As we celebrate World Coffee Day on October 1, 2024, it’s important to recognize coffee’s profound impact on billions of people around the globe. From its origins as a simple beverage to its current status as a cultural cornerstone, coffee has shaped social interactions, invigorated mornings, and inspired creativity.

Our digital cover stars, rugby icons Eben Etzebeth and Cheslin Kolbe are lovers of coffee and it’s culture. The two swear on a cup of coffee daily and sometimes even before training they say.

It’s unifying power

Carl Khoury, Business Executive Officer for Coffee and Beverages at Nestlé East and Southern Africa Region, emphasizes coffee’s potential to inspire change. He states, “At NESCAFÉ, we are making a shift from an everyday beverage that wakes you up to an everyday beverage that inspires you to make a real difference in your world.” This sentiment resonates deeply, as coffee moments often become opportunities for dialogue and collaboration, fostering a sense of togetherness.

The NESCAFÉ campaign, “Make Your World,” encourages individuals to personalize their coffee experience, creating moments of joy and inspiration. “Even the smallest acts can have a profound impact,” Khoury adds, highlighting how a simple cup of coffee can shift perspectives and cultivate positivity. This initiative aligns perfectly with the essence of World Coffee Day, as communities gather to celebrate not just the beverage itself, but the connections it fosters.

A staple in life’s significant moments

In every corner of the world, coffee serves as a backdrop for life’s significant moments. Whether it’s sharing stories over a morning brew, brainstorming at a café, or simply enjoying a quiet moment alone, coffee enhances our experiences. It inspires creativity, fuels productivity, and nurtures relationships, making life more vibrant.

Moreover, coffee consumption often brings together diverse groups, bridging gaps between different backgrounds and cultures. As noted by Khoury, partnerships with inspiring figures like Eben Etzebeth and Cheslin Kolbe highlight how coffee can embody hard work, perseverance, and passion. Their stories, shared over a cup of NESCAFÉ, promote a sense of national pride and unity, proving that coffee is a universal language.

Eben Etzebeth, Cheslin Kolbe, rugby players — Eben Etzebeth and Cheslin Kolbe shot on location in Cape Town Franco Kellerman

“With that in mind we endeavoured to find some star power to partner with that would embody this principle of positive perspective and what it means to make your world and it is for this reason we are proud to announce our partnership with some of the most incredible humans who really represent what it means shift to perspective not just for themselves but for an entire nation– We are so proud to have alongside for this new NESCAFÉ journey Eben Etzebeth or Elizabedi to us here in SA, Cheslin Kolbe and Makazole Mapimpi.

These individuals truly embody the values that as NESCAFÉ we hold close to our hearts and they showed us all, how hard work, perseverance and passion can bring victory, pride and togetherness to not only oneself but to all those around us. Together we hope to really continue shifting perspectives positively across the country,” Khoury adds.

On this World Coffee Day, let us celebrate not just the beverage but the culture, connections, and joy it brings into our lives. From intimate gatherings to global movements, coffee continues to shape our world, reminding us that every cup has the potential to inspire change and foster community. So, raise your mug today and appreciate the rich tapestry of experiences that coffee offers, inviting us all to make our world a little brighter.

A culture of coffee

Coffee is more than a drink; it's a connection catalyst. Globally, coffee shops unite friends, colleagues, and families. In Italy, sipping espresso fosters community, while Ethiopia's coffee ceremony embodies hospitality and tradition. From quick takeaways in Sandton or New York to leisurely café visits in Paris or aromatic brews in Cape Town and Istanbul, coffee enriches daily life and social customs.

Eben Etzebeth, Cheslin Kolbe, rugby players — Eben Etzebeth and Cheslin Kolbe shot on location in Cape Town Franco Kellerman

A world of coffee varieties

The world of coffee is as diverse as the cultures that cherish it, offering everything from fruity Arabica and bold Robusta to exotic blends and unique origins. Each cup tells a story, inviting a sensory experience beyond mere consumption.

Head over to NESCAFÉ SA Instagram page to check out some cool stories on how coffee makes the world go around :-)