The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) marked the inaugural observance of International Coffee Day, recognizing the economic, social and cultural significance of coffee, one of the world’s most widely consumed beverages and most globally traded agricultural commodities.
Under the theme “Celebrating Coffee, Honouring the People Behind Every Cup”, Members, partners, delegates and guests gathered at FAO Headquarters to explore coffee’s journey from seed to cup through exhibitions, showcases, educational activities and interactive experiences, while highlighting its role in shaping contemporary societies.
At the opening ceremony, FAO Director-General QU Dongyu emphasized that “International Coffee Day is about celebrating more than just a drink, it is about the human diversity that connects us.”
Recognizing “the millions of people around whose livelihoods and lives depend on coffee”, the Director-General noted that “building a more resilient coffee sector requires investment in sustainable and climate-smart production systems, better access to innovation and technology, as well as greater opportunities especially for smallholder farmers.” He stressed that achieving this requires strong partnerships, reaffirming FAO’s longstanding partnership with the International Coffee Organization and their deepened cooperation in support of the coffee sector and the people who depend on it.
Statements by high-level representatives from Brazil, Ethiopia, Indonesia and Italy reflected on their countries’ coffee sectors, traditions and contributions.
The United Nations General Assembly officially designated 1 October as International Coffee Day on 10 March 2026. The annual observance provides an opportunity to raise awareness of the importance of coffee to producers, consumers and communities worldwide, while fostering dialogue and collective action towards a more resilient and sustainable coffee sector.
The lives and livelihoods behind the global commodity
The coffee sector supports the livelihoods of up to 25 million farmers worldwide, with smallholder farms estimated to account for as much as 80 percent of all coffee farms. Beyond production, the sector generates employment and income throughout the value chain and provides a critical source of export revenues for many low- and middle-income countries.
In 2024, global coffee bean production exceeded 11 million tonnes, while the value of global trade surpassed $34 billion. Brazil and Viet Nam together accounted for nearly half of world coffee production and were the top exporters that year, while the European Union and the United States of America were among the largest coffee importers.
Yet coffee producers face significant challenges, including climate variability, market volatility, economic shocks and income disparities along the value chain. Recognizing both the challenges and opportunities, International Coffee Day offers an excellent opportunity to strengthen cooperation, connect people across the value chain and advance inclusive rural development.
Showcasing coffee around the world
Following the opening ceremony, the Director-General inaugurated a coffee tasting experience, where participating countries – Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Honduras, Indonesia, Italy, Panama, Türkiye and Venezuela – shared samples of their coffees and the distinctive traditions and stories behind each cup.
The Around the World in a Cup segment brought coffee traditions to life through interactive sessions featuring coffee preparation, brewing and storytelling from different cultures. Throughout the day, participants were invited to explore coffee’s journey and cultural heritage at FAO MuNE (Food and Agriculture Museum & Network), discovering its connections to people and communities around the world and across generations.
Building collective action
In the context of the International Year of the Woman Farmer 2026, International Coffee Day also recognized the essential contributions of women across the coffee value chain. Women play key roles as producers, processors, entrepreneurs, traders and leaders, yet continue to face persistent barriers in accessing land, finance, technology, services and markets. The observance reinforces the importance of strengthening women’s participation and closing gender gaps across agrifood systems.
The celebration also coincides with the 28th Session of the Committee on Forestry (COFO 28), taking place at FAO Headquarters this week, providing an opportunity to highlight the close links between coffee production, forests and agroforestry systems.
