There has been a lot of debate about which drink people consume the most after water. Some say it’s tea, while others believe it’s coffee. No matter which one wins, one thing is clear: coffee is a huge part of many people’s daily routine.
Did you know that over 70 countries produce coffee, and the global coffee industry was worth $245 billion in 2024 and is expected to cross $380 billion figure by 2034? So, who’s behind this massive industry?
Just like any other industry, the coffee world has major players that bring different coffee types, flavors, and styles to people all over the globe. In this article, we will take a closer look at some of the best coffee brands in the world.
15 Best Coffee Brands in The World
This is no formal ranking but a list made on the basis of the brand’s popularity among the general public. Here are some of the world famous coffee brands.
1. Starbucks
A Quick Look at the History
Starbucks is one of the most well-known names in coffee. It began in 1971 as a small coffee bean store in Seattle, started by Gordon Bowker, Zev Siegl, and Jerry Baldwin. In the 1980s, they sold the company to Howard Schultz, who turned it into a coffee shop chain. His vision helped Starbucks grow into the giant it is today.
What They Offer
As of September 2025, Starbucks is worth about $99 billion, ranking it among the top 150 most valuable companies in the world. Its success is often credited to clever marketing and its wide global presence, with around 40,000 stores worldwide.
Starbucks sells a variety of products, such as:
- Whole-bean coffee
- Snacks and baked goods
- Espresso-based drinks
- Limited-time seasonal beverages
- Sugar-free and low-calorie options
- Non-dairy milk drinks
- Drinks made for local tastes
2. Costa Coffee
A Quick Look at the History
Costa Coffee started in London in 1971 as a small coffee roastery by Sergio Costa. Back then, it supplied coffee to local businesses. It wasn’t until 1981 that they opened their first coffee shop.
Today, Costa Coffee is one of the biggest coffee brands in the UK and has over 4,000 stores in 31 countries.
What They Offer
- Costa Coffee’s menu includes:
- Hot and iced coffee
- Cakes and pastries
- Teas (hot and cold)
- Sandwiches
- Iced blended drinks
- Other snacks
The brand is seen as a premium coffee chain with a loyal customer base. It also gained attention as the first to deliver coffee using drones.
3. McCafé
A Quick Look at the History
McCafé began in 1993 in Melbourne, Australia, as a way to attract more customers to a local McDonald’s. It ended up becoming one of the most successful coffee brands under the McDonald’s name.
What They Offer
McCafé grew fast thanks to the global reach of McDonald’s. It was easier to promote McCafé alongside an already successful fast food chain.
Although McCafé focuses on coffee, it also sells other drinks and snacks, much like a regular café.
4. Dunkin’ Donuts
A Quick Look at the History
Dunkin’ Donuts started in 1948 under the name “Open Kettle” in Boston. It was founded by Bill Rosenberg and originally sold coffee and donuts. In 1950, it was renamed Dunkin’ Donuts, and by 1955, the first franchises were sold.
What They Offer
With over 14,000 stores worldwide, Dunkin’ is known for its coffee and donut combo. This pairing helped make it popular quickly.
Besides coffee and donuts, Dunkin’ also offers:
- Bagels
- Munchkins (donut holes)
- Other breakfast items
Dunkin’ holds about 25% of the donut market, along with other brands like Tim Hortons and Krispy Kreme, which adds to its strength in the coffee industry.
5. Tim Hortons
A Quick Look at the History
Tim Hortons was founded in 1949 by NHL player Tim Horton. The first restaurant in North Bay, Ontario, didn’t even sell coffee at first, as it focused on hamburgers. Over time, the brand shifted to selling coffee and donuts, which became the core of its business.
What They Offer
Tim Hortons is a major player in Canada, showing some of the highest sales numbers in the country. It is now a global fast food chain that serves:
- Hot and iced coffee
- Donuts
- Hot chocolate
- Cold drinks
- Baked goods like cookies, croissants, and muffins
With strong brand recognition and many loyal customers, Tim Hortons has made a name for itself far beyond Canada.
6. Nescafé
A Quick Look at the History
Nescafé is a mix of the words “Nestlé” and “café.” It was created by Nestlé in 1930 to deal with coffee bean surpluses in Brazil. Over time, Nescafé became a go-to brand for instant coffee lovers all over the world.
What They Offer
Nescafé is popular because:
- It’s easy to find globally
- It offers a quick alternative to brewed coffee
- It’s usually more affordable
On top of that, Nestlé’s large budget and strong marketing helped Nescafé grow fast and reach millions of customers.
7. Gloria Jean’s Coffees
A Quick Look at the History
Gloria Jean’s started in 1979 as a small coffee and gift shop in Chicago, founded by Gloria Jean Kvetko. It gained global popularity after its franchising rights were bought by Retail Food Group, a large restaurant company.
What They Offer
Now available in over 40 countries with more than 900 stores, Gloria Jean’s offers:
- Specialty and gourmet coffee
- Baked goods
- Desserts
Although the brand has faced some public challenges, including food safety concerns and controversies, it still remains a favorite for many coffee lovers and one of the best coffee brands in the world.
8. Keurig
A Quick Look at the History
Keurig was created in 1992 by two college friends, Peter Dragone and John Sylvan. They came up with the idea of single-serve coffee pods and a machine to brew them. Their goal was simple: give people fresh coffee, one cup at a time.
What They Offer
Keurig made a big name for itself and now holds around 11.7% of the coffee pod market. Some of its most popular products include:
- Keurig K-Cup brewing systems
- Different types of coffee machines
- A wide variety of drink options
Keurig shows how a fresh idea can completely change an industry.
9. Folgers
A Quick Look at the History
Folgers has a long history. It all started when William H. Bovee opened a company called Pioneer Steam Coffee and Spice Mills. He hired J.A. Folger to help build the business. Over time, Folger invested in the company and eventually bought it in 1872, naming it J.A. Folger & Co.
What They Offer
Today, Folgers is owned by the J.M. Smucker Company and is best known for its ground coffee. The brand grew quickly, especially after being bought by Procter & Gamble in 1963.
Now, Folgers sells ground coffee, instant coffee, and coffee pods. At one point, it even outsold Starbucks in terms of cups consumed.
10. Maxwell House
A Quick Look at the History
Maxwell House was founded by Joel Owsley Cheek in 1892. He named the brand after its first major client, the Maxwell House Hotel in Nashville, Tennessee.
What They Offer
This brand is easily recognized by its famous slogan: “Good to the last drop.” It’s one of the top-selling coffee brands in the U.S.
Today, Kraft Heinz owns Maxwell House in North America, while JDE Peet’s manages the international division. Maxwell House is especially popular for its decaffeinated coffee.
11. Eight O’Clock Coffee
A Quick Look at the History
Eight O’Clock Coffee has been around since 1859, introduced by The Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company (A&P). It was one of the earliest brands to be sold in grocery stores.
What They Offer
In 2006, Tata Coffee bought the brand. Even today, the manufacturing facility remains in Landover, Maryland.
Eight O’Clock offers nearly 20 types of coffee, including:
- French Roast
- Hazelnut
- Decaf
- Italian Espresso
- Mocha
This wide range of choices is what keeps customers coming back.
12. Nespresso
A Quick Look at the History
Nespresso is a part of the Nestlé Group and was invented in 1975 by Eric Favre, a Nestlé employee. He got the idea while visiting a café in Rome and noticed that extra pressure when pumping espresso created more foam and better flavor.
What They Offer
Inspired by that observation, Eric developed a unique coffee system using that same pressure principle.
Today, Nespresso sells machines and coffee pods directly to individuals and businesses. The brand is known for its sleek machines and a wide variety of coffee pod flavors designed to pair perfectly with its systems.
13. Gevalia
A Quick Look at the History
Gevalia began in 1853 in Sweden and was founded by the company Victor Theodore Engwall & Co KB. It became popular across Northern Europe, especially thanks to creative ad campaigns in the 1990s focused on “unexpected visitors.”
What They Offer
Now a subsidiary of Kraft Foods, Gevalia offers:
- Over 30 types of coffee
- Keurig-compatible coffee pods
- Iced coffee
- Ground coffee packets
Its smooth, rich taste and high-quality beans from around the world have helped it build a loyal fan base.
14. Peet’s Coffee
A Quick Look at the History
Founded in 1966 by Alfred Peet in California, Peet’s Coffee introduced strong, dark roast coffees like French Roast and Arabica to the U.S. market. Today, the brand is owned by JAB Holding Company.
What They Offer
Peet’s shops have a classic, cozy vibe, and the brand is known for its carefully roasted beans.
Peet’s built its reputation on specialty coffee and is best known for its freshly roasted blends. Because of Alfred Peet’s influence on the American coffee scene, he is often called the “Grandfather of Specialty Coffee.”
15. Lavazza
A Quick Look at the History
Lavazza is a famous Italian coffee brand that started in 1895 when Luigi Lavazza opened a small grocery shop in Turin. Over the years, the business grew and is now run by the third and fourth generations of the Lavazza family.
What They Offer
What makes Lavazza special is its global sourcing. The brand imports coffee beans from countries like:
- Brazil
- Costa Rica
- Indonesia
- Colombia
- Mexico
- Honduras
This global blend gives Lavazza a unique taste that many coffee lovers appreciate. According to the company, 16 out of 20 million coffee-drinking families in Italy prefer Lavazza, showing just how popular it is in its home country.
FAQs
What are the top 10 coffee brands in the world?
- Starbucks
- Costa Coffee
- McCafé
- Dunkin’ Donuts
- Tim Hortons
- Nescafé
- Gloria Jean’s Coffees
- Keurig
- Folgers
- Maxwell House
Which coffee brand is best in the world?
- Starbucks
- Nescafe (Nestle)
- Folgers
- Costa Coffee
- Keurig
Which country is the biggest producer of coffee?
Brazil; it produces 268 million metric tons of coffee on average every year.
Final Thoughts
So, these were some of the best coffee brands in the world. They didn’t become household names overnight. They used smart ideas, strong marketing, and a focus on quality to grow their businesses. Whether it’s through innovation, tradition, or flavor variety, each one has carved out its own space in the coffee world.
If you are studying business or thinking about starting your own company, these stories can offer valuable lessons on how to build and scale a brand.
Stay tuned to our blog for more simple and practical insights into business, marketing, and entrepreneurship.