Whether you're a coffee expert or curious about the forces behind your morning cup, you must, at some point, have wondered about the biggest coffee companies in the world.
Whether you’re a coffee expert or curious about the forces behind your morning cup, you must, at some point, have wondered about the biggest coffee companies in the world.
After all, these caffeine kings don’t just make our mornings brighter; they dominate coffee’s global market.
So, who are the movers and shakers in the coffee world? Grab your favorite mug, get comfy and let’s dive into the world of big coffee companies!
Table of Contents
- The 10 Biggest Coffee Companies in the WorldStarbucks Coffee CompanyKeurig Dr PepperNescaféMcCaféJDE Peet’s Coffee and TeaGreen Mountain Coffee RoastersTim HortonsLavazzaDunkin’ DonutsFolgers
- Other Notable Coffee CompaniesDutch Bros. CoffeeGloria Jeans CoffeeCosta Coffee
- Honorable MentionsMaxwell HouseCaribou CoffeeDeath Wish Coffee
- Which Country Produces the Most Coffee?
- Which Country Imports the Most Coffee?
- Final Thoughts
- FAQ
The 10 Biggest Coffee Companies in the World
Now to our list of the top 10 big coffee brands in the world. As much as possible, I’ve listed the biggest coffee companies in the world per their annual revenues.
While I laud these coffee kings, at Coffeeness, we also champion small independent roasters and encourage you to do so. They, too, make a valuable contribution and add significant value to the global coffee market.
Let’s do this!
Starbucks Coffee Company
Annual Revenues: $32.3 billion
Headquarters: Seattle, Washington, USA
Founded: 1971
What began as a single coffee shop in Seattle has grown into a global coffee phenomenon with over 32,000 coffee shops in 80 countries. More than 50 percent of store locations are in the US. Elsewhere, South Korea, Mexico and the United Kingdom have the bulk of the chain’s outlets.
This unmatched success is down to good coffee and signature Starbucks stores with an inviting ambience. The world’s most popular coffeehouse chain also boasts a diverse menu with a huge selection of specialty coffees and teas.
You’ll find everything at Starbucks from brewed coffee and espresso to the iconic pumpkin spice latte, iced coffees and summer refreshers. Most stores also sell coffee merchandise.
Another plus for Starbucks is its commitment to ethical and sustainable coffee. They source whole beans through their CAFE program, ensuring fair gains for coffee farmers.
And while Starbucks remains the butt of jokes for taking over countless main streets (remember the iconic Simpsons episode?), its strong presence and aggressive marketing strategies have worked. It remains the largest of the big coffee chains.
Keurig Dr Pepper (KDP)
Annual Revenue: $14.1 billion
Headquarters: Burlington, Massachusetts, USA
Founded: 2018
This global beverage company is a merger of two entities – Keurig Green Mountain and Dr Pepper Snapple Group. Its portfolio includes coffee, ready-to-drink teas, carbonated soft drinks, juices, water and more.
KDP’s commitment to excellent coffee at an affordable price is at the heart of its operations. This philosophy cements it as one of the world’s leading coffee brands.
KDP is also synonymous with K cups, convenient single-serve coffee capsules for homes and businesses. And regular Coffeeness readers know how I feel about that particular coffee abomination.
Beyond beverages, KDP prioritizes corporate social responsibility. It’s among the leading coffee brands that strive to support local communities. All while ensuring quality, convenience and sustainability with every cup of joe.
Nescafé
Annual Revenue: $99.3 billion (Nestlé)
Headquarters: Vevey, Switzerland
Founded: 1938
Under the umbrella of Nestlé, this global company has one of the most accessible instant coffee brands in the world: Nescafé. It plays a significant role in making coffee accessible to low income households.
Top-sellers include instant coffee brands Nescafé Original and Nescafé Gold. However, Nescafé’s pride and joy is their luxury George Clooney-promoted Nespresso brand of single-serve coffee pods and machines.
This instant coffee giant remains a trusted global name for those who value flavor, convenience and affordability in their daily coffee ritual.
McCafé (McDonald’s)
Annual Revenue: $23.2 billion
Headquarters: Oak Brook, Illinois, USA
Founded: 1993
Unless you’ve been living on Mars, you’ve definitely heard of McDonald’s and its coffee arm, McCafé. This subsidiary has been integral to the success of the world’s largest fast-food chain since its start in Melbourne, Australia, in 1993.
Surprisingly for a big coffee brand, McCafé sources only the highest-quality Arabica beans. With over 1,300 stores worldwide, this coffee legend is your ticket to coffee on the go.
McCafé remains the trusted choice for those who appreciate rich, aromatic flavors in affordable brewed coffee.
JDE Peet’s Coffee and Tea
Annual Revenue: $8.7 billion
Headquarters: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Founded: 2015
This American-Dutch company launched in 2015 following a merger between Jacobs Douwe Egberts and Peet’s Coffee. By revenue, JDE Peet’s Coffee is now the world’s largest pure-play coffee and tea company, operating in over 100 markets.
Its commitment to quality coffee is at the heart of the company’s success. That’s why it pays top dollar for the finest coffee beans globally. What’s more, it carefully roasts and blends its coffee to ensure the richest flavors.
JDE Peet’s Coffee is also a leader in new brewing technologies. These include single-serve coffee pods that give customers café-quality coffee at home.
Green Mountain Coffee Roasters (JAB Holding Company)
Annual Revenue: $4.5 billion
Headquarters: Frisco, Texas, USA
Founded: 1981
I must mention Green Mountain Coffee Roasters to complete this list of the ten biggest coffee companies worldwide. This renowned coffee company combines the pursuit of coffee excellence with responsible sourcing.
Green Mountain Coffee Roasters is famous for its innovative blends. In addition, its single-serve systems are Keurig-compatible, making it easy to brew on-the-go coffee.
Green Mountain Coffee Roasters understands the importance of quality, constant innovation and sustainability. That’s why they make this list of the top ten largest coffee companies.
Tim Hortons
Annual Revenue: $3.8 billion
Headquarters: Oakville, Canada
Founded: 1964
Tim Hortons (or just Tim’s to its fans) provides quality coffee to Canadians and coffee lovers worldwide. With over 5,600 locations globally, this brand’s offerings extend beyond coffee to include sandwiches, soups and baked goods.
What sets this company apart? It’s enduring commitment to providing a high-quality customer experience. The result? Over 80 percent of Canadians visit Tim Hortons at least once a month!
Turns out Tim Hortons is more than just a coffee brand; it’s a Canadian institution!
Lavazza
Annual Revenue: 2.9 billion
Headquarters: Turin, Italy
Founded: 1895
This iconic family-owned Italian coffee company has been operating for over a century. Plus, it’s been integral in exporting Italy’s rich coffee culture to the world. Coffee connoisseurs love Lavazza for its unique blends that highlight the essence of rich Italian espresso.
Lavazza’s expertise doesn’t just end at coffee; it extends to innovative coffee-making techniques and brewing solutions too. This is evident in its trendy Italian espresso machines and coffee makers.
As a company, Lavazza is an enduring symbol of Italy’s sophisticated coffee culture and dedication to excellence.
Dunkin’ Donuts
Annual Revenue: $1.4 billion
Headquarters: Canton, Massachusetts, USA
Founded: 1950
Dunkin’ Donuts (Dunkin’ to its fans) is a beloved American coffee brand and fast food chain. It specializes in coffee, breakfast sandwiches and donuts, forming an integral part of America’s convenience food landscape.
All Dunkin’s Arabica coffee is expertly sourced and roasted to the highest of standards. With over 9,000 locations in the US and 13,200 locations globally, Dunkin’ Donuts is the go-to stop for on-the-go coffee.
They’re certainly giving McDonald’s a run for their money with their excellent coffee, convenient restaurant drive-thrus and customer loyalty programs.
Folgers
Annual Revenue: $1.1 billion
Headquarters: San Francisco, California, USA
Founded: 1850
Folgers, a name that resonates with every American household, has been a staple in the country’s pantries for over 170 years. The company is famous for its quality coffee at affordable prices. And who can forget the iconic red Folgers canister – the ultimate symbol of American coffee comfort?
What stands out about Folgers is its quality, affordability and accessibility. You’ll likely find this coffee brand in countless grocery stores and convenience stores. Moreover, they offer the convenience of Keurig-compatible single-serve coffee pods.
Folgers is indispensable to coffee enthusiasts who can’t do without their daily go juice. No wonder this brand outsells Starbucks in the ground coffee game!
Other Notable Coffee Companies (We Couldn’t These Leave Out)
Dutch Bros. Coffee
Annual Revenue: $739 million
Headquarters: Grants Pass, Oregon, USA
Founded: 1992
From brewed coffee to its signature frozen coffee, Dutch freeze, Dutch Bros. Coffee is a West Coast coffee chain with an unwavering commitment to crafting quality coffee.
This company has prioritized streamlining the customer experience across its 850 US stores. High among its business goals is a high-functioning mobile app and excellent loyalty rewards.
Dutch Bros Coffee is also lauded for its corporate social responsibility, contributing to various local and national causes. In essence, this coffee company is about more than coffee; it believes in positively impacting communities. This has made it a beloved American brand in the western United States and beyond!
Gloria Jeans Coffee
Annual Revenue: $202.9 million
Headquarters: Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Founded: 1979
Gloria Jeans Coffee is synonymous with premium coffee blends and unforgettable coffee experiences. From a single Chicago coffee and gift shop, this American -Australian company has grown to include 600+ stores worldwide.
The brand also focuses on its eco credentials, prioritizing sourcing sustainable Fairtrade coffee. They also consciously use environmentally friendly coffee packaging in all their products.
Costa Coffee
Annual Revenue: $370 million
Headquarters: High Wycombe, United Kingdom
Founded: 1971
As the only British coffee company on our list, Costa Coffee has rightfully earned its place as one of the most beloved coffee brands in the world. In 2019, Coca-Cola acquired the brand from the Costa brothers, Bruno and Sergio, taking the company to greater heights.
What sets Costa Coffee apart is its commitment to ensuring quality in every cup and a welcoming ambience in over 3,800 stores. Operating in 38 countries, Costa provides customers with a premium coffee experience and food made using the finest ingredients.
Like other brands, Costa Coffee prioritizes responsible coffee sourcing. This company has also placed eco-friendly packaging and recycling at the heart of its operations.
Biggest Coffee Companies: Honorable Mentions
Maxwell House (Kraft Heinz)
Annual Revenue: $650 million
Headquarters: Elgin, Illinois, USA
Founded: 1892
Maxwell House, named for one of its first loyal customers, Nashville’s Maxwell House Hotel, is one of the top coffee brands in the USA. These guys have been delivering affordable, quality coffee to American households for over a century.
Their signature house blend has become a morning ritual for countless coffee enthusiasts. It takes center stage at millions of breakfast tables and family gatherings nationwide.
I’ve included this brand because it has done what many coffee companies haven’t yet: echoed continuity and consistency for over 130 years, providing a familiar taste that generations have come to cherish!
Caribou Coffee
Annual Revenue: $262 million
Headquarters: Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
Founded: 1992
Caribou Coffee is famous for crafting exceptional coffee. They source the finest coffee beans worldwide roasting in small batches to ensure a hearty taste. Besides everyday drip and espresso, Caribou Coffee’s 765 stores offer hand-crafted coffee blends to its loyal customers.
I love Caribou Coffee for its Northwoods-inspired store interiors and friendly, knowledgeable baristas! They truly are a cherished part of the American coffee landscape.
Death Wish Coffee
Annual Revenue: $42.8 million
Headquarters: Saratoga Springs, New York, USA
Founded: 2012
When you think of niche coffee, what brand comes to mind? There’s only one brand that stands out to me, and that’s Death Wish Coffee!
Boasting “the strongest coffee in the world,” this American brand has taken the coffee world by storm. Among its premium delights are innovative blends, with a high caffeine content of up to 472 milligrams per 8-ounce cup!
I love this brand for its bold coffee blends, perfect for those who crave intensity and excitement in their daily brew. Although it’s not the largest coffee company, Death Wish Coffee makes the list because of it’s significant success with very niche products.
Which Country Produces the Most Coffee?
Which country supplies the most coffee to the biggest coffee companies? That would be Brazil, the largest country in South America.
In 2022, Brazil supplied the largest number of 132-pound coffee bean bags to the world’s coffee markets – 51 million. So far this year, production has risen to 54 million bags.
Arabica beans make up 70 percent of exports and Robusta 30 percent. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic and climate challenges, industry experts forecast a rise in Brazil’s coffee production. Projections are in the region of 65 million bags in the 2023/2024 coffee season.
Which Country Imports the Most Coffee?
The US is the world’s largest coffee consumer, importing 26.5 million bags of coffee in 2022. It’s no wonder, seeing as Americans love coffee!
One in three Americans drink coffee every day, and most drink an average of 2-3 cups. What’s more, 65 percent of Americans make coffee an indispensable part of their morning ritual.
They mostly brew it at home, using home espresso machines and other coffee makers. And almost 50 percent drink specialty coffee drinks, such as cappuccino, latte and cold brew coffee on the daily.
The future of the US coffee market looks bright. Coffee shops are thriving, with an average annual growth rate of 7 percent. Given that the vast majority of our largest coffee companies are American, it’s easy to see why!
Final Thoughts
As we wrap up this exploration of the biggest coffee companies, it’s clear that coffee is a global phenomenon that’s here to stay. Whether it’s the most well-known coffee brand Starbucks or dedicated artisanal independent roasters, the coffee industry is a diverse and thriving landscape.
But beyond the beans and brews, these companies represent something greater. They highlight the transformation of coffee from a simple beverage into a cherished daily ritual.
So, the next time you’re sipping on a fall coffee drink at your favorite café or enjoying a flat white at home, remember to raise a cup to these titans of the coffee world!
Do you agree with our list of the top ten largest coffee companies? Are there any you love and feel we should have included? Please share your views in our reader-supported community section below!
Biggest Coffee Companies FAQ
Starbucks is the largest coffee company in the world. It’s the 116th most valuable company, with a market cap of $112 billion (September 2023).
Starbucks is the largest coffee brand in the US, with revenues of 32.3 billion (2022). However, Folgers outranked Starbucks in American ground coffee sales, earning $1.1 billion compared to $500 million for Starbucks.
The United States is the largest purchaser of coffee beans, importing 26,651,000 bags in 2022.
Starbucks is the largest coffee chain worldwide, bringing in an annual revenue of $32.3 billion (2022). This revenue has increased to $35 billion as of June 2023.