For coffee lovers, today is a day to celebrate. Izwan Ismail finds out why

TODAY is special because it’s International Coffee Day (ICD). Celebrated in a few countries for some years already, ICD is a special day for coffee lovers and vendors to celebrate the popular “social” beverage.

While its origin is not known, the first ICD was believed to have been promoted in Japan by The All Japan Coffee Association and celebrated in 1983.

The name International Coffee Day originated from the National Coffee Day in the United States, mentioned publicly as early as 2005.

In other countries like China, it was promoted by the International Coffee Organisation, first celebrated in 1997 and made into an annual celebration in early April 2001.

Other countries which celebrate ICD today are Australia, Canada, England, Sweden, United States, Hungary and Ethiopia.

ICD involves getting discounted drinks from coffee vendors and outlets, learning more about coffee beans, brewing methods and the type of drinks that can be made from coffee, sending e-cards via social media and even joining activities organised by coffee outlets.

In some countries, this day is also used to promote fair trade coffee and to raise awareness about the plight of coffee growers.

Some businesses share coupons and special deals with their loyal followers via social network sites, while some greeting card companies sell National Coffee Day greeting cards, as well as free e-cards to help celebrate the occasion.

REASONS TO CELEBRATE

Malaysians love coffee. This is reflected in the rapid growth of specialty coffee outlets, especially in cities in recent years.

In Kuala Lumpur alone, hundreds of coffee outlets can be found in malls, shop lots, dedicated buildings, etc. These are specialty outlets, but if mamak stalls, local restaurants and kopitiam are included, there are easily thousands of coffee outlets in the country.

This shows how much we love coffee.

From the type of beans used to the variety of coffee drinks prepared and the many creative styles of presentation, these specialty coffee outlets always have customers who want new tastes and style in drinking coffee.

These outlets serve coffee from the best plantations from all over the world like Colombia, Brazil, Guatemala, Kenya, Ethiopia, Sumatra and Costa Rica.

On top of the usual espresso, cafe latte, ice blended and cappuccino, these outlets also have their house signature coffee, one that is designed and prepared by their in-house barista.

In just a few years, we have become a good example of a Southeast Asian country with a growing number of coffee drinkers and many are appreciating good quality coffee.

These are people who used to study, work in countries with a strong coffee culture and now insist on the same standard of coffee back home.

COFFEE CULTURE

Drinking coffee here has become a culture, where people, from teenagers to the elderly drink it regardless of time. Young consumers and business users demand fashionable outlets, different flavours and good presentation.

Coffee has always been a “social” drink, served at meetings, gatherings etc. Modern, comfortable coffee outlets with good WiFi facilities, attract coffee lovers. Specialty coffee drinks that come in cans, such as Wonda, are also gaining popularity.

These offer more reasons to celebrate ICD. It doesn’t matter if your favourite cuppa is plain old kopi-O or the more fashionable cafe latte. It’s time to drink up and know more about your coffee. Happy International Coffee Day!

POPULAR BEVERAGES MADE FROM COFFEE

- Affogato

- Americano

- Cafe au lait

- Cafe crema

- Cafe latte

- Cafe macchiato

- Cafe melange

- Coffee milk

- Cafe mocha

- Cappuccino

- Espresso

- Iced coffee

- Ice blended coffee

- Kopi-O