COFFEE TRENDS Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

COFFEE TRENDS - Essay Example Due to the high caffeine content and other chemical substances in coffee, it is believed that coffee is addictive, and in addition, health activists claim that to some extent it contributes to weight gain. Nevertheless, since its introduction, coffee has played an imperative role in human lives in various ways such as cultural, social, political, globalization, economical, and medicinal aspects. Coffee is popular in all occasions and is a customary gesture in many societies. For example, it is presented and consumed in many societies whereby it plays various roles with regard to a particular culture. For instance it acts as ethnic or religious representative of many groups, matrimonial or funeral essential commodity, irreplaceable element for individuals and professionals at all times. In addition, coffee is a symbol of hospitability, whereby social hospitable norms of many ethnic and religious groups require them to offer at least â€Å"a cup of coffee to their guests† as their standard etiquette (Topik 86). This is commonly seen in various religious societies, in which guests are often presented with a cup of coffee. For example, Muslims either in Ramadan or in their traditional weddings, keep coffee as a mandatory item for their guests. Similarly, Catholic, Jews and orthodox also keep this social beverage at important events such as funerals, marriage ceremonies, political and social meetings, and most importantly at professional work places (Croegaert 468). Throughout history, coffee houses have been social places for political and revolutionary movements across many nations. Companies such as Starbucks, Nestle, Proctor and gamble among others are popular for promoting a coffee culture where people can go relax in their coffee outlets and lounges, and consequently catch up or discuss political and social issues. Starbucks even went as far as providing Wi-Fi in their coffee lounges in Australia so that customers can