Coffee market in Germany - statistics & facts
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The coffee market in Germany is one of the most dynamic in the food and drinks sector in the country. For millions of people, many a morning starts with a cup of the dark brew. And statistics confirm the ritual. Coffee is the most consumed hot beverage in Germany. Based on preliminary figures for 2023, Germans consumed around 164 liters of coffee per capita. Worldwide production figures fluctuated somewhat in recent years, though 2022/2023 saw the highest volume yet. Production of UTZ certified (a certification confirming sustainable farming) coffee around the world has increased as well, encouragingly so, with almost 1.7 million tons produced in 2023.
Considering the reliance on imports where coffee is concerned in combination with unwavering German demand, topics such as sustainability, farming and working conditions in source markets remain current to ensure long-term fair production and consumption.
Supply and demand
The German coffee market relies heavily on imports from other countries, as Germany does not grow coffee domestically. Based on import volume figures, Brazil was the leading source country for Germany, with almost 367,000 tons of coffee delivered in 2023. This was, however, a noticeable decrease compared to the year before. Other leading supplier markets included Vietnam and Honduras. An encouraging rise in sales of fair trade coffee in Germany, with recent figures far outstripping those of even a few years ago, may be due to several reasons. Increasing consumer attention to how coffee is being produced, as well as the desire to contribute to fair manufacturing and industry employment conditions in importing countries are among the leading influences boosting fair trade coffee sales. These influences are also part of a broader trend of sustainable consumption in Germany.Getting a coffee
A defining feature of the German coffee market is the sheer selection of coffee and coffee-flavored drinks available, whether in food retail establishments or in restaurants and cafes. The first coffee shop chain that comes to mind is Starbucks, a global market leader, though not as widespread in Germany as in other European countries. In fact, Germany was behind France, Turkey and the United Kingdom. While consumers themselves employ a variety of methods to prepare their brew, the most preferred are making filter coffee and using fully automated coffee machines.Considering the reliance on imports where coffee is concerned in combination with unwavering German demand, topics such as sustainability, farming and working conditions in source markets remain current to ensure long-term fair production and consumption.
