Although the coffee bean has been around for a long time, it has evolved into the mainstream drink we know today in a relatively short period. As coffee is said to be the second largest traded item after oil, it's clearly important to the economies of many countries across the world.

• Brazil - is the largest producer of the coffee bean with nearly 4000 million coffee trees. It is responsible for up to 40% of the total world coffee output. A single acre of coffee trees can produce around 2000 pounds of beans. Some trees can produce coffee beans for over 20 years. Over 50 countries worldwide produce and trade coffee beans.

• Europe - saw the coffee bean introduced at the beginning of the 17^th century, where the drink made from it could only be afforded by the wealthy - and would taste little like the coffee we drink today!

• Instant coffee - is drunk by millions of people worldwide. Invented by a Belgian, whilst living in Guatemala, it has been available for around 100 years.

• Caffeine - is naturally present in coffee beans. As it is a substance that can have a physical and mental impact, it is banned by the International Olympic Committee. Drinking just 5 cups of coffee in close succession would introduce enough caffeine to your system to get you banned from the Olympic Games.

• Revolution - has had a strong coffee flavour. Both the American and French Revolutions sprang from the discontent that surfaced amongst coffee house patrons, who used these places to discuss the politics and troubles of the day.

• Coffee machines - are now widely available for both business and home use. Major brands include Gaggia, deLonghi, Jura, Francis Francis, Saeco, Ascaso, Stafco and Unic.

• Germany - is the second largest consumer of coffee in the world. Coffee is served in a variety of ways in many different countries, including Turkey, Italy, Mexico, Egypt and France.

• Traditions - of many different sorts have grown up around the preparation and serving of coffee. Many things can be added to the coffee beans, either during roasting, brewing or just before drinking in order to enhance the flavour. Examples include cardamom, cinnamon, pepper, ginger, grasses and chicory.

• Britain - may have lagged behind other countries in the preparation and availability of coffee in the past, but now boasts a wide range of chain and independent coffee shops, which once again provide an ideal place to meet, chat, discuss or just enjoy a great cup of coffee.

Coffee Xclusive supplies a wide range of top-quality coffee machines for use in the home, the office, or for commercial purposes. We also provide coffee beans, pods and capsules along with all the accessories you need. To find out more, or to order online, just browse our website. We're always happy to answer any questions you might have - just fill in our online enquiry form on the Contact Us page.

Learn lots of interesting facts about coffee whilst you're deciding which coffee machine to buy!