Coffee in Sweden

Early history Coffee was introduced to Sweden in the mid-17th century. In 1657, Swedish diplomat Claes Rålamb encountered coffee during a diplomatic mission to Constantinople. He described it as a "cooked drink of beans" consumed hot. Despite this early mention, coffee did not gain immediate popularity in Sweden. The first recorded shipment of coffee arrived in 1685 in Gothenburg. Restrictions Coffee consumption faced opposition in its early years. Critics such as Carl Linnaeus warned of its health effects, advocating for herbal alternatives, while economic concerns, including the negative balance of trade caused by the importing of exotic 'luxuries' including coffee, Between 1756 and 1823, coffee was prohibited on five occasions, but these bans were largely ineffective. Coffee consumption continued, with underground societies known as "coffee guilds" forming during prohibition periods. Restrictions ended in 1823. Widespread popularity Coffee gradually gained popularity in Sweden, becoming a staple by 1850, even among the working class and rural poor. While brännvin (vodka) could be home-distilled, coffee beans had to be imported. As a result, rural Swedes often consumed coffee-based or coffee-like beverages up to five times a day, stretching their supplies with local substitutes such as dried chicory, grains mixed with syrup, or a dough made from rye and potatoes. Around this time, the temperance movement and new alcohol regulations transformed Swedish drinking culture. Alcohol consumption during work hours became socially unacceptable, with coffee replacing it as the drink of choice for workers. This shift led to a café boom, with Stockholm hosting nearly 800 cafés by 1887. The introduction of the iron stove in the 19th century made home coffee brewing accessible, and coffee became central to Swedish households. The cultural tradition of Fika began to emerge during this time. == Coffee culture in Sweden today ==

Fika Fika is a well-established tradition within Swedish coffee culture, characterised by a designated break during which individuals consume coffee, typically accompanied by buns or pastries, in a social setting. Fika is regarded as a social institution that encourages pausing from daily tasks. It is commonly observed in workplaces, homes, and cafes across Sweden. The practice, derived from a slang inversion of the word 'coffee' (), has historical roots dating back to the late 19th century. The coffee consumed during fika is often accompanied by pastries such as cinnamon buns or other baked goods, including seasonal items like saffron buns and semla, though savoury options may also be included. In the 21st century, the concept of fika has gained international recognition, with cafes inspired by the tradition opening in cities around the world. The word “fika” is a classic example of backslang from the early 20th century when the syllables of the word “kaffi” were rearranged to form a code word (ICA, etc.). Especially among enthusiasts who wanted to be able to enjoy their drink in secret. • Etymology: The word “fika” is suspected to come from the word “kaffi”, which is an old syllable of the word “kaffe”. “kaffi” has since been reversed, to keep the collations secret, to finally become “fika”. • The arrival of coffee: Coffee was first introduced in the late 17th century and was initially a luxury item for the wealthiest. Access for the very wealthy remained even in the 19th century, when coffee was banned. • A social ritual: In the most common cases, fika takes place at home, but can also occur in other places. What is important is the social gathering in connection with coffee and fika bread. • Industrial influence: During the Industrial Revolution, coffee became a more established beverage, and the demand for baked goods increased significantly. • Cultural importance: Today, coffee is a necessary break in everyday life. Both in and outside the workplace, coffee is a necessity that connects workers to the workplace. Consumption Sweden is among the highest coffee-consuming countries globally, with an average consumption of approximately per capita annually. Brewed coffee remains the most popular preparation method, although espresso-based drinks have gained traction. Another historic coffee preparation method in Sweden, still common in the Northern Sweden, is "kokkaffe", or boiled coffee. This process involves adding water and coarsely ground coffee to a pot or pan, bringing it to a boil, and then straining it into a cup or flask. Swedes generally prefer medium to dark roasts, and the popularity of speciality coffee has grown in recent years. Cafés featuring artisanal brewing methods and micro-roasteries have become more common. == Industry ==

coffee roastery in Gävle Sweden's coffee industry has an annual roasting volume of approximately 88,000 tonnes, accounting for about 5% of the European Union's total. The industry includes a mix of large-scale roasters and smaller micro-roasteries. Four major companies dominate the Swedish coffee market: == References ==