October 1, 2026
Beirut: “Lebanon Debate” – Samar dies
Coinciding with the celebration of “International Coffee Day,” data issued by the International Coffee Organization show that global consumption of the drink reached about 10.5 million tons during the 2024-2025 season, recording a 1.4 percent increase compared to the previous season, while about 12.5 million agricultural families around the world depend on coffee as a main source of income, and Brazil, Vietnam, and Colombia top the list of producing countries.
Coffee in Lebanon has a unique character that goes beyond being a traditional drink, as it constitutes an indispensable morning ritual and an essential element of hospitality and social communication. In this context, “Sanaa” (52 years old) says: “I wake up every morning to the smell of coffee before anything else, and I often drink two or three cups during the day, as it is not just caffeine, but a moment of calm that I need.” For his part, “Karim” (34 years old) links coffee to his daily productivity, explaining that every meeting in the office or home work begins with it, in addition to being a daily ritual that he shares with his mother. “Heba” (45 years old) confirms that any home visit is not complete without a cup of coffee, which turns into a space for conversation and rest.
On the other hand, in recent years, the Lebanese market has witnessed a remarkable spread of the “specialty coffee” culture, with the opening of many cafes that offer various types, manual preparation methods, and imported coffee beans. In this regard, “Jack,” the owner of a specialized café in Beirut, says: “The Lebanese customer has become more informed, and no longer asks only about good coffee, but rather about the source of the beans, the roasting method, and the flavor of each type, looking for a complete experience.” Despite the economic conditions and the rise in global coffee prices, demand for these cafes continues to record high rates.
Specialists in behavioral psychology believe that a person’s association with coffee goes beyond the effect of caffeine to include it being an established habit that gives a feeling of stability and reassurance, pointing out that its smell is one of the smells most associated with memory and evocative of childhood scenes and friends’ meetings, in addition to its role as a tool for social communication and a break from the pressure of work.
The presence of coffee has gone beyond the everyday to art and literature. In Lebanese memory, it was linked to Fayrouz’s voice and the atmosphere of the Rahbanis through the song “In Coffee in Mafraq,” while the poet Mahmoud Darwish summarized its emotional value by saying: “I long for my mother’s bread and my mother’s coffee.” The phenomenon of social gatherings and parties centered around coffee and music instead of alcoholic beverages has also recently emerged in cities, meeting the aspirations of young people looking for quiet forms of entertainment.
On this International Coffee Day, coffee proves that it goes beyond being just a hot cup, to remain a continuous story of memory and human encounter that is renewed with every morning.
