Today is 1 October 2025, which marks International Coffee Day. As the name suggests, it’s a celebration of one of the world’s most popular beverages: coffee.
This drink is beloved by a little over a billion aficionados around the world. In South Africa, citizens looking to get their caffeine fix are constantly on the lookout for perfectly brewed cuppas (and affordable ones, too).
Whether it’s powering through the daily grind, enjoying a solo brunch or boosting your energy levels, coffee plays a significant role in our lives.
UNFILTERED FACTS FOR THE COFFEE LOVER’S SOUL
So, grab your favourite cup of Joe as we dive into these five fascinating facts:
1. BREWED IN THE BILLIONS
Over 2.5 billion cups of coffee are consumed daily. This equates to over 400 billion cups drunk annually!
2. TWO BEANS, SEVERAL DIFFERENCES
There are over 100 coffee species that exist. However, two of these species – arabica and robusta – are more prevalent and are the most produced.
Arabica beans have a smooth, sweeter taste; their acidity is higher, and they possess a low caffeine content. It’s ideal for making speciality blends.
In contrast, robusta beans are dark and strongly flavoured, they’re more resilient, and they have a higher caffeine content. They are most used when making instant or espresso blends.
3. HOWZIT, MY BREW
Coffee production in South Africa dates back to the mid-19th century. Many regions, primarily the KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga provinces, boast ideal conditions to make farming and cultivation possible.
Arabica is the bean of choice when it comes to growing it in Mzansi.
4. VIVA BRAZIL
Brazil is the world’s largest producer of coffee. The South American nation exports a whopping 5.7 billion pounds each year. This translates to about 40% of the world’s coffee!
5. COFFEE BEANS AREN’T ACTUALLY BEANS
Believe it or not, these beans aren’t beans at all. In reality, they’re the seeds of the fruit – known as “coffee cherries” – that hang off coffee plants.
According to Buzzbox Coffee, each cherry contains two of these seeds nestled together. Their shape, resembling the likes of kidney and pinto beans, resulted in their being referred to as “beans”.
RAISE A CUP TO COFFEE TODAY
As you can see, this drink isn’t your run-of-the-mill beverage. It’s a cultural institution globally, a valuable product on which many livelihoods depend, and the lifeblood of both early birds and night owls alike.
And whether you like it hot or iced, served with milk or without, or if you prefer speciality or instant blends, coffee is all the more tasty when drinking it on this particular day.
So, raise your cuppa to the sky and give a toast to your favourite brew!
