Global Buzz: How caffeine is worth over $850bn

Caffeine, a molecule found in various plants, has been a valued commodity throughout history. Its oldest known use dates back to 2700 BC in China, while archaeological records show tea residue in cups from around a few hundred BC. Matcha, a type of green tea, has been around since the Tang Dynasty, mid-to-late 1st century. Coffee, considered the baby of the group, was consumed in Ethiopia for centuries before being made from the coffee plant's beans in Yemen in the 1400s.

The initial supply of coffee primarily came from the Yemeni port of Mokha, which gave rise to the Moka pot and Mocha namesake. Despite evolving independently, coffee, tea, guarana, tonka, cacao, and kola nuts all contain caffeine due to its pest-repellent properties. Caffeine's mood-enhancing effect led to its global popularity. Tea originated in China, while coffee initially spread from the Middle East, with Turkey as the hub before reaching Europe.

Ireland's connection to coffee began in the 17th century when the first coffee house opened in The Liberties, Dublin. Coffee's popularity grew from being an elite beverage to being accessible to all. Both tea and coffee quickly became affordable for the upper classes and eventually for everyone. This trend has continued globally, resulting in the massive caffeine industry's current worth of approximately $850 billion.