Turkish coffee, with its rich history and unique preparation methods, stands as a cultural icon and a symbol of hospitality. Over the years, it has transformed from a traditional beverage into a modern-day favorite, blending the essence of the past with the innovations of the present. This article explores the journey of Turkish coffee, its distinctive qualities, and the factors contributing to its resurgence and popularity both in Turkey and around the world.
Турецкий кофе как бренд
Turkish coffee must be made from the Coffee Arabica Lyn type. Coffee Arabica grows primarily on mountainous plateaus and volcanic slopes at altitudes between 800-2000 meters. The plant blooms after each rainy period, and the fruits take about nine months to ripen. It is made from oval Arabica beans of a greenish-yellow color. The coffee produced from these beans contains less caffeine than Robusta and has a more delicious and sweet aroma. The collection, fermentation time, and storage conditions of ripe raw coffee are crucial. More than 900 flavors contained in the beans are released during roasting, according to KuruKahveci Mehmet Efendi, a Turkish coffee manufacturer since 1871.
Growth and Expansion of Turkish Coffee
This year, Turkish coffee and coffee houses have gained more attention. The “Turquality support” provided by the Turkish state has also contributed to the aggressive growth of coffee companies. With government support, these companies increased their targets by 2-3 times, enabling the Turkish flag to fly in more locations abroad.
Success Stories: Espressolab and the Kocadağ Family
Turkish Espressolab has grown proactively both domestically and internationally. Since its opening in 2014, the company has reached 260 stores in 11 countries. The rich historical heritage of the 170-year-old Kocadağ family, along with their strong knowledge and talent, has played a significant role in this success.
Esat Kocadağ mentioned that to surpass their competitors, they collaborated and received training from the world’s best coffee and cheesecake masters, which facilitated their rapid growth. Emre Kocadağ stated that 70 percent of their customers are aged 18-23. This student demographic is more conscious and has started to prefer their brand. They believe that when these students graduate and enter the workforce, they will continue to patronize their stores. Thus, they are investing in the future.
The Secret of the Blend
When we asked Serkan Oral about their success, he revealed the “secret of the blend.” Turkish Espressolab’s biggest success, apart from offering fresh coffee beans, lies in its new mobile application, which allows customers to get their coffee quickly. The company’s successful rise is attributed to its focus on a wide range of products, from classic recipes to unique coffee blends. They carefully source the best and freshest coffee beans directly from farms and fields in Yemen, Rwanda, Ethiopia, and Colombia. Currently, coffee consumption in Turkey has reached up to 2 kg per person per year.
The Unique Aspects of Turkish Coffee
The uniqueness of Turkish coffee lies in its preparation and the social interactions it fosters. Turkish coffee can be prepared sade (plain), az şekerli (slightly sweet), orta şekerli (medium sweet), or şekerli (sweet). Each establishment typically has a standard-sized cup for their Turkish coffee, so forget about asking for a “grande,” decaf, takeaway, or milk. The new generation embraces both tradition and a vision for the future.
As the saying goes, “A cup of Turkish coffee has forty years of worthiness.”