International Coffee Day 2025

International Coffee Day 2025: Why October 1 Matters and Why Collaboration is the Future



Every year on October 1st, the world comes together to celebrate International Coffee Day. Social feeds fill with latte art, brands release limited editions, cafés run specials, and people raise their mugs with pride. But beyond the hashtags and the brews, there’s a deeper story.

Why October 1? Why not some other date? And what’s the point of dedicating a whole day to coffee, something most of us drink daily anyway? This year’s theme makes those questions even more urgent. Let’s break it down.

Why October 1?

For decades, different countries had their own national coffee days. Japan has celebrated Coffee Day on October 1 since the 1980s. Nepal, Ireland, and others each picked their own dates. It was scattered, disjointed.

In 2014, the International Coffee Organisation (ICO) stepped in. Member states wanted a single, unified global date—a day when all coffee voices could speak together. They chose October 1, launching the first official global International Coffee Day in 2015 at Expo Milano.

The reasoning was practical and symbolic: October marks the start of the new coffee year in producing countries. A global observance creates a louder, collective voice for farmers and the coffee community.

One date ensures the conversation is global, not fragmented. So no, it isn’t random. October 1 is a deliberate call for unity.

The Deeper Purpose of the Day

If International Coffee Day were just about free cappuccinos, it wouldn’t last. The day exists for much more powerful reasons.

It’s about shining a light on the hands behind the cup: the farmers, pickers, processors, millers, roasters, baristas, and traders who turn a seed into a global cultural icon.

It’s about reminding the world of the challenges the sector faces:

• Climate change threatening yields.
• Price volatility that leaves farmers vulnerable.
• Barriers to youth involvement in farming.
• Sustainability concerns across the value chain.

It’s about building awareness and solidarity. Every sip should be a reminder of the work, the risks, the culture, and the people behind it.

The 2025 Theme: “Embracing Collaboration More Than Ever”

This year, the ICO has chosen a theme that couldn’t be more relevant: collaboration. The official campaign name is “Embracing Collaboration for Collective Action.”

What does that mean?

It means recognising that coffee cannot thrive if every actor works in isolation. Farmers need researchers. Exporters need cooperatives. Roasters need stable supply. Consumers need education. Governments need industry voices.

Collaboration isn’t a feel-good buzzword—it’s survival. The campaign pushes for practical partnerships that change lives:

• Shared innovations to fight climate change on farms.
• Equitable pricing models that lift farmers out of poverty.
• Knowledge exchange across continents.
• Gender equality initiatives that empower women producers.
• Youth engagement that brings fresh energy to farming and entrepreneurship.

The ICO is also encouraging people to share their own perspective on collaboration with the phrase “Coffee is collaboration because…” using #ICD2025. It’s a global invitation to add your voice to the story.

A Kenyan Lens on Collaboration

For us here in Kenya, International Coffee Day is more than symbolic—it’s a mirror. Kenyan coffee is world-famous. From the bright SL28s of Nyeri to the complex naturals of Murang’a, our beans are auctioned, brewed, and celebrated across the globe. But the truth is that many Kenyans have never tasted their own coffee fresh.

Why? Because somewhere along the chain, collaboration has broken down. Farmers are often cut off from local markets. Baristas rarely meet producers. Young people see coffee as a finished product, not an opportunity for wealth creation at the production level.

This year’s theme is a challenge to us:

• Farmers and scientists must work hand-in-hand to tackle climate risks.
• Cooperatives and financiers must collaborate to unlock affordable credit.
• Youth and industry leaders must co-create spaces that make farming attractive again.
• Baristas and roasters must connect with producers to tell authentic stories in every cup.

At Over A Drink / Agnimble, we’ve seen the power of collaboration firsthand—whether in cupping sessions where farmers sit beside roasters, or workshops where baristas explain what flavours they’re pulling from beans grown just two counties away. The magic happens when silos collapse.

How You Can Plug Into International Coffee Day 2025

International Coffee Day isn’t just for big organisations or global campaigns. You can play your part too:

• Raise a mug with intention – Enjoy your coffee knowing the story behind it.
• Share a story – Post about your favourite local farmer, roaster, or café using #ICD2025.
• Support local – Buy coffee directly from farmers, cooperatives, or small roasters.
• Join conversations – Attend cuppings, panels, or community events near you.
• Start a collaboration – Even something small, like connecting a farmer with a café, or a barista with a cooperative, makes a difference.

Remember, collaboration doesn’t have to be massive to be meaningful.

Closing Thought

October 1 is not just another date. It’s a reminder that coffee is connection made visible.

This year, as you sip your cup, remember: it’s more than aroma, more than caffeine, more than ritual. It’s a product of collaboration—farmers with nature, communities with markets, nations with one another.

And in 2025, the call is clear: we must embrace collaboration more than ever. Because when we work together, coffee isn’t just a drink. It’s a future worth building.