The United Nations has marked International Coffee Day on October 1 by highlighting the millions of farmers and workers whose livelihoods depend on the global coffee industry. The observance comes as coffee producers continue to face market volatility, rising production costs and climate-related pressures that can affect yields, quality and incomes. Coffee is the world's most widely traded tropical product and one of its most widely consumed beverages.
According to the United Nations, up to 25 million farming households, largely in developing countries, produce about 80% of the world's coffee. Brazil, Vietnam and Colombia are the leading producers, while the European Union and the United States are the largest importing and consuming markets. The UN General Assembly designated October 1 as International Coffee Day through Resolution 80/248, creating an annual opportunity to highlight the contribution of coffee to livelihoods and discuss challenges facing producers and workers.
The UN said every cup of coffee begins far from the table—in the soil, knowledge and labour of farming communities. From fields and forests to ports, cafés and homes, coffee connects people across borders and generations. It is at once a daily ritual, a living tradition and a source of livelihood. Despite strong global demand, the organisation said the economic benefits of coffee are not evenly distributed across the value chain.
Smallholder producers can face volatile prices, increasing production costs and limited bargaining power while receiving only a relatively small share of the value generated between farms and consumers. The coffee journey involves several stages, including cultivation, harvesting, processing, trading, roasting and retail. The UN maintained that decisions at each stage influence where value is created, who carries risks and how production affects people and the environment.
The International Coffee Organization (ICO) continues to monitor developments in the global coffee market through its monthly Coffee Market Report, which tracks prices, trade and supply-and-demand conditions. Its latest reports include data through August 2026. ICO data also illustrates the scale of global coffee trade. World coffee exports reached 12.23 million 60kg bags in July 2026, up from 11.84 million bags in July 2025.
The UN said sustainable production should place farmers' knowledge, livelihoods and the health of local ecosystems at the centre of decision-making. It also highlighted the need for safe working conditions, respect for workers' rights, access to finance, infrastructure, technical expertise and stronger producer organisations. Women and young people are also important to the sector, with the UN calling for equitable access to land, finance, knowledge, leadership and income for women, as well as skills and viable opportunities for young people.
Climate change presents another challenge, with changes in rainfall and temperatures, drought, excessive rainfall, pests and diseases affecting coffee yields, quality and production costs. The UN stressed that climate-resilient agroforestry, soil and water conservation, crop diversification, forest protection, improved planting material and timely climate information can help producers adapt. A fairer coffee economy should enable producers to earn viable incomes, access finance and markets, benefit from decent work and participate in local value addition.
Key points
- The UN calls for a fairer, more resilient and sustainable coffee value chain.
- Up to 25 million farming households produce about 80% of the world's coffee.
- Climate change affects coffee yields, quality and production costs.
