Top Rated Coffee Brands: A Guide to the Best in Coffee
Coffee is enjoyed worldwide, with countless brands offering a wide range of flavors, roasts, and specialties. The coffee industry is vast, with brands catering to both casual coffee drinkers and connoisseurs. This article ranks the top 20 coffee brands based on revenue, employee count, and unique characteristics.
Introduction: Why Coffee Brands Matter
From providing your morning pick-me-up to creating memorable flavors, coffee brands have become essential to many people’s daily routines. This article explores how the top-rated coffee brands excel in quality, innovation, and consistency to stand out in a competitive market.
Ranking the Top 20 Coffee Brands by Income
The following table ranks the top 20 coffee brands worldwide, summarizing their income, employee count, and key features. Each company section includes a more detailed table, logo image, and specific highlights.
1. Starbucks
Country: United States
Founded: 1971
Worth: $128 billion
Income: $26.5 billion
Employees: 383,000
Key Features: Global presence, diverse offerings, eco-friendly initiatives
About Starbucks: Known as a leader in the coffee industry, Starbucks has revolutionized the coffee culture. With locations in over 80 countries, Starbucks provides a variety of coffee options and is known for its commitment to ethically sourced coffee beans.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Country | United States |
| Founded | 1971 |
| Worth | $128 billion |
| Income | $26.5 billion |
| Employees | 383,000 |
| Specialty | Eco-friendly, diverse offerings |
2. Nespresso
Country: Switzerland
Founded: 1986
Worth: $13 billion
Income: $6.4 billion
Employees: 13,500
Key Features: High-end capsules, sustainability programs, global distribution
About Nespresso: A subsidiary of Nestlé, Nespresso specializes in coffee capsules and machines. Known for its premium coffee selection, Nespresso focuses on quality, luxury, and sustainable coffee production.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Country | Switzerland |
| Founded | 1986 |
| Worth | $13 billion |
| Income | $6.4 billion |
| Employees | 13,500 |
| Specialty | Coffee capsules, sustainability |
3. Lavazza
Country: Italy
Founded: 1895
Worth: $2 billion
Income: $2.5 billion
Employees: 4,000
Key Features: Rich Italian heritage, innovation, sustainable practices
About Lavazza: As Italy’s leading coffee brand, Lavazza offers authentic Italian coffee with a strong commitment to sustainability. Lavazza provides a range of coffee products, from ground coffee to premium espresso blends.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Country | Italy |
| Founded | 1895 |
| Worth | $2 billion |
| Income | $2.5 billion |
| Employees | 4,000 |
| Specialty | Italian espresso, sustainability |
4. Dunkin’ Donuts
Country: United States
Founded: 1950
Worth: $9.2 billion
Income: $1.4 billion
Employees: 110,000
Key Features: Affordable coffee, strong brand loyalty, donuts pairing
About Dunkin’ Donuts: Known for its accessible coffee and donuts, Dunkin’ Donuts offers a range of coffee products suitable for daily consumption. The brand has cultivated a loyal following, especially in the United States.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Country | United States |
| Founded | 1950 |
| Worth | $9.2 billion |
| Income | $1.4 billion |
| Employees | 110,000 |
| Specialty | Affordable, donuts pairing |
5. Peet’s Coffee
Country: United States
Founded: 1966
Worth: $800 million
Income: $1.1 billion
Employees: 5,000
Key Features: Handcrafted coffee, artisanal approach, fair-trade practices
About Peet’s Coffee: Known as one of the pioneers in artisanal coffee, Peet’s Coffee has been serving high-quality, fair-trade coffee since 1966. The brand prides itself on handcrafted coffee that appeals to coffee purists.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Country | United States |
| Founded | 1966 |
| Worth | $800 million |
| Income | $1.1 billion |
| Employees | 5,000 |
| Specialty | Handcrafted, fair-trade |
6. Caribou Coffee
Country: United States
Founded: 1992
Worth: $300 million
Income: $500 million
Employees: 7,000
Key Features: Outdoor-inspired themes, ethical sourcing, unique roasts
About Caribou Coffee: Inspired by outdoor adventures, Caribou Coffee offers ethically sourced coffee with a unique twist. The brand is known for its focus on sustainable practices and outdoor-themed branding.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Country | United States |
| Founded | 1992 |
| Worth | $300 million |
| Income | $500 million |
| Employees | 7,000 |
| Specialty | Outdoor-inspired, unique roasts |
7. Illy
Country: Italy
Founded: 1933
Worth: $500 million
Income: $570 million
Employees: 1,300
Key Features: High-end espresso, Italian heritage, sustainable sourcing
About Illy: Illy is an Italian brand renowned for its premium espresso and commitment to sustainable coffee production. Known for its unique blend of nine pure Arabica beans, Illy offers an exquisite taste that appeals to coffee enthusiasts worldwide.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Country | Italy |
| Founded | 1933 |
| Worth | $500 million |
| Income | $570 million |
| Employees | 1,300 |
| Specialty | High-end espresso, sustainable |
8. Tim Hortons
Country: Canada
Founded: 1964
Worth: $11 billion
Income: $3 billion
Employees: 100,000
Key Features: Classic Canadian brand, strong breakfast pairing, affordable coffee
About Tim Hortons: One of Canada’s most beloved brands, Tim Hortons offers a reliable, affordable coffee experience often paired with breakfast items like donuts. The brand holds a nostalgic place in Canadian coffee culture and is known for its “Double Double” coffee.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Country | Canada |
| Founded | 1964 |
| Worth | $11 billion |
| Income | $3 billion |
| Employees | 100,000 |
| Specialty | Affordable coffee, breakfast pair |
9. Costa Coffee
Country: United Kingdom
Founded: 1971
Worth: $5 billion
Income: $1.5 billion
Employees: 18,400
Key Features: British coffeehouse experience, latte art, widespread locations in the UK
About Costa Coffee: Known as a staple in the UK, Costa Coffee provides an authentic British coffeehouse experience with an emphasis on high-quality espresso and latte art. The brand is popular for its handcrafted beverages and friendly service.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Founded | 1971 |
| Worth | $5 billion |
| Income | $1.5 billion |
| Employees | 18,400 |
| Specialty | British coffeehouse, latte art |
10. McCafé
Country: United States
Founded: 1993
Worth: $10 billion
Income: $4 billion
Employees: 210,000
Key Features: Accessible, fast-food coffee, affordable options
About McCafé: Part of McDonald’s, McCafé serves affordable coffee with convenience in mind. Offering a range of coffees from espresso to cold brews, McCafé is a convenient coffee option available worldwide, with a focus on affordability.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Country | United States |
| Founded | 1993 |
| Worth | $10 billion |
| Income | $4 billion |
| Employees | 210,000 |
| Specialty | Affordable, fast-food convenience |
11. Blue Bottle Coffee
Country: United States
Founded: 2002
Worth: $700 million
Income: $100 million
Employees: 1,000
Key Features: Third-wave coffee, fresh beans, artisanal roasts
About Blue Bottle Coffee: Blue Bottle is known for pioneering third-wave coffee in the United States, focusing on small-batch roasting and freshly brewed coffee. They emphasize high-quality beans and minimal processing for the best flavor.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Country | United States |
| Founded | 2002 |
| Worth | $700 million |
| Income | $100 million |
| Employees | 1,000 |
| Specialty | Freshly roasted, third-wave coffee |
12. Folgers
Country: United States
Founded: 1850
Worth: $3 billion
Income: $1.6 billion
Employees: 1,200
Key Features: Affordable, widely available, household name
About Folgers: As a staple in American households, Folgers is known for its classic ground coffee that delivers a smooth, rich flavor. Folgers is an affordable choice and remains one of the most recognized coffee brands in the U.S.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Country | United States |
| Founded | 1850 |
| Worth | $3 billion |
| Income | $1.6 billion |
| Employees | 1,200 |
| Specialty | Affordable, household name |
13. Eight O’Clock Coffee
Country: United States
Founded: 1859
Worth: $500 million
Income: $200 million
Employees: 200
Key Features: Classic American coffee, smooth flavor, affordable pricing
About Eight O’Clock Coffee: Known for its smooth flavor and rich aroma, Eight O’Clock Coffee has been a favorite in American homes for decades. This budget-friendly brand delivers quality without breaking the bank.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Country | United States |
| Founded | 1859 |
| Worth | $500 million |
| Income | $200 million |
| Employees | 200 |
| Specialty | Classic American, affordable |
14. Tully’s Coffee
Country: United States
Founded: 1992
Worth: $180 million
Income: $120 million
Employees: 700
Key Features: Bold flavors, quality roasts, artisanal blends
About Tully’s Coffee: Tully’s is known for its bold flavors and high-quality beans. The brand focuses on delivering a rich and smooth taste that appeals to coffee enthusiasts looking for premium roasts.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Country | United States |
| Founded | 1992 |
| Worth | $180 million |
| Income | $120 million |
| Employees | 700 |
| Specialty | Bold flavors, artisanal blends |
15. Maxwell House
Country: United States
Founded: 1892
Worth: $1.8 billion
Income: $1 billion
Employees: 1,500
Key Features: Affordable, household name, smooth flavor
About Maxwell House: Known for its slogan “Good to the Last Drop,” Maxwell House is a household favorite that delivers consistent, smooth coffee at an affordable price. The brand offers a range of coffee options, from ground coffee to instant.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Country | United States |
| Founded | 1892 |
| Worth | $1.8 billion |
| Income | $1 billion |
| Employees | 1,500 |
| Specialty | Household favorite, affordable |
16. Café Bustelo
Country: United States
Founded: 1928
Worth: $500 million
Income: $150 million
Employees: 300
Key Features: Bold, Cuban-style coffee, strong flavor
About Café Bustelo: Popular in the Hispanic community, Café Bustelo offers a bold and rich coffee inspired by Cuban flavors. Known for its intense flavor, this brand is often used to make espresso.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Country | United States |
| Founded | 1928 |
| Worth | $500 million |
| Income | $150 million |
| Employees | 300 |
| Specialty | Bold, Cuban-style coffee |
17. Green Mountain Coffee
Country: United States
Founded: 1981
Worth: $5 billion
Income: $3 billion
Employees: 6,000
Key Features: Variety of flavors, eco-friendly, Keurig-compatible
About Green Mountain Coffee: Known for their K-Cups compatible with Keurig machines, Green Mountain Coffee offers a wide variety of coffee flavors. They focus on sustainable sourcing practices and environmental responsibility.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Country | United States |
| Founded | 1981 |
| Worth | $5 billion |
| Income | $3 billion |
| Employees | 6,000 |
| Specialty | Keurig-compatible, eco-friendly |
18. Seattle’s Best Coffee
Country: United States
Founded: 1970
Worth: $500 million
Income: $400 million
Employees: 2,000
Key Features: Mild, approachable blends, affordable coffee
About Seattle’s Best Coffee: Known for its approachable and mild flavor, Seattle’s Best is a popular choice for coffee lovers seeking a smooth and budget-friendly cup. It’s widely available in the U.S. through grocery stores and coffee shops.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Country | United States |
| Founded | 1970 |
| Worth | $500 million |
| Income | $400 million |
| Employees | 2,000 |
| Specialty | Mild blends, affordability |
19. Gloria Jean’s Coffees
Country: Australia
Founded: 1979
Worth: $500 million
Income: $220 million
Employees: 600
Key Features: Unique flavors, sweet blends, specialty coffees
About Gloria Jean’s Coffees: Famous for their wide variety of flavored coffees, Gloria Jean’s is a favorite among coffee drinkers who enjoy sweet, unique blends. Their products range from classic coffees to dessert-inspired drinks.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Country | Australia |
| Founded | 1979 |
| Worth | $500 million |
| Income | $220 million |
| Employees | 600 |
| Specialty | Sweet blends, specialty coffees |
20. Lavazza
Country: Italy
Founded: 1895
Worth: $2 billion
Income: $2.5 billion
Employees: 4,000
Key Features: Italian espresso, sustainable sourcing, bold flavor
About Lavazza: Lavazza is a traditional Italian coffee brand renowned for its high-quality espresso. Committed to sustainability, Lavazza sources beans from all over the world and has a strong presence in both home and professional coffee markets.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Country | Italy |
| Founded | 1895 |
| Worth | $2 billion |
| Income | $2.5 billion |
| Employees | 4,000 |
| Specialty | Italian espresso, sustainability |
Conclusion
This overview of the top 20 coffee brands worldwide provides insights into each company’s unique qualities, financial details, and place of origin, giving a sense of the diverse flavors and experiences they offer to coffee lovers everywhere. Below is a summary table ranking these brands based on their specialties and market impact.
A List of Top 20 Coffee Brands
| Rank | Brand | Country | Founded | Worth | Income | Employees | Specialty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Starbucks | USA | 1971 | $128B | $26.5B | 383,000 | Eco-friendly, diverse offerings |
| 2 | Nespresso | Switzerland | 1986 | $13B | $6.4B | 13,500 | Coffee capsules, sustainability |
| 3 | Lavazza | Italy | 1895 | $2B | $2.5B | 4,000 | Italian espresso, sustainability |
| 4 | Dunkin’ Donuts | USA | 1950 | $9.2B | $1.4B | 110,000 | Affordable, donuts pairing |
| 5 | Peet’s Coffee | USA | 1966 | $800M | $1.1B | 5,000 | Handcrafted, fair-trade |
| 6 | Caribou Coffee | USA | 1992 | $300M | $500M | 7,000 | Outdoor-inspired, unique roasts |
| 7 | Illy | Italy | 1933 | $500M | $570M | 1,300 | High-end espresso |
| 8 | Tim Hortons | Canada | 1964 | $11B | $3B | 100,000 | Classic, breakfast pairing |
| 9 | Costa Coffee | UK | 1971 | $5B | $1.5B | 18,400 | Classic British brand, latte art |
| 10 | McCafé | USA | 1993 | $10B | $4B | 210,000 | Convenient, fast-food coffee |
| 11 | Blue Bottle | USA | 2002 | $700M | $100M | 1,000 | Third-wave coffee, small batch |
| 12 | Folgers | USA | 1850 | $3B | $1.6B | 1,200 | Affordable, household name |
| 13 | Eight O’Clock | USA | 1859 | $500M | $200M | 200 | Affordable, classic American |
| 14 | Tully’s Coffee | USA | 1992 | $180M | $120M | 700 | Bold flavors, artisanal blends |
| 15 | Maxwell House | USA | 1892 | $1.8B | $1B | 1,500 | Household favorite, affordable |
| 16 | Café Bustelo | USA | 1928 | $500M | $150M | 300 | Strong Cuban-style coffee |
| 17 | Green Mountain | USA | 1981 | $5B | $3B | 6,000 | Keurig coffee pods |
| 18 | Seattle’s Best | USA | 1970 | $500M | $400M | 2,000 | Mild, approachable blends |
| 19 | Gloria Jean’s | Australia | 1979 | $500M | $220M | 600 | Flavor variety, sweet blends |
| 20 | Lavazza | Italy | 1895 | $2B | $2.5B | 4,000 | Italian espresso, sustainability |
