Nigeria is a country renowned for its tea culture, and unlike many other countries, coffee consumption is not widespread. Although the reasons for this might be multi-faceted, cultural, and economic factors may also play a significant role.
Firstly, Nigerians have a rich tea culture that has been deeply ingrained in their society. This tradition dates back to the pre-colonial era, where kola nuts known as Oji by the Igbos, Obi by the Yorubas, and Gworo by the Hausas, were the main source of caffeine used in social gatherings. Today, the culture has evolved to include a wide variety of tea blends, from herbal infusions to traditional black tea.
Secondly, the cost of specialty coffee is another factor. Nigeria is an agricultural country that produces some of the world’s finest coffee beans. Yet, ironically, coffee prices are quite high due to the lack of local consumption, and high levels of importation of foreign coffees from all around the world which makes it almost impossible for an average Nigerian to afford. Instead, they opt for more affordable beverages like tea, which is grown locally.
Furthermore, the availability of coffee shops and cafes in Nigeria is relatively low compared to other countries. In Lagos and Abuja, for example, the most populous city, there are only a few coffee shops compared to numerous tea shops. This lack of accessibility limits exposure to the beverage, making it harder for Nigerians to develop a taste for it.
Coffee culture in Nigeria is not as popular as it is in other parts of the world. But with the rise of international coffee shops like Starbucks, it’s high time Nigerians started embracing the goodness that comes with coffee drinking.
This has inspired us as a brand and we are on a mission to change the mentality of Nigerians towards coffee culture, and here are some ways we intend to change this as a brand:
1. Organize coffee-tasting events: This will provide an opportunity for people to sample different types of coffee and learn about their origins, flavors, and roasting techniques. Nigerians love to explore new things, so this is sure to be a hit.
2. Create social media campaigns: social media is a powerful tool that can be used to promote coffee culture in Nigeria. By creating engaging content, Nigerians can be introduced to different coffee blends, brewing techniques, and the benefits of coffee drinking.
3. Promote locally grown coffee: Nigeria is blessed with some of the best coffee beans in the world, yet most Nigerians are not aware of this. By promoting locally grown coffee, Nigerians can be encouraged to support the local economy and experience the unique flavor of Nigerian coffee.
4. Provide coffee education: Many Nigerians do not know how to prepare coffee at home. By providing coffee education on how to grind, brew and serve coffee, Nigerians can learn to make their coffee at home and appreciate the art of coffee making.
At Zuma Coffee, our goal is to encourage the average Nigerian to drink coffee. Our brand is focused on improving productivity and the focus that comes with drinking coffee. We offer a variety of coffee blends and brewing methods that cater to different tastes and preferences. With Zuma Coffee, Nigerians can experience the goodness of coffee and enjoy the benefits that come with it.
In conclusion, improving coffee culture in Nigeria will take some effort, but it is worth it. By promoting locally grown coffee, providing coffee education, organizing coffee-tasting events, and creating social media campaigns, Nigerians can be introduced to the world of coffee and appreciate the art of coffee making.
