Türkiye’s coffee culture is undergoing a remarkable revival. While the UNESCO-recognized tradition of Turkish coffee continues to thrive in homes and neighborhood coffeehouses, a new wave of “third-generation” specialty cafés has spread across major cities, introducing younger generations to single-origin beans, alternative brewing methods, and barista-led workshops.
This dual landscape—traditional coffeehouses serving Turkish coffee alongside modern cafés showcasing global coffee trends—illustrates how Türkiye’s coffee culture is both preserving heritage and adapting to global demands.
The Rise of Coffee Consumption in Türkiye
Although Turkish coffee has been a cultural staple for centuries, the country’s true diversification in coffee consumption began in the 2010s. During this period, international brands expanded into Türkiye, fueling curiosity for espresso-based drinks, cold brews, and imported blends.
According to data from the International Trade Centre (ITC) and the Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK), Türkiye spent 2.7 billion dollars on coffee imports between 2015 and 2024. In 2015, Türkiye’s coffee import bill was 153.3 million dollars, but by 2024 it had surged by 224 percent, reaching nearly 497 million dollars.
Exports, however, lagged behind. Between 2015 and 2024, Türkiye exported only 354.5 million dollars’ worth of coffee, with 55.6 million dollars recorded in the first half of 2025. This trade imbalance reflects Türkiye’s strong appetite for imported beans and coffee concentrates.
Who Supplies Türkiye’s Coffee?
Türkiye’s coffee imports are dominated by Brazil, which supplied 1.77 billion dollars’ worth of coffee over the past decade. Other key suppliers include:
The Netherlands (201 million dollars)
Italy (100.4 million dollars)
Germany (80.9 million dollars)
Colombia (79.9 million dollars)
In just the first six months of 2025, Türkiye imported 472.5 million dollars’ worth of coffee, with Brazil alone contributing 319.1 million dollars.
Global Coffee Trade: The Bigger Picture
Coffee is one of the most valuable commodities in the world. Between 2015 and 2024, global coffee imports reached 370.3 billion dollars, with the United States leading the market at 69.2 billion dollars. Germany followed with 41.9 billion dollars, and France ranked third with 28.9 billion dollars.
Other major importers included Italy, Canada, Belgium, Spain, Japan, the Netherlands, and Switzerland. Collectively, these ten countries accounted for 64.4 percent of global coffee imports, spending 238.5 billion dollars over the past decade.
On the export side, Brazil remains the undisputed leader, earning 62 billion dollars between 2015 and 2024. Switzerland (28.6 billion dollars) and Colombia (28.6 billion dollars) ranked next, followed by Germany, Vietnam, Italy, Honduras, France, Belgium, and Indonesia.
Overall, global coffee exports reached 360.3 billion dollars in the past ten years.
The Enduring Power of Turkish Coffee
While imported beans dominate trade figures, the heart of Türkiye’s coffee culture remains its iconic Turkish coffee. Added to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list, Turkish coffee is not only a drink but also a symbol of hospitality, conversation, and cultural identity.
Neighborhood coffeehouses continue to serve Turkish coffee brewed on embers, often accompanied by lokum (Turkish delight). For many, these establishments represent continuity and cultural belonging in an era of rapid globalization.
Youth Driving the Third-Wave Coffee Movement
At the same time, Türkiye’s younger population is at the forefront of adopting third-wave coffee culture. Specialty cafés in cities like Istanbul, Ankara, and İzmir organize brewing workshops and promote single-origin beans from Ethiopia, Colombia, and Kenya.
This shift reflects a desire for both quality and experience. For young professionals and students, visiting a specialty café is about more than caffeine—it is about lifestyle, socializing, and connecting with global coffee movements.
Climate Challenges Threatening Coffee and Cocoa
While consumption is rising, climate change is putting pressure on global coffee and cocoa production. According to Bloomberg, Côte d’Ivoire experienced its driest 30-day period in 46 years this summer. Farmers report that cocoa pods are stressed, with leaves falling and young pods turning black or yellow due to lack of rainfall.
Similar risks threaten coffee plantations worldwide. Lower rainfall and prolonged droughts reduce yields and affect bean quality, potentially pushing prices higher. New York cocoa futures, which hit record highs in December, remain historically elevated.
A farmer in Ghana described the situation bluntly: “We have not had proper rain for months. Small showers come, but they are not enough. The flowers are drying, and pod development is weak. We urgently need more rainfall.”
For Türkiye, which imports most of its coffee, such global supply challenges could translate into higher prices for consumers and cafés alike.
Türkiye’s Coffee Future
Türkiye’s coffee market sits at the crossroads of heritage and globalization. On one hand, Turkish coffee continues to define cultural identity and daily rituals. On the other, imported beans, specialty cafés, and changing consumer habits are integrating Türkiye into the global coffee economy more deeply than ever before.
The challenge ahead will be balancing tradition with innovation, ensuring that Turkish coffee retains its cultural prominence while embracing new tastes and practices shaped by global trade and climate realities.
Editorial Perspective
The story of coffee in Türkiye reflects broader cultural and economic dynamics. From the neighborhood café serving közde pişmiş Türk kahvesi to the third-wave barista offering Ethiopian pour-over, coffee is a lens through which to view Türkiye’s evolving society.
At the same time, the reliance on imports makes Türkiye vulnerable to global market shifts. Climate pressures in producing countries could push prices higher, creating challenges for both consumers and small businesses.
Ultimately, the resilience of Turkish coffee culture, combined with the growing sophistication of coffee enthusiasts, suggests that Türkiye will continue to be both a guardian of tradition and a dynamic participant in the global coffee scene.
