International Coffee Day was officially launched by the International Coffee Organization (ICO) on March 7, 2014, and has been celebrated worldwide since 2015. While many countries have their own “National Coffee Day” on different dates, October 1st has become the universal day to honor coffee globally. The ICO is an intergovernmental organization established under the United Nations, tasked with overseeing international coffee-related activities due to coffee's significant economic impact. The ICO represents 98% of the world’s coffee-producing countries and 67% of the world’s top coffee-consuming nations.

International Coffee Day is a celebration of the diversity, quality, and passion that defines the coffee industry. It’s an opportunity for coffee enthusiasts worldwide to share their love for coffee while also supporting the millions of farmers who work tirelessly to produce this cherished commodity. Coffee has been a part of human culture for centuries, with each society having its unique approach to cultivating and preparing it. International Coffee Day also serves as a reminder of this rich cultural diversity and the complex processes involved in coffee production. It’s a day to raise awareness about the importance of sustainable and ethical practices in coffee farming, ensuring the well-being of both people and the planet.

The theme for International Coffee Day 2024 emphasizes the urgent need to transform the coffee industry by implementing innovative strategies to improve the lives of farmers and secure the future of coffee. Farmers are currently facing immense challenges, including rising production costs, environmental changes, and fluctuating coffee prices. The COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated these issues, causing significant disruptions in the global coffee market. This year, the ICO is focusing on attracting younger generations to coffee cultivation and promoting sustainable solutions to build a resilient and prosperous coffee industry. Coffee lovers can contribute to this mission by signing petitions and supporting initiatives aimed at ensuring a fair income for coffee growers worldwide.

Ethiopia, the birthplace of coffee, is home to some of the most diverse and finest coffee varieties in the world. As the country prepares to celebrate International Coffee Day for the fourth time, it’s fitting that this global event is honored in the land where coffee originated. The celebrations in Ethiopia are expected to attract coffee producers, exporters, roasters, writers, researchers, and coffee enthusiasts from around the world. For Kerchanshe, Ethiopia’s largest coffee producer and exporter, International Coffee Day is an opportunity to showcase the rich heritage and wide array of coffee varieties that Ethiopia offers. It’s also a time to honor and support the farmers whose dedication and hard work make it all possible.

International Coffee Day is more than just a celebration of coffee; it’s a day to recognize the incredible journey from bean to cup and the people who make it happen. As we raise our mugs on October 1st, let’s remember to salute the coffee farmers and support efforts to create a sustainable future for coffee. Join Kerchanshe and coffee lovers worldwide in celebrating the rich legacy of coffee and the vibrant culture it fosters.