Ask any Kiwi what gets them through the day, and chances are “coffee” will be near the top of the list. From the early morning flat white to the mid-arvo long black, coffee fuels workplaces across the country. But just how much coffee are we really drinking? Spoiler: it’s more than you might think.
The Numbers Don’t Lie
New Zealand ranks among the top coffee-consuming countries per capita, with Kiwis drinking an estimated 3.7kg of coffee per person every year. That puts us well above the global average.
To put that into context, the global coffee consumption has been steadily rising, with demand expected to hit record highs in 2024. New Zealand is right up there with the big players, which is pretty impressive for a small country.
Coffee and the Workplace
Coffee isn’t just a home ritual - it’s woven into workplace culture. Research shows that 77% of employess say coffee breaks improve their workday. In New Zealand offices, those coffee breaks are often when ideas are shared, quick catch-ups happen, and team culture grows stronger.
That’s why office coffee machines are no longer seen as a luxury. They’re part of smart workplace coffee solutions that boost productivity and morale while keeping staff onsite.
Why We Drink So Much
There are a few reasons why New Zealanders punch above their weight in coffee consumption:
- Café culture: With one of the highest café-to-population ratios in the world, grabbing a flat white has become second nature.
- Quality expectations: Kiwis are fussy about taste. Instant coffee doesn’t cut it, which means offices need machines that deliver barista-style results.
- Workplace demand: Busy schedules mean staff don’t always have time to duck out. A reliable office coffee supplier helps keep the caffeine flowing without leaving the building.
The Cost of Café Runs
Let's crunch the numbers. The NZ median wage is $33.56 an hour. If a coffee run takes 15 minutes, that’s about $8–9 in lost time per person. Multiply that across dozens of staff, and the annual cost of leaving the office for coffee can reach tens of thousands of dollars.
That’s why a cost-effective coffee solution like a machine on rental or free on loan makes so much sense. It keeps staff onsite, saves money, and still delivers the quality everyone expects.
Bottom Line
Kiwis love coffee, and the numbers back it up. With one of the highest per-person consumption rates in the world, investing in workplace coffee solutions isn’t just a nice-to-have - it’s a smart move.
