Coffee: the quintessential morning ritual, the heartbeat of modern café culture, and, after water, the most consumed beverage on Earth.
Each day, nearly two billion cups are enjoyed around the globe — a staggering figure that reveals just how deeply this dark, aromatic liquid is woven into the fabric of everyday life.
But over the past five years, as the world has grappled with a global pandemic, economic uncertainty, and shifting lifestyle preferences, coffee has undergone a transformation. Consumption patterns have changed — some subtly, others dramatically — reshaping the industry from farm to flat white.
This feature explores the evolving landscape of coffee consumption from 2020 to 2024, with a particular focus on the UK’s unique coffee culture. From kitchen counter espresso machines to the revival of independent cafés, this is the story of coffee’s global journey through crisis, change, and comeback.
Brewing Under Pressure: The COVID Effect
In 2021, data on coffee consumption across the 15 most caffeinated countries revealed a noticeable dip in intake — a 4.4 per cent average decline globally. The UK, one of the top consumers, was no exception.
The culprit? COVID-19.
Lockdowns shuttered coffee shops. Office closures meant fewer trips to the workplace kettle or high street café. International supply chains buckled under pressure. And for the first time in decades, the world’s coffee addiction paused — if only temporarily.
“We noticed it straight away,” says Gabrielle Holdgate, Operations Manager at Good Brew, a UK-based coffee subscription service. “Suddenly, people weren’t going out for their caffeine fix — they were trying to recreate it at home.”
Good Brew found itself at the centre of a brewing revolution. The home barista era had arrived.
“Our subscriptions doubled in just a few months,” Holdgate continues. “People became obsessed with getting it right — the grind size, the brewing method, the water-to-coffee ratio. For many, it became a form of escapism during lockdown. Coffee stopped being a morning routine and started becoming a mindful ritual.”
This sudden surge in home consumption offered temporary success. But the growth came with growing pains.
“Demand exploded, but our supply chains struggled,” Holdgate says. “Shipping delays were massive, and a few of our roasters had to shut down temporarily. At one point, we were weeks behind on orders. It was incredibly stressful.”
As the world settled into lockdown rhythms, it became clear that coffee consumption hadn’t disappeared — it had simply shifted from cafés to kitchens. However, not all corners of the industry were able to adapt so swiftly.
Café Culture on the Brink
Independent coffee shops — those cherished community hubs — faced an existential crisis. With high overheads, limited financial buffers, and an income stream almost entirely dependent on foot traffic, many didn’t survive the storm.
Sanchini’s Coffee Bar in Derby was among the lucky few. Run by Alex Rhodes-Doughty and his partner, the café had become a community cornerstone in the village — a go-to stop for walkers, cyclists, and remote workers alike. But March 2020 brought the grind to a halt.
“It was devastating,” Rhodes-Doughty says. “One day we were buzzing with regulars — laptops open, kids running around — and the next, we were shut, with no idea how long it would last.”
What followed was a period of financial uncertainty, mental fatigue, and constant recalibration.
“We didn’t have the safety net of a big chain. We were staring at rent, bills, insurance – with nothing coming in.”
Takeaway orders helped at first, but supply issues soon trickled down to the small operators.
“There were weeks where getting quality beans was nearly impossible,” he recalls. “And the prices were creeping up. Everything from cups to milk was getting more expensive.”
Despite the hardships, Rhodes-Doughty believes the pandemic fostered something invaluable: community resilience.
“When we reopened, people came back in droves. They wanted to support us — they wanted that social connection again.”
Today, Sanchini’s is thriving. While takeaway remains popular, in-house footfall has become the heartbeat once again.
“There’s been a real change,” Rhodes-Doughty adds. “People now treat cafés like community living rooms. They stay longer, they work here, they meet friends. It’s not just about grabbing a coffee — it’s about being part of something.”
A New Brew for Britain
In the wake of the pandemic, UK coffee culture didn’t just bounce back — it evolved. According to Statista data so far in 2025, 63 per cent of UK adults now drink coffee-based beverages regularly, putting coffee neck-and-neck with tea in terms of national preference.
Per capita, Brits now consume an average of 528 cups per year — a clear sign that while the venues and methods may have shifted, the nation’s appetite for caffeine has not waned.
“Coffee has become an identity marker for younger Brits,” Holdgate explains. “Gen Z and Millennials see it not just as a drink but as a lifestyle.”
Indeed, café interiors, latte art, and reusable cups have become social currency on platforms like Instagram and TikTok. Pop-ups, co-working cafés, and eco-conscious brands now dominate high streets. The ‘flat white economy’ is real — and booming.
Asia’s Changing Tastes
While much of the world saw either a return to or surge in coffee consumption, Japan bucked the trend.
A consistent 8.1 per cent decline in national coffee consumption has been noted since 2020, prompting speculation about shifting consumer behaviours.
“The Japanese market is evolving fast,” Holdgate explains. “There’s a growing interest in functional beverages, herbal infusions, and low- or no-caffeine options.”
With an aging population and growing concern about sleep, anxiety, and cardiovascular health, Japanese consumers are increasingly opting for healthier, stimulant-free drinks.
“Decaf and non-caffeinated drinks now make up about 40% of the market,” Holdgate says. “It’s no longer a niche.”
This shift is part of a larger wellness movement across Asia, one that prioritises long-term health over short-term perks.
“It’s not a rejection of coffee,” Holdgate clarifies. “It’s a rebalancing. And that’s something we’re seeing hints of even in Western markets.”
The Economics of Taste
Globally, coffee remains a billion-dollar industry. Australia, for example, has experienced a 40.5 per cent increase in consumption since 2020, thanks to a flourishing café culture and rising disposable incomes.
“The growth there is phenomenal,” says Holdgate. “Australians are passionate about their coffee — they support local roasters, and the café culture is deeply embedded.”
Even in regions facing economic challenges, coffee consumption has held firm, often serving as a small luxury in otherwise stretched household budgets.
“There’s something comforting about that morning cup,” Holdgate adds. “Even when everything else feels uncertain, coffee provides a sense of normalcy.”
Looking Ahead: Sustainability and Innovation
As the industry moves forward, sustainability is becoming the next great frontier. Ethical sourcing, compostable packaging, and carbon-neutral roasting are more than buzzwords — they’re becoming expectations.
Technology is also beginning to leave its mark. Smart machines, AI-driven personalisation, and subscription-based models are changing how people engage with coffee.
“The future is tailored,” says Holdgate. “People want coffee that matches their lifestyle — whether that’s caffeine-free, single-origin, or sustainably sourced.”
Even Rhodes-Doughty is experimenting with innovation at Sanchini’s.
“We’re trialling oat milk loyalty cards,” he laughs. “If you get ten dairy-free drinks, the next one’s on the house.”
He’s only half joking.
The Final Sip
The last five years have challenged the global coffee industry like never before. From the depths of lockdown to the boom of the home-brew renaissance, from struggling high streets to soaring online sales — coffee has proved its adaptability and endurance.
It remains a cultural constant, yet one that reflects and responds to the world around it. Health trends, economic shifts, technological advancement, and global crises all find their echoes in the coffee cup.
Whether you sip a carefully curated pour-over, a chain-store cappuccino, or an instant brew from your office kitchenette, you’re participating in a global ritual that continues to evolve — one cup at a time.
