Coffee, one of America’s favorite drinks. Many consume at least a cup each morning before starting their day in their favorite coffee cup, while others might drink an entire pot to themselves. In fact, according to recent statistics, the average American drinks 1.64 cups every day. It’s also estimated that about 30 percent of people in the U.S. drink the beverage on occasion. Then there are coffee shops. Throughout the day these shops are frequented by avid coffee drinkers looking for a burst of caffeine to get them through the afternoon lull. Often times they’ll order some sort of specialty drink, and leave with piping hot disposable coffee cups with lids and sleeves filled to the brim with what they need to tackle the rest of the day. So it’s no surprise that the retail value of the coffee market in the U.S. is estimated at around $48 billion, while the specialty market comprises about 55 percent value share.
To meet the ever-present demand for the caffeinated beverage, the U.S. imports more than 27.7 million bags of coffee each year. That’s about a quarter of global imports for the caffeinated beverage. This effectively makes the U.S. the largest single buyer of the drink in the world! And while coffee preparation at home is on the rise, specialty shops and cafes are a favorite among Americans, especially the 50 percent that enjoys drinking specialty drinks, like espressos, lattes, and cappuccinos. However, some people do actually prefer a simpler cup of joe. Statistics show that about 35 percent of people prefer their coffee black, while 65 percent regularly add a splash of cream and/or sugar. Because so many people indulge in specialty drinks at shops and cafes, independent coffee shops typically do good business in the U.S. So well, in fact, that independent shops rake in about $12 billion in sales annually.
Studies also show that regularly drinking the caffeinated beverage could be good for one’s health. According to one recent study, people who drink between three and five cups of joe a day can prevent cognitive decline related to aging. This translates to a decreased chance of developing Alzheimers or dementia.
No matter what your beverage of choice is, there’s no denying the popularity of coffee here in the states. With the majority of people living such busy lives, we’re always on the look out for the next zing of caffeine to keep us going.
