The 10 Largest Coffee Companies In The World

The coffee industry is a colossal market that continues to thrive, with global consumption exceeding 2.25 billion cups daily.

In fact, the coffee sector contributes approximately 1.6% to the United States GDP, making it the second most traded commodity globally, following oil.

For investors, market analysts, or coffee enthusiasts looking to launch their own business, understanding the giants of the coffee industry is crucial to grasping current trends and successful practices.

However, this vast market is multifaceted, featuring supply chains that encompass a variety of businesses that collaborate to deliver coffee to consumers.

In this article, we will focus on one prominent segment of the coffee landscape – coffee chains.

These chains are highly visible and play a significant role in shaping consumer preferences and demand.

The ten largest coffee companies in the world in 2023 are:

The 10 Largest Coffee Companies in the World: A Closer Look

1. Starbucks. Headquarters: Seattle, Washington

   2023 Annual Revenue: $32.25 billion

   Starbucks is undoubtedly the most popular coffee chain globally, with over 30,000 stores worldwide.

   One of the key factors behind its success is its pivotal role in transforming coffee culture, particularly in the United States.

   Before Starbucks was established in 1971, coffee shops were relatively rare outside of Europe and Australia.

   Most Americans knew coffee primarily from bulk-packaged drip coffee they brewed at home or consumed at work.

   By emulating European café culture, Starbucks created a social environment where patrons could relax with friends over a cup of coffee.

   Additionally, the brand’s ongoing innovation in creating and marketing various novelty coffee drinks has broadened its appeal to a wider audience.

   Starbucks beverages often contain more sugar than many sodas.

   Despite the emergence of many other coffee chains, Starbucks remains the dominant player in terms of revenue and store count.

   In fact, outside of California, Texas has the highest number of Starbucks locations in the U.S.

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2. Panera Bread. Headquarters: St. Louis, Missouri

   2023 Annual Revenue: $2.8 billion

   Panera Bread employs a strategy similar to Tim Hortons, focusing on food items as much as coffee.

   While coffee sales represent a substantial portion of the chain’s revenue, their marketing emphasizes food offerings like bread, soups, and pastries.

   Panera also mirrors Starbucks in creating a welcoming atmosphere that encourages customers to linger and socialize.

   The warm, inviting interiors and pleasant lighting of most stores enhance this experience.

   As of now, Panera Bread operates 2,158 locations across the United States and Canada.

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3. McCafe. Headquarters: Oak Brook, Illinois

   2023 Annual Revenue: $2.42 billion

   Founded in 1993, McCafe operates under the larger McDonald’s brand.

   The chain has expanded to 1,300 locations worldwide.

   Interestingly, McCafe’s competition is not solely with Starbucks but also with Dunkin’ Donuts.

   Both chains cater to customers seeking affordable, straightforward coffee, typically for a quick caffeine boost.

   However, McCafe benefits from McDonald’s established supply chains and logistics networks, allowing it to maintain lower costs.

   Recently, McCafe has increasingly targeted Starbucks’ customer base by introducing new novelty coffee drinks.

   Interestingly, in states like Maine and Michigan, there are more McCafes than Starbucks.

4. Lavazza. Headquarters: Turin, Italy

   2023 Gross Annual Revenues: $2.7 billion

   Lavazza may seem an unexpected entry on this list for U.S. residents.

   With only a handful of stores outside Italy, most of the brand’s revenue comes from packaged products sold in grocery stores.

   Lavazza strategically positions its upscale coffee bars in high-end hotels to cultivate a luxury brand perception.

   By focusing on image and crafting unique, rich coffee blends, Lavazza has carved out a niche as the go-to brand for premium coffee experiences.

5. Tim Hortons. Headquarters: Oakville, Canada

   2023 Annual Revenue: $2.63 billion

   Founded in 1964 by its namesake, Tim Hortons has expanded to 4,846 locations across 14 countries.

   Their growth and ongoing success can be attributed to several factors:

   • Food focus. While Starbucks is perceived primarily as a coffee chain that offers snacks, Tim Hortons markets itself differently, attracting customers for its donuts and pastries along with coffee orders.

   • Cost and perception. Many consumers view Dunkin’ Donuts as a budget option and Starbucks as a luxury choice. Tim Hortons strategically positions itself as an affordable alternative offering quality coffee.

   • Canadian identity. Tim Hortons leverages Canadian pride in its marketing, incorporating national symbols and themes into its branding.

6. Dunkin’ Brands. Headquarters: Canton, Massachusetts

   2023 Annual Revenue: $1.25 billion

   Dunkin’ Donuts, established in 1950, has grown to over 11,300 locations globally.

   The brand emphasizes speed, consistency, and affordability as its competitive advantages.

   In contrast to Starbucks’ focus on creating a luxurious atmosphere, Dunkin’ opts for a more streamlined, functional approach.

   Most Dunkin’ locations are compact with minimal seating, catering primarily to customers looking for fast, inexpensive coffee.

   This approach has proven effective, as evidenced by the chain’s extensive store presence and revenue.

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7. Costa. Headquarters: Dunstable, United Kingdom

   2023 Annual Revenue: $1.17 billion

   Often referred to as the European counterpart to Starbucks, Costa Coffee shares a similar business model focused on enhancing customer experience.

   Both brands were founded in 1971 and boast inviting store environments.

   With 3,401 locations worldwide, Costa has successfully mirrored Starbucks’ business strategies.

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8. Peet’s Coffee. Headquarters: Emeryville, California

   2023 Annual Revenue: $983 million

   While Starbucks caters to a wide audience, Peet’s Coffee focuses on specialty, artisan coffee for enthusiasts.

   From its humble beginnings as a single stand, Peet’s has grown to 200 locations across the United States and one in China.

   Their stores, while smaller and cozier than Starbucks, offer a similarly inviting ambiance.

   Peet’s products typically command a higher price point, and their unique coffee blends are available in over 14,000 stores nationwide.

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9. Dutch Bros Coffee. Headquarters: Grants Pass, Oregon

   2023 Annual Revenue: $739.0 million

   Though Dutch Bros has 379 locations across the western United States, a significant portion of its revenue comes from Oregon.

   The brand’s marketing strategy is tailored to resonate with the urban and suburban cultures in Oregon.

   In areas like Portland, consumers increasingly favor brands that prioritize:

   • Transparency

   • Environmental sustainability

   • Employee satisfaction

   • Support for local businesses

   Many customers perceive Dutch Bros as successfully addressing these values, contributing to its popularity.

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10. Caribou Coffee. Headquarters: Minneapolis, Minnesota

    2023 Annual Revenue: $262 million

    Caribou Coffee operates 273 locations in the U.S. and franchises another 203 stores worldwide.

    The brand is known for its lightly roasted coffees and unique fruity flavors often found in chai tea.

    A significant factor in their success is the extensive training of baristas, enabling them to engage customers and foster a welcoming atmosphere.

    States that prefer independent coffee shops over larger chains include Delaware and Montana.

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Largest Coffee Company FAQ

1. What age group consumes the most coffee?

   Individuals aged 70 and older consume the most coffee, averaging 2.18 cups per capita daily. Those aged 25 to 29 follow closely with an average of 2.15 cups per day.

2. Which country is the largest coffee producer?

   Brazil leads global coffee production, yielding 62.6 million 60 kg bags. The top five coffee-producing countries include:

   • Brazil (62.6 million bags)

   • Vietnam (30.2 million bags)

   • Colombia (12.6 million bags)

   • Indonesia (11.3 million bags)

   • Ethiopia (8.2 million bags)

3. What is the current value of the coffee industry?

   The global coffee industry is valued at $495.50 billion as of 2023. The United States contributes $95.58 billion, the highest of any country worldwide.

Author

Alvin Juline

Alvin Juline is a writer dedicated to helping you advance your career. He graduated from Indiana University Bloomington with a BS in computer science.