Coffee Fuels 3.8 Million Jobs, Billions in Revenue Across Europe and Producing Nations, Report Finds – CoffeeTalk

A report by the European Coffee Federation (ECF), prepared by Europe Economics, outlines the significant role of coffee in supporting livelihoods in producing countries and fostering economic activity across Europe. It estimates that approximately 12.5 million farming households worldwide rely on coffee, with around 85% identified as smallholders. Europe is the largest coffee market globally, representing about 28% of total coffee consumption, and plays a crucial role in the coffee export economy of producing countries.

The analysis indicates that coffee supports around 1.5 million direct full-time equivalent jobs in the EU, contributing €84.4 billion in direct Gross Value Added (GVA). A notable 87% of these jobs are concentrated in cafés, restaurants, hotels, and workplaces, underscoring coffee’s importance to local economies across Europe. Additionally, the coffee sector aids in the creation of a total of approximately 3.8 million jobs within the broader economy.

Financially, for every €1 generated in direct coffee output, there is an associated €2.60 of total output when accounting for indirect and induced economic effects. The sector also generates €65 billion in sales and labor tax revenues. Since coffee cannot be cultivated in Europe, it relies on a strong relationship between producing nations and European markets. The report highlights the critical importance of European demand for coffee from producing countries, particularly Burundi and Uganda, which, despite their small share of total EU coffee imports, export 91% and 56% of their coffee, respectively, to the EU market.

Eileen Gordon, Secretary General of the ECF, emphasizes the multifaceted value of coffee beyond being a mere agricultural commodity or consumer product, remarking on its status as a shared value chain linking farming communities in producing countries with local European businesses, workers, and consumers. This interdependence is crucial for fostering a resilient and sustainable future for the coffee sector.

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