes prefer their coffee filtered and strong, occasionally experimenting with unique variations like Swedish Egg Coffee.
- Norway
- Norway embraces a burgeoning coffee scene, with an average consumption of 6.6 kilograms per person annually.
- Traditional Norwegian coffee, known as ‘kokekaffe,’ emphasizes the use of single-origin coffee grounds for a distinct flavor profile.
- Germany
- Germany, Europe’s largest coffee importer, consumes an average of 5.2 kilograms of coffee per capita annually.
- While traditional filter coffee remains popular, Germans increasingly favor milk-based coffee beverages such as lattes and cappuccinos.
- Switzerland
- Despite not being an EU member, Switzerland showcases a diverse coffee scene, consuming 4.8 kilograms of coffee per person annually.
- Swiss coffee preferences vary across linguistic regions, with ‘caffè crema’ emerging as a favored choice.
- Italy
- Renowned for its espresso culture, Italy consumes 4.7 kilograms of coffee per capita annually.
- Italians prioritize speed and quality in their coffee consumption, often enjoying espresso shots in bustling cafes.
- Estonia
- With a growing demand for specialty coffee, Estonia consumes an average of 4.3 kilograms of coffee per person annually.
- Estonians appreciate a well-crafted cup of coffee, often opting for machine or French Press-brewed varieties.
- Portugal
- Portugal’s coffee consumption stands at 4.0 kilograms per capita annually, with a preference for slow-roasted Arabica and Robusta blends.
- Espresso shots are a popular choice among the Portuguese, often served alongside a glass of water.
- France
- Rounding up the list, France consumes 3.4 kilograms of coffee per person annually, with a growing demand for specialty coffees and coffee capsules.
- Strong, hot, and black coffee, typically in the form of espresso, is favored by the French population.
