The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations has welcomed the adoption of a resolution by the United Nations General Assembly declaring 1 October as International Coffee Day. The resolution, approved in New York, recognizes the cultural, social, and historical significance of coffee, highlighting its journey from its origins to its important role in modern societies. It acknowledges coffee not only as a key agricultural commodity and source of livelihoods but also as a symbol of social interaction, cultural expression, and everyday tradition across generations.
The resolution also emphasizes the role of coffee production and processing in supporting several global development priorities, including efforts to end hunger, reduce poverty, promote gender equality, and support decent work and economic growth. According to FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu, coffee is far more than a beverage; it is a globally traded commodity that connects rural farming communities with international markets and sustains millions of households. Recognizing the value of the coffee sector, he noted, will help raise awareness of its socioeconomic importance and strengthen its contribution to poverty reduction.
The decision by the UN General Assembly follows a recommendation made during the 44th session of the FAO Conference in 2025. Under the new resolution, FAO will help facilitate the observance of International Coffee Day in collaboration with partners, particularly the International Coffee Organization. The observance aims to encourage collaboration, awareness, and action across the global coffee value chain.
Coffee is among the most widely consumed beverages worldwide, with global consumption increasing steadily over the past decade. The sector supports the livelihoods of approximately 25 million farmers and provides employment across the entire coffee value chain. The global coffee industry generates more than $200 billion annually, making it one of the most significant agricultural sectors in international trade.
In 2024, global coffee production exceeded 11 million tonnes, with around 8 million tonnes traded internationally. The value of coffee production that year was estimated at nearly $25 billion, while global trade in coffee beans reached about $34 billion. For many low-income countries, coffee exports are a vital source of foreign exchange, contributing a large share of total export revenues in countries such as Ethiopia, Uganda, and Burundi. In 2024, Brazil and Viet Nam were the world’s leading coffee exporters, while the European Union and the United States were the largest importers.
FAO continues to support coffee-producing countries through various initiatives aimed at strengthening the sector and improving farmer livelihoods. These efforts include helping farmers adapt to climate challenges through pest management and agroforestry practices, supporting the development of climate-resilient coffee varieties, and promoting cooperative models. FAO also works with governments and producers to improve traceability systems and comply with emerging sustainability standards in global coffee markets.
Through initiatives such as its Investment Centre and the FAO Hand-in-Hand Initiative, the organization is also helping mobilize investment to strengthen the coffee sector and support smallholder farmers. Projects in several countries have focused on improving production efficiency, boosting farmer incomes, and developing national coffee strategies. With the establishment of International Coffee Day, FAO aims to create a global platform that highlights both the opportunities and challenges facing the coffee sector while promoting a more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable coffee value chain.
