NZ’s passion for good coffee is highlighted by figures from Statistics NZ, which shows we spent almost $50million on importing coffee – up from about $32 million in 2000.

Cafes and restaurants around the country have increased across the same time period, dramatically growing from 4800 outlets to almost 7000.

New Zealand Coffee Roasters Association president Chris Dillon said that coffee consumers are becoming more particular about the coffee they drink – many will now ask for particular blends in cafes.

He calls this change a “third wave culture” and said that the coffee’s country of origin mirrors the wine industry’s concern with where the beverage originates.

Cafes need to modify their ways to accommodate our more “refined” preferences, he said.

“Some people will take it very seriously, like they would with choosing a wine, and will pursue their favourite coffee.

“Most people can’t differentiate where coffee is grown, but there are those who become quite specific, and that’s likely to be the way of the future of the industry.”

Source: NZ Herald 2 August