New Economic Outlook highlights coffee’s significant contribution to Canada’s economy
It’s a big week for coffee!
Toronto, Ontario, Sept. 29, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — TORONTO, ON – September 29, 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:
- Generates $34.7 billion in total economic output
- Supports nearly 215,000 jobs
- Generates more than $11 billion in wages
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 12th in Toronto at our annual Conference, which this year will explore what we expect the ‘Next Wave’ for coffee to look like.”
About the Coffee Association of Canada
The Coffee Association of Canada (CAC) is the national voice of Canada’s $30 billion coffee industry, representing businesses across the coffee value chain. The CAC works to advance a prosperous future for coffee in Canada through advocacy, research, education and industry collaboration. Follow CAC on LinkedIn, X and Instagram.
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- It's a big week for coffee!
CONTACT: Diane Weber Coffee Association of Canada 2892594737 dianesw@coffeeassoc.com
