New Economic Outlook highlights coffee’s significant contribution to Canada’s economy
TORONTO, ON – September 28, 2026 – As Canadians mark National Coffee Day on
Tuesday, September 29ᵗʰ, the Coffee Association of Canada (CAC) is highlighting the
significant economic contribution behind one of the country’s most popular beverages.
Coffee is a daily ritual for Canadians – the most consumed beverage in the country behind just
tap water, and its impact extends well beyond the cup. New research from the CAC finds that
Canada’s coffee industry:
The figures capture the industry’s direct economic activity, as well as broader activity generated
through its supply chain and household spending related to industry wages.
“Coffee is a small, everyday treat for many Canadians, but the industry behind that cup has a
significant economic footprint,” said Robert Carter, President of the Coffee Association of
Canada. “From importing and roasting to manufacturing, distribution, foodservice and retail,
coffee supports jobs and businesses across the country, including some companies that have
been around for more than 100 years.”
Coffee remains a Canadian daily ritual
Every year, CAC also commissions a proprietary Canadian Coffee Drinking Trends study, which
has tracked coffee consumption since 1998. Canadians are some of the top coffee consumers
globally. Coffee is the country’s most-consumed beverage after tap water, with 71% of
Canadians drinking coffee the previous day in 2025.
At the same time, the way Canadians enjoy coffee continues to evolve. Specialty and
espresso-based beverages, cold coffee, new flavours and different formats are
increasingly part of the coffee experience.
In 2025, 29% of Canadians reported drinking an espresso-based beverage the previous
day, while CAC research has also documented continued growth in cold coffee consumption.
“National Coffee Day is a good opportunity to recognize not only how much Canadians love
coffee, but what the industry contributes to the country,” added Carter. “There is a broad network
of businesses and people behind every cup, creating economic activity and jobs across
Canada. We will be celebrating together as an industry on November 12 th in Toronto at our
annual Conference, which this year will explore what we expect the ‘Next Wave’ for coffee to
look like.”