INTERNATIONAL COFFEE DAY — 1 OCTOBER.

For millions of us, coffee is part of the daily ritual. That first cup in the morning. A catch-up with a friend. A break from work. A conversation that lasts longer than expected.

Coffee is the world's most widely traded tropical product and one of its most widely consumed beverages. Yet the prosperity generated by coffee isn't shared equally.

The people who grow, pick and process the beans are often the most vulnerable part of the supply chain. Smallholder farmers in countries across Africa, Asia and Latin America can face low and unpredictable prices, rising production costs and the growing challenges of climate change.

Meanwhile, the value of coffee increases dramatically as it moves through processing, roasting, branding and retail.

That doesn't mean your morning coffee is the problem. It means there's a story behind it worth knowing.

Fairer prices, sustainable farming, ethical sourcing and stronger support for coffee-growing communities can help ensure that more of the billions generated by the world's love of coffee reaches the people who actually grow it.

So on 1 October, enjoy your coffee. Savour it.

But perhaps take a moment to think about where those beans came from and the farmers and communities behind every cup.