In the heart of West Africa lies the Ivory Coast (Côte d’Ivoire), a land of striking contrasts and vibrant cultures. Ivory Coast’s history and dynamic arts are rich and popular. This nation is now making a name for itself on the global stage for a long time with an unexpected player: Ivorian coffee

From the sun-drenched fields where farmers toil with hope, to the aromatic cups that enchant coffee lovers from worldwide. The journey of Ivorian coffee is a testimony to strength enduring and renewal. Let us discover this revival journey which is inspiring from seed to cup.

Once a leading coffee producer, Côte d’Ivoire saw its coffee industry decline due to political instability and economic hardships. For decades, the rich, red soil that had nurtured some of the world’s finest coffee beans lay fallow The air no longer buzzed with the vibrant life of bustling coffee farms.

But the sun also rises after the darkest night, and such was the hope of Ivorian coffee. Farmers, most of them compelled by the inheritance of a love for coffee from previous generations.They worked hard at the revival of the fields. New hopes came in hands with years of hard labor, and hopeful hearts dug into the earth in search of a fresh beginning.

After years of chaos on his family’s coffee farm, Adama decided to come back to his roots. With his wife and children by his side, he cleared the overgrown fields, refreshed the soil, and planted new coffee trees.

It wasn’t an easy journey. The Kouassi family fought against all odds: bad weather, market ups and downs, you name it, but it only made them more determined. Sometimes, Adama brought his youngest daughter, Amina, to the fields. She would play while her laughter echoed among the coffee plants. She symbolized hope and the future they were working so hard to secure.

Their labor bears fruit even today. Côte d’Ivoire’s coffee industry is amid a rebirth. Around 2.1 million bags of coffee were harvested in the country in 2023, a giant leap from past years. And the rest is a romantic tale for coffee lovers worldwide: the unique taste of Ivorian coffee, a perfect blend of chocolatey undertones and citrus, is winning their hearts.

International coffee houses and specialty shops are beginning to take note. The rich, aromatic beans from Côte d’Ivoire are finding their way into the cups of discerning coffee lovers from New York to Tokyo. Each sip tells a story of resilience, community, and the unwavering spirit of the Ivorian people.

And all the credit goes to the farmers like Adama. They helped to change the economy of Ivory coast with their coffee and hard labour.

The resurgence of Ivorian coffee is also evident in the market data. In 2024, the revenue generated from coffee sales at home, such as in supermarkets and convenience stores, amounts to a substantial US$15.9 million. 

Meanwhile, out-of-home sales, including those from restaurants and bars, contribute an additional US$15.2 million. Combined, the coffee market revenue for Côte d’Ivoire reaches an impressive US$31.1 million in 2024.

Looking ahead, the revenue from at-home coffee sales is expected to grow annually by 4.98% from 2024 to 2028. This growth is part of a broader global trend where the highest at-home coffee revenue is generated in the United States, amounting to US$11,000 million in 2024. In Côte d’Ivoire, the average revenue per capita for at-home coffee sales is projected to be US$0.54 in 2024.

By 2024, the at-home coffee market in Côte d’Ivoire is expected to reach 1.4 million kilograms. Meanwhile, the out-of-home coffee market is projected to be around 108,300 kilograms.

The total coffee market volume is thus anticipated to be 1.5 million kilograms in 2024. Furthermore, the at-home coffee market volume is expected to grow by 4.1% in 2025, with the average volume per person reaching 0.05 kilograms in 2024.

Source: Statista Market Insights

The coffee market has two main segments: Roast Coffee and Instant Coffee.

Roast Coffee includes coffee in the form of ground coffee and whole beans, prepared with coffee machines or a French press.

Instant Coffee includes soluble coffee that only requires the addition of hot water.

Not included in this market definition are Ready-to-Drink (RTD) coffee beverages, which are categorized separately under the Non-Alcoholic Drinks market.

The coffee market includes several key measures: revenue, average revenue per person, total sales volume, average volume per person, price per kilogram, and various sales channels. These figures consider the entire population of a country or region.

At-home market data covers coffee sales in supermarkets, hypermarkets, eCommerce, convenience stores, and similar channels.

Out-of-home market data includes coffee sales in hotels, restaurants, catering companies, cafés, bars, and similar establishments. In this market, the price always refers to the price per kilogram of the beverage consumed, regardless of other ingredients.Combined numbers encompass both at-home and out-of-home sales. All prices are at retail selling prices, including all sales and consumption taxes.

Prominent players in the coffee market include:

• • Nestlé (e.g., Nescafé and Nespresso)
  • Jacobs Douwe Egberts (JDE)
  • Tchibo
  • Lavazza
  • J.M. Smucker

The revival of Ivorian coffee is a story that goes beyond the bean—it is about communities and individuals whose lives are touched by this rich tradition. Local farmers have formed cooperatives, pooling their resources and knowledge to increase productivity and sustain their livelihoods. Among these, women have taken the front line in activities that bring economic independence and social empowerment. 

Take, for instance, the women are cooperative in the District of Montagnes. Women like Mariam Traoré are not only cultivating coffee but also processing and marketing it. This network of support helps women break free from poverty and inequality, building stronger, more resilient communities.

The economic impact is significant. Selling coffee at home, in supermarkets, and convenience stores is projected to reach US$15.9 million in 2024. Out-of-home sales, including restaurants and bars, would add another US$15.2 million. Combined, Côte d’Ivoire’s coffee market revenue would rise to an impressive US$31.1 million in 2024.

The rise of Ivorian coffee is a testament to the power of resilience and the strength of community. It’s a story that goes beyond the beans and the brews. It’s about people reclaiming their heritage and shaping their destiny. Each cup of Ivorian coffee carries with it the essence of this journey – the struggles, the triumphs, and the dreams of a brighter future.

 So, the next time you enjoy a cup of coffee, remember the hands that cultivated those beans. Think of Adama and Amina, and the countless others whose lives are intertwined with the coffee you savor. The rise of Ivorian coffee is a celebration of life, of hope, and of the incredible human spirit that, like a well-brewed coffee, warms us from within.