With Phase 2 of the Vaccine roll-out commencing this month in South Africa, we are looking at a return to some sort of normal, but with the caution of a cat on a tin roof!

Although we are not out of the woods, so to speak, yet. There is an optimism that is slowly growing as we enter the next few months with the focus on vaccinating as any people as possible. This optimism needs to be nurtured and carefully monitored to ensure that we still act responsible in this time.

That said! Welcome to our village, Vida E Caffe! We love the smell of coffee in the morning and in my mind, Vida was reserved for trips through the Lanseria Airport. But not anymore! We now have their deliciousness on our doorstep for a quick coffee and something to nibble. They also have a genuinely nice space for spending some time there, working or chatting to friends.

But what is it about coffee that makes us so happy? The smell of the roasted beans, the taste of a rich warmth or the enjoyment of the company that comes so naturally to sharing a cuppa?

South Africa has about 200 ha of coffee production, mostly in KZN and Mpumalanga. Our type of coffee is Arabica and Robusta, and wet and dry processing methods are used. The first planted Arabica was in the early 1900s.

The South African market is considered to have a sophisticated nature, i.e., we love good coffee! According to the ICO (2014 Stats), South Africans consume 600 grams of coffee per capita per year. Although I think most of us have exceeded that limit by March already.   

Coffee makes us happy, not just “magically”, but caffeine causes your body to increase the level of dopamine in the brain. So, to end where we started, to keep this feeling of optimism growing, lets have another cup of coffee!