Faced with the coffee shortage observed between 2022 and 2023, the coffee market in Tunisia is dominated by both international and local brands. Karim Amous, chartered accountant and founder of the financial group Smarteco, has looked into the question and gives us some answers to this problem which continues to cause a lot of ink to flow. Interview.
Can the Tunisian consumer settle for a limited quantity of coffee or not?
Coffee is a popular drink in Tunisia, consumed by a large part of the population. The coffee market in Tunisia is dominated by both international brands and local brands. Coffee is commonly sold in supermarkets, grocery stores and coffee shops, with varieties available, such as ground coffee, coffee beans and coffee capsules.
The coffee sector in Tunisia is relatively small compared to other coffee consuming countries. Tunisia consumes only a limited amount of coffee, much of which is imported to meet domestic demand.
The Tunisian coffee industry is a major economic sector and an important source of income for many people. In 2020, the production of the sector reached 18,000 tons, for an estimated value of around 25 million dollars. According to official statistics, the sector employs around 14,000 people, ie 2,000 permanent and 12,000 seasonal workers. The country also has about 9,000 coffee shops, with an estimated turnover of 1 billion dollars. The sector is highly dependent on imports, approximately 90% of the raw materials used in the sector come from abroad. For the 2022-2023 season, the sector should increase its production by 20% compared to the previous season to reach 22,000 tonnes.
Overall, the coffee sector in Tunisia is relatively small, but it remains an important part of the local economy. Coffee consumption has a long history in Tunisia and this drink continues to be enjoyed by a large part of the Tunisian population.
And if we suddenly stopped the consumption of coffee, what would be the micro and macroeconomic repercussions on Tunisia?
On the macro-economic level, the sudden cessation of coffee consumption in Tunisia could have an impact on the production and distribution of coffee. Tunisia produces coffee in small quantities, but it also imports it to meet local demand. If the domestic demand for coffee decreases significantly, this would reduce the total demand for coffee, and affect the consumption of Tunisian coffee. This could have a negative impact on the Tunisian economy, particularly on the income of coffee roasters and distributors.
On a micro-economic level, the abrupt cessation of coffee consumption could impact local businesses that depend on the sale of coffee, such as coffee shops and restaurants. If the demand for coffee drops, it will lead to lower sales and revenue for these businesses. It will also affect jobs in these sectors, especially for people working in coffee production, sales and distribution.
In general, if a Tunisian consumes one cup of coffee per day, this represents approximately 365 cups of coffee per year. If the average price of a cup of coffee in Tunisia is around 1.5 Tunisian dinars, this means that a Tunisian could save around 550 dinars by stopping drinking coffee, a little more than the monthly Smig. However, it should be noted that the cost of coffee can vary depending on many factors, such as where you buy it, the type of coffee you drink and how it is prepared. Consequently, the amount that a Tunisian could save by stopping consuming coffee may vary from person to person.
On the health side, is coffee vital or can we do without it?
Scientifically speaking, yes, it is entirely possible to live without coffee. Coffee is a popular beverage in many countries, due to its stimulating effects on the central nervous system, but it is not essential for our survival. The human body does not need caffeine to function properly.
However, some people may experience withdrawal symptoms if they suddenly stop drinking coffee, including headaches, fatigue, irritability and difficulty concentrating. These symptoms can last anywhere from a few days to a week, but they usually go away on their own.
If you are used to drinking coffee and you stop suddenly, it is recommended to gradually reduce this consumption to avoid withdrawal symptoms. One can also consider replacing coffee with other beverages such as tea or water.
A word to conclude ?
In summary, although coffee is a popular and loved drink in many countries, it is not essential to our survival and it is quite possible to do without it.
It should be noted that the sudden cessation of coffee consumption in Tunisia is hypothetical and depends on many factors, such as why people would stop drinking coffee, the current coffee consumption rate in Tunisia and the duration of the stop. It is also important to note that the savings made by stopping coffee consumption may not be significant compared to other current expenses, such as housing, food and electricity bills, of Sonede. and others…