"Tea or Coffee"

What sparked the idea for this article? Well, I've always been an avid tea drinker, easily guzzling more than a liter a day without much fuss over the variety, except for Earl Grey, which I steer clear of due to my aversion to bergamot.

My tea preferences vary from black to green to herbal, depending on the time of day or what I'm eating. So, when Lukas Grosfeld , the co-founder of Wakuli Koffie , a specialty coffee company, reached out to me about his latest capital raise, I realized it was high time I deepened my knowledge of the coffee world.

The journey from a simple coffee pip to the elaborate roasting process and, finally, the barista's artistic finish fascinates me. It's a complex chain, often leaving the growers and consumers at a disadvantage. Wakuli's mission, "No More Bad Coffee" and "Great Coffee for Everyone" playfully challenges those classic Hollywood diner scenes where there's always a pot of coffee brewing, often depicted as less than stellar.

Over 50 countries produce coffee commercially, with the world consuming more than 3 billion cups daily. The majority of coffee produced is exported, generating approximately $20 billion annually in export revenues. The global coffee industry's yearly income surpasses $200 billion, supporting around 25 million farming households. In total, coffee provides a livelihood for at least 100 million families worldwide. (source S&P Global Commodity Insights). Meanwhile, While three-quarters of tea produced is consumed domestically (China, India, Indonesia..) and it is projected to generate a revenue of US$127.3bn in 2024 (source Statistica). According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), over 13 million people, including smallholder farmers and their households, depend on the tea sector for their livelihoods (source FAO).

I can’t reconcile the 100 million for coffee and only 13 million for tea, I guess neither of them is correct.

In the world of hot beverages, tea and coffee reign supreme. Much like the eternal debate between Beatles and Rolling Stones fans, your preference for tea or coffee can say a lot about you.

Choosing tea often suggests a preference for a more contemplative, serene approach to life. Tea drinkers might be seen as individuals who value tradition, calmness, and mindfulneses. They may enjoy the ritual of brewing tea, appreciating the delicate flavours and the tranquillity it brings to their day. Tea enthusiasts often seek moments of peace amidst the chaos, valuing wellness and a more measured pace of life. In "Equalizer 3," upon requesting tea at a bar in southern Italy, Denzel Washington (aka Robert McCall) is instead served coffee, accompanied by the apology, "I'm sorry, but tea is for old ladies and Englishmen."

On the other hand, coffee aficionados might be viewed as dynamic, energetic individuals with a zest for life. They often thrive on the stimulant effects of coffee, using it as a kickstart for their days. Coffee lovers could be seen as social beings who enjoy the camaraderie of coffee shop culture :

• I don’t know of an equivalent to Starbucks for tea drinkers, do you?
• In France, for years there was a TV show called Camera Café, it ran 570 episodes…

Put differently, coffee is for the crowd, tea for intimate moments, as the 1924 tune "Tea for Two" by Vincent Youmans suggests.  

Did you know that both beverages have their own international days? Tea is celebrated on May 21st, and Coffee on October 1st.

In the quest for longevity and well-being, recent research highlights coffee's potential health advantages, though green tea is often celebrated for its superior antioxidant capabilities, outshining black tea. Caffeine, present in both, offers anti-inflammatory benefits that guard against cardiovascular illnesses. A significant study involving over a million participants found that those consuming 3 to 5 cups of these beverages daily were around 15% less likely to suffer from heart attacks or strokes than non-drinkers. Intriguingly, caffeine is also being explored for its potential benefits in combating Alzheimer's disease.

If you think I've yet to settle the Beatles vs. Rolling Stones discussion, here's my perspective:

The Beatles fans are often seen as appreciating the nuances of innovation, melody, and lyrical depth. The Beatles, known for their revolutionary approach to music and recording techniques, appeal to those who value creativity, emotional expression, and the evolution of pop and rock music. Fans might resonate with themes of love, peace, and introspection, reflecting a hopeful, sometimes idealistic outlook on life. The Beatles' diverse discography, from the simplicity of "Love Me Do" to the complexity of "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band," attracts listeners with eclectic tastes and a penchant for artistic exploration.

The Rolling Stones enthusiasts, by contrast, might be characterized by a raw, edgier disposition, mirroring the band's rebellious spirit and blues-infused rock. The Stones' gritty sound and themes of defiance, freedom, and resistance appeal to those with a bold, adventurous spirit. Fans of The Rolling Stones might value authenticity, resilience, and the unvarnished truths of human experience, drawn to the band's enduring energy and their ability to embody the essence of rock 'n' roll's rebellious side. Their music, from the hard-hitting "Jumpin' Jack Flash" to the brooding "Paint It Black," resonates with individuals who appreciate strength, endurance, and the complexity of the human spirit.

I rest my case, I am a tea drinker and a Beatles fan…