The Rise of Specialty Coffee in Europe – What You Need to Know in 2025

Europe has long been a continent of coffee lovers. From the elegant cafés of Vienna to the bustling espresso bars of Rome, coffee isn’t just a drink: it’s a ritual, a lifestyle, and increasingly, a craft. But now, something exciting is brewing: specialty coffee is taking center stage across the EU, and it's not just baristas who are paying attention.

A Market on the Move

According to the European Coffee Report 2024/2025 , global coffee consumption is expected to reach over 10.7 million tonnes in 2023/24 , with Europe accounting for nearly 2.53 million tonnes of that total. Within this massive market, specialty coffee, defined as high-quality beans rated above 80 points by organizations like the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA), is growing faster than ever.

Brazil remains the world’s largest producer and exporter of coffee, but it’s also becoming a major consumer itself. However, what’s particularly interesting for European roasters and retailers is that demand for Arabica and specialty varieties is rising sharply, especially in Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands.

In fact, Brazil’s shipments of Arabica beans to the EU27 bloc increased by 26.5% year-on-year in 2023, showing that European buyers are actively seeking out higher quality beans.

East Africa Rises Again

East African countries like Kenya, Tanzania, and Rwanda are also gaining ground in the European specialty coffee market. Kenya saw a 6% increase in exports to the EU in 2024, while Rwanda enjoyed an impressive 18% growth .

These regions are known for producing some of the most sought-after coffees in the world: think bright citrus notes, floral aromas, and complex acidity. This is making them favorites among specialty roasters and third-wave cafés.

Tanzania, once a top-10 supplier to the EU, experienced a slight dip due to climate issues and aging trees, but its potential remains strong. As the report notes, the push toward specialty coffee could help Tanzania reclaim its former position.

The Consumer Shift: More Than Just a Cup

European consumers are evolving. After years of inflation, economic uncertainty, and shifting lifestyles post-pandemic, people aren't just drinking more coffee: they're drinking better coffee .

Freshly roasted beans and whole bean coffee have overtaken instant coffee in many markets, and even at home, Europeans are choosing quality over convenience .

Source: Euromonitor International

“European consumers seem to have opted for the ‘coffee experience’, enjoying their favorite drink at a nice coffee shop or while on holidays. Even at home, they are increasingly opting for fresh coffee.”

This shift aligns perfectly with the rise of specialty coffee shops and independent roasteries that emphasize origin, roast profile, and sustainability.

Intra-EU Roasting Powerhouses

Germany continues to dominate as the EU’s largest importer of green coffee, responsible for 36.6% of all EU imports in 2024 . But it's not just about volume: Germany, along with the Netherlands and Belgium, is also one of the biggest exporters of roasted coffee within the EU.

The Netherlands, in particular, has become a key player in exporting roasted coffee to non-EU countries — especially the United States , where it accounted for 42.4% of all EU roasted coffee exports in 2024.

And guess what? These exports include a growing share of specialty-grade coffee , reflecting both the sophistication of European roasters and the demand abroad for premium products.

VAT & Excise Duties: Good News for Roasters

One thing to note: while excise duties apply to roasted coffee in several EU countries (e.g., Germany: €2.19/kg , Greece: €3.00/kg ), there are exemptions for industrial use. This makes it more attractive for large-scale roasters and private label brands to operate within the EU, further encouraging the growth of specialty coffee production.

Belgium, for example, offers an exemption from excise duty when coffee is used for industrial purposes beyond simple roasting or extract production. That’s great news for companies looking to scale without being hit too hard by taxes.

The Road Ahead

So what does the future hold?

• Sustainability will be key : Consumers are demanding transparency in sourcing, ethical farming practices, and eco-friendly packaging.
• Private label specialty coffee is on the rise: Supermarkets and online retailers are offering branded blends sourced from single-origin farms.
• Coffee pods are declining : While convenient, they’re falling out of favor compared to traditional brewing methods, which better showcase the complexity of specialty beans.

As the report concludes:

“Despite coffee being a relatively inelastic product, the challenging global economic environment may have had a negative impact on its consumption. At the same time, there was a large drawdown of stocks in Western economies...”

But don’t worry: demand is rebounding, and specialty coffee is leading the charge.

Final Thoughts

Whether you're a café owner, a roaster, or simply a coffee enthusiast, it’s clear that specialty coffee is shaping the future of the European coffee market . With growing imports of high-quality Arabica beans, increasing domestic roasting capacity, and a consumer base that values taste and ethics, Europe is well-positioned to remain a global leader in the specialty coffee scene.

So next time you sip that Ethiopian Yirgacheffe or Peruvian Geisha, remember: you're not just enjoying a cup of coffee. You're part of a movement.

Cheers to better brews in 2025!