So who do you think drinks the most coffee in Europe?
Italy? With the Italian-originating coffee giant Costa dominating the scene in the UK it sounds like a good bet.
Or France maybe, with that latte forerunner café au lait, which was the staple of sophisticated coffee drinking in the 1970s?
Well, according to Statista it's the Netherlands, consuming over 8kg of coffee per capita in 2020! But a more striking result of their research into this topic is that Finland, Sweden and Norway are close behind.
When you've worked in the coffee business for a while you find out that Scandinavia is a hotbed of coffee culture and invention, and is definitely somewhere to study and visit to get new ideas and experiences. But what makes the Scandinavians such big coffee fans?
Well there are a few reasons. Firstly, the climate in Scandinavia is cold and dark for much of the year. This makes people crave warm, comforting beverages such as coffee.
Secondly, Scandinavians have a strong tradition of social gatherings. Coffee is often served at these gatherings, and it's a way for people to connect with each other and relax.
Finally, Scandinavians are very particular about the quality of their coffee. They want their coffee to be fresh, flavourful, and strong.
The importance of fika
One of the most important aspects of Scandinavian coffee culture is fika. Fika is a Swedish word that means 'coffee break'. It's a time to relax and socialise with friends or colleagues over a cup of coffee and a pastry. Fika can be held at any time of day, but it's most common in the morning or afternoon.
Also, fika is more than just a coffee break. It's a way of life. It's a way for Scandinavians to connect with each other, relax, and enjoy a delicious cup of coffee.
The rise of speciality coffee
In recent years, there's been a growing interest in speciality coffee in Scandinavia. Speciality coffee is coffee that's roasted and brewed with care, and it's often sourced from small, sustainable farms. This trend has led to the opening of many new speciality coffee shops across Scandinavia offering a variety of coffee drinks, including espresso, cappuccino and latte. They also often offer pastries and other food items. As a result, speciality coffee shops are great places to experience the best Scandinavian coffee culture.
This is all fine but it does beg one question; where is Denmark on the Statista top 10? 🤔
If this has whetted your appetite for some speciality coffee, take a look at our Single-origin range and place your order today.