The history of coffee dates back to the Early Middle Ages. It began around 850 AD. According to legend, an Ethiopian shepherd noticed that goats that were chewing on the fruits and shoots of wild coffee trees were running and jumping excitedly. The shepherd shared his observation with the abbot of a local monastery, who decided to brew a decoction from the shoots. After that, the monks and the entire local population became addicted to the coffee brew.
1. Starbucks
The history of one of the best coffee brands today began in 1971. It was then that the “Starbucks Corporation” was formed in the American city of Seattle.
Currently, the company has branches in 70 countries, and there are more than 300,000 coffee shops around the world. At their entrances, you can see the green logo of the company with an image of a mermaid with two tails and a crown on her lush hair.
Annual revenue is about $26.5 billion.
2. Costa Coffee
The coffee shop chain from the British Isles appeared on the coffee market in 1971. Today, it is a leading company engaged in wholesale coffee sales. Costa Coffee is a division of the legendary “Coca-Cola Company”. The annual revenue from the sale of coffee products is approximately $1.5 billion, which puts Costa Coffee in a leading position in the world.
Annual revenue is about $1.54 billion.
3. Dunkin Donuts
“Dunkin’ Donuts” is the name of the company that serves delicious donuts with aromatic coffee in its coffee shops. The company was founded by William Rosenberg in 1950. Today, it is the largest coffee shop chain with excellent coffee and excellent signature pastries. It all started with a dozen people, and by 2020, the company had 270,000 employees.
Annual revenue is about $1.37 billion.
4. McCafé
One of the most recognizable coffee brands worldwide appeared in 1993. It is a chain of coffee shops and small restaurants that serve excellent coffee. It belongs to the corporation “McDonald’s”. “McCafé” establishments are always distinguished by their exquisite atmosphere and the intoxicating aroma of quality coffee.
Annual revenue is about $21.07 billion.
5. Tim Hortons
The Canadian fast-food chain, known for its excellent coffee and delicious donuts, became famous in 1964. By 2020, there were already about 5,000 establishments worldwide, located in 14 countries. It firmly holds the 5th place in the list of the most popular coffee brands in terms of sales volume.
Annual revenue is about $3 billion.
6. Glory Jean’s Coffees
The history of the company began in 1979 when Gloria Jean Kvetko opened a small coffee shop and gift shop in Chicago. In 1986, the Kvetko spouses introduced their brand and the right to use the concept. Today, it is one of the largest coffee shop chains in the world, employing more than 3,000 people.
Annual revenue is about $540 million.
7. Nescafé
Coffee lovers are well aware of the variety of products produced under the brand “Nescafé”. Everyone can choose a drink to their taste. Nescafé is a time-tested company. The first products under this name appeared in 1938 in Switzerland. In addition to traditional instant coffee, the company produces capsules for coffee machines.
Annual revenue is about $99.71 billion.
8. Folgers
Coffee under this brand is produced in the USA and widely sold in Asian countries, as well as in Mexico and Canada. Since the early 1990s, this American brand has been the leader in ground coffee sales in America. The company has been in business since the mid-19th century when William H. Bove began selling roasted coffee and grinding it in his mills in California.
Annual revenue is about $222 million.
9. Keurig
The company began selling its products in 1981. It produces coffee drinks and coffee machines. It all started with the purchase of shares in a declining company, but now Keurig is a leading player in the global coffee market. The company produces more than 400 varieties of coffee and about 60 brands of coffee drinks from coffee beans.
Annual revenue is about $2.86 billion.
10. Maxwell House
It all started in 1884 when grocer Joel Owsley Cheek from Nashville decided to sell coffee. Maxwell House was the first hotel where he placed a trial batch of coffee. The hotel no longer exists, but the brand “Maxwell House” continues to surprise and delight coffee lovers with excellent drinks.
Annual revenue is about $400 million.
This article provides a list of the 10 most famous coffee brands, along with some history and information about their annual revenues. It also includes some interesting facts about the global coffee market.