Understanding Coffee’s Impact on the Economy

Marissa Kasarov

We love following the latest coffee industry data published by the National Coffee Association. This organization’s insights always prove interesting, and we’re excited to discuss the latest findings regarding coffee and the U.S. economy. Whether you’re thinking about opening a café or are simply a dedicated coffee enthusiast, we think you’ll find these stats enlightening:

Coffee is a Major Contributor to the U.S. Economy

Coffee is one of America’s most beloved beverages. According to a survey conducted by the National Coffee Association, coffee comes in ahead of tap water as the most commonly consumed beverage. Given that amazing statistic, it’s probably no surprise that coffee is a significant driver of the U.S. economy.

Ready for the numbers? In 2015, the impact of the coffee industry was an astounding $225.2 billion. This accounts for approximately 1.6% of the United States’ gross domestic product (GDP). Consumers purchased $74.2 billion of coffee in 2015, and the industry as a whole contributed 1,694,710 jobs to the economy.

A Look at the Multifaceted Coffee Industry

Now that we know the super-sized role of the coffee industry in the economy, let’s look a little deeper into the details.

The majority of the numbers mentioned above are generated through the food service industry. However, the coffee sector is much more involved than meets the eye. Whether you prefer to make coffee at home or enjoy the routine of swinging by your favorite coffee shop, there’s a lot of economic activity that goes into either process.

Just take a look at some of the factors that are part of the industry:

  • Importation of coffee beans
  • Transportation, such as shipping and trucking
  • Coffee roasters
  • Packaging
  • Milk and creamers
  • Sweeteners
  • Additional flavorings
  • Disposable products, such as paper cups
  • Equipment sales and maintenance
  • Wages and taxes
  • Accounting and marketing
  • Induced spending by those in the coffee economy

As you can see, the coffee industry has an enormous economic impact and is only continuing to grow. The numbers reported here are encouraging for café owners and those who are thinking about opening a coffee shop. If you’re ready to take the next step in upgrading or opening your café, we’d love to help you find everything you need to improve operations.

You’ll find all your equipment needs at Voltage Coffee Supply, and we offer a wide selection of products from premium brands. Whether you’ve got your eye on a new espresso machine or would like to purchase a package deal, we’ve got you covered. If you have any questions about financing options or would like additional assistance before purchasing, please contact our team.

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