Booming coffee scene: inside ukraine’s specialty coffee boom

Ukraine’s coffee landscape has undergone a dramatic transformation in recent years. The emergence of third-wave coffee shops around 2015, coupled with a surge in local roasting, has fueled a booming coffee scene in the country.

Interestingly, the 2014 financial crisis and conflict with Russia played a significant role in this coffee revolution. The devaluation of the hryvnia made importing roasted coffee expensive, prompting local entrepreneurs to establish roasteries and source green beans directly. This shift not only boosted the domestic coffee industry but also positioned Ukraine as a major player in the global coffee market. According to a 2020 International Coffee Organization study, Ukraine now ranks as the eleventh largest importer of green coffee beans worldwide.

Today, cities like Kyiv, Dnipro, Lviv, and Odesa boast a thriving booming coffee scene with a high concentration of specialty coffee shops. While the market shows immense potential, newcomers face the challenge of meeting the high standards set by established players. Alyona Khmelyk, Green Coffee Buyer and head of Quality Control at Yellow Place Coffee in Kyiv notes that “a requirement for quality and professionalism is high.”

Another hurdle lies in shifting consumer preferences from instant coffee to specialty brews. Anna Sokolova highlights the ongoing effort to educate consumers about “the right coffee, which isn’t bitter and doesn’t contain any additives.” She emphasizes the positive impact of coffee events in shaping perceptions and sparking interest in specialty coffee culture.

Despite these challenges, Ukraine’s booming coffee scene continues to flourish, driven by passionate individuals and a growing appreciation for quality coffee.