New data from Starbucks has revealed South Africa’s (SA) coffee preferences, showing that when it comes to caffeine rituals, local tastes lean towards the simple and classic.
The Cappuccino has topped the list as the nation’s best-selling Starbucks coffee, followed by the Latte and Caramel Macchiato. The rankings are based on total product sales over the past year, painting a clear picture of South Africans’ enduring love for espresso-based drinks that balance richness, flavour and craftsmanship.
The top five Starbucks coffees in SA are Cappuccino, Latte, Caramel Macchiato, Americano and Mocha. From the creamy froth of a Cappuccino to the smooth blend of a Latte, these staples reflect a coffee culture that values quality and comfort over complexity.
The findings suggest that while Starbucks is renowned for seasonal innovations such as the Pumpkin Spice Latte, South African coffee drinkers continue to return to tried-and-tested favourites. “At Starbucks, every day is a coffee day,” said Ishan Natalie, Operations Services, Category and Coffee Excellence Lead at Starbucks SA. “This data shows that customers still see Starbucks as a leader in delivering core coffee classics. It’s a reflection of a coffee culture focused on premium quality and craftsmanship.”
Starbucks sources 100% arabica coffee from more than 450 000 farmers across 30 markets in Latin America, Asia Pacific and Africa. Each cup is handcrafted by skilled baristas, ensuring that the company’s long-standing commitment to excellence is maintained in every brew.
The data release coincides with Starbucks’ Global Month of Coffee, an initiative celebrating the art and people behind every cup. Throughout October, stores across SA are hosting activities and experiences designed to highlight the craft of coffee-making and introduce customers to new flavours.
The celebration forms part of the wider International Coffee month initiative which is marked every year on October, established by the International Coffee Organisation to honour the communities and farmers who bring coffee to life.
Whether it’s a morning Cappuccino or an afternoon Mocha, South Africans continue to show that great coffee never goes out of style.
–ChannelAfrica–
