In a 2013 data, Israel ranks 39 in the world in terms of coffee consumption with an average of 1.8 kilograms per capita (average person). This country has fallen behind from being 33rd in 2006. But for all 49 nations classified as large consumers, Israel is the only country that has no Starbucks branch anywhere. That fact is quite surprising for many outsiders.
A podcast analysis by the Jerusalem Post explains how Starbucks never penetrated Israel's coffee culture. More than a matter of local pride, the Starbucks failure is comprised of a few glaring bad pieces that completed the puzzle. The first aspect that contributed to the 'no Starbucks entry' is that the corporation CEO 'exclusively' partnered with an oil investor. In addition to that, there are already plenty of good café chains a decade prior to the introduction of Starbucks.
Outsiders who are generally curious as to why there is no Starbucks in Israel would normally ask the locals. More often than not, their response is that 'they prefer their own.' In August of 2016, Haaretz published its own list of leading cafes in Jerusalem alone:
Café Belazel. As one of the best cafes in Jerusalem, this coffee shop takes its name and the recurring theme from the elite art academy located within the neighborhood. Café Belazel opens from 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
Ofaimme. Ofaimme Farm Cafe is more than just one of the best cafes in Jerusalem. It is also one of the leading producers of organic variety in all of Israel. This health-conscious bistro opens from 7:30 AM to 8:30 PM.
Coffee World. Coffee world does not only sell local brews and side dishes, it also sells 'coffee items' like mugs, machines and even exported raw beans. This shop opens from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Café Yehoshua. Beyond the title of being one of the best cafes in Jerusalem, it is also the city's most prestigious restaurants. Café Yehoshua opens from 7:30 AM to 12:00 AM.
Kadosh Cafe. Open since 1969, Kadosh café is known to be one of the longest-running bistros in the city. This 'café/restaurant/bakery' opens from 7:30 AM to 12:30 AM.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
