International Coffee Day

International Coffee Day History

International Coffee Day is a global celebration of coffee, aimed at recognising the efforts of those involved in the complex supply chain and promoting the love for this popular beverage. The annual event brings together millions of people, from coffee farmers to consumers, in various activities designed to showcase the importance of coffee in our daily lives and its impact on the economy and society.

International Coffee Day was officially launched in 2015 by the International Coffee Organization (ICO), with the United Kingdom being one of the key participants in the celebrations. In the UK, coffee is a vital part of the culture, with a rich history dating back to the 17th century. Today, the nation has a thriving coffee scene, with numerous independent and high-street coffee shops serving diverse coffee beans and brews. The UK also takes pride in its talented baristas, craft roasters, and the many innovative products that have emerged from the local industry.

International Coffee Day is observed through various events and promotions in the United Kingdom, often focusing on raising awareness of fair trade and sustainable coffee practices. Coffee shops, roasteries, and distributors take this opportunity to host special offers, tastings, workshops, and talks on the multifaceted world of coffee. The United Kingdom has no specific dates for the observance but typically follows the global date of 1st October for International Coffee Day engaging with the rest of the world.

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. Arabica has a smoother taste and Robusta is more bitter.
• The first coffee house in the UK was established in Oxford in 1650 by a Jewish entrepreneur named Jacob.
• In the 17th century, London saw the opening of its first coffee house, which served as a social and intellectual hub. By the 18th century, over 3,000 coffee houses were established in London, earning it the nickname 'penny universities' - because one could buy a cup of coffee for a penny and engage with prominent intellectuals and businessmen.

In the News and Trending in the UK for International Coffee Day

Top things to do in the UK 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
• International Coffee Day is an ideal time to share your love for coffee with others. Invite friends or family for coffee at home, or meet up at a local coffee shop to catch up and celebrate together.
• Take your celebration a step further by trying coffee-inspired treats. Bake coffee-flavored cakes or cookies, enjoy coffee-flavored ice cream, or explore recipes for coffee-based cocktails or mocktails.