COFFEE TRENDS Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

COFFEE TRENDS - Essay Example Due to the high caffeine content and other chemical substances in coffee, critics argue that coffee is addictive and to some extent, it contributes to weight gain, thus, its consumption should be restricted. On the contrary, coffee has played an imperative role in human lives in various ways such as cultural, social, political, globalization, economical, and medicinal aspects, and thus its consumption should not be restricted. First, coffee plays a significant role in cultural and customary occasions in many societies. For example, it is presented and consumed in many communities whereby it plays various roles with regard to a particular culture. For instance it acts as ethnic or religious representative of many groups, matrimonial or funeral essential commodity, irreplaceable element for individuals and professionals at all times. In addition, coffee is a symbol of hospitability, whereby social hospitable norms of many ethnic and religious groups require them to offer at least †Å"a cup of coffee to their guests† as their standard etiquette (Topik 86). This is commonly seen in various religious societies, in which guests are often presented with a cup of coffee. For example, Muslims either in Ramadan or in their traditional weddings, keep coffee as a mandatory item for their guests. Similarly, Catholic, Jews and orthodox also keep this social beverage at important events such as funerals, marriage ceremonies, political and social meetings, and most importantly at professional work places (Croegaert 468). Secondly, coffee has been a crucial component of political and revolutionary movements’ gatherings and meetings. Throughout history, coffee houses have been social places for political and revolutionary movements across many nations. Companies such as Starbucks, Nestle, Proctor and gamble among others are popular for promoting a coffee culture where people can go relax in their coffee outlets and lounges, and consequently catch up or discuss po litical and social issues. Starbucks even went as far as providing Wi-Fi in their coffee lounges in Australia so that customers can even work while enjoying coffee and connecting. During the era of globalization and industrialization, coffee places were highly valued, and it represented a culture of class of people. Likewise, this era witnessed increasing activities of social movement groups, and as customary, coffee houses became their favourite meeting places. Hence, people planned, discussed and organised their social and political revolutions in â€Å"kefeteria† or in coffee houses against the government of that time (Croegaert 468). Therefore, restricting consumption of coffee would destroy such cultures and the values attached to it. Thirdly, coffee plays a crucial role in development of economy, which is evident from various companies that have made profit from coffee processing and sales. In the twentieth century, in USA 80% of the coffee production and supply was ass ociated to the four renowned brands namely; Nestle, Proctor and Gamble, Sarah Lee and Philip Morris. Likewise, Starbucks, MacDonald’s and Dunkin doughnuts have been responsible for the expansion of this social beverage throughout the world, especially in USA (Topik 100). With variation in the forms of coffee like espresso, cappuccino, cold-coffee; it overwhelmed cola-drink trend in the youth. Moreover, Dunkin Doughnuts and