To mark International Coffee Day on October 1, Nescafé is running a competition that celebrates the diverse opinions, rituals, and non-negotiables behind every South African cup of coffee. The competition, called 'Coffee-losophy', invites coffee lovers to share their personal point of view behind their perfect cup. According to Nescafé, every culture has its own way of making a cup of coffee, and South Africa is no different. From a quick morning ritual to a carefully guarded "this is how I take it" that every household knows by heart, coffee plays a significant role in many South Africans' daily lives.

The way South Africans enjoy coffee is changing, with nearly half of the adult population, 22.7 million people, drinking coffee every day. According to data from the Marketing Research Foundation, analysed by Eighty20, coffee consumption in South Africa has increased by nearly 8% year on year. The nation's love for coffee keeps growing, and the way people enjoy it has evolved over time. Iced coffee is no longer just a summer treat, and customisation has become part of the experience. A new generation of coffee lovers is swapping recipes, flavour combinations, and coffee hacks online.

Nescafé believes that there is a philosophy in every cup of coffee. A 'Coffee-losophy' is the personal point of view behind your perfect cup, revealing how you take on life. Whether you're loyal to two spoons of Nescafé Classic with a drop of skimmed milk or you've never measured anything in your life, the brand believes that your coffee moment is unique. Coffee moments are evolving, and the nation's love for coffee keeps growing.

Anna Stewart, business executive officer: beverages at Nestlé East and Southern Africa Region, the maker of Nescafé, says that asking any South African how they take their coffee will get a very specific answer, usually with a story attached. Those little rules and rituals say so much about who we are, and International Coffee Day is the perfect moment to celebrate them. The competition aims to celebrate both the new creations being shared on social media every day and the classic rituals passed down through families.

To enter the 'Coffee-losophy' competition, coffee lovers need to share their coffee recipe, ritual, or a photo of their cup on Instagram, tagging @nescafesa and using the hashtag #Coffeelosophy. The competition is open for one day only, October 1, 2026, and 20 cash vouchers worth R2,000 each will be awarded. Full terms and conditions are available on the Nescafé website.

Behind every cup of coffee, there is a story to tell. From a carefully measured Nescafé Classic to an indulgent Nescafé Cappuccino, every cup has a unique philosophy. The coffee used in Nescafé products is responsibly sourced, supporting farmers to improve their lands and livelihoods. This is a moment to recognise the farmers and communities around the world who grow the coffee we love.

The 'Coffee-losophy' competition is a celebration of the diverse coffee culture in South Africa. With its unique rituals and customs, coffee plays a significant role in many South Africans' daily lives. By sharing their 'Coffee-losophy', coffee lovers can stand a chance to win one of 20 cash vouchers worth R2,000 each.

Key points

  • Nescafé marks International Coffee Day with a competition celebrating South Africans' unique coffee rituals.
  • The competition, called 'Coffee-losophy', offers 20 cash vouchers worth R2,000 each.
  • Coffee consumption in South Africa has increased by nearly 8% year on year.

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SaharaWire Newsroom
SaharaWire

Reporting for SaharaWire from the Nairobi bureau.