Why Coffee Prices Are Rising—And What It Means for Your Cup
Coffee lovers, we need to talk. If you’ve noticed your daily brew getting pricier lately, you’re not alone. A combination of factors—some you’ve seen in headlines, others brewing behind the scenes—are driving costs up globally. Here’s what’s happening, how it impacts your coffee (whether commodity or specialty), and what we’re doing about it.
The “Perfect Storm” Behind Rising Prices
Climate Chaos: Droughts, storms, and rising temperatures are battering coffee-growing regions. Brazil, a major producer, saw output drop sharply due to drought, tightening supply.
Supply Chain Struggles: Geopolitical issues (like the Red Sea crisis), soaring fuel costs, and shipping delays are making transportation slower and pricier.
Panic Buying: Fear of bad harvests has led some buyers to stockpile, further inflating prices.
New Regulations: The EU’s deforestation laws (EUDR) mean stricter (and costlier) certifications for importers.
Everything Else: Fertilizer, packaging, and labor costs are up, too. Oh, and potential US tariffs? Another wildcard.
Will Specialty Coffee Be Hit as Hard as Commodity?
Yes, but differently. Commodity coffee (mass-produced, cheaper beans) is more vulnerable to market speculation and panic buying. Specialty coffee, while insulated by direct trade relationships and quality focus, isn’t immune. Smaller farms face climate risks, and rising transport/certification costs trickle down. Expect price hikes across the board—just sharper for commodity.
Should You Stock Up on Specialty Coffee?
If you have freezer space and trust your supplier’s freshness? Maybe. Properly stored, frozen beans can retain quality for months. But consider:
Cost vs. Space: Freezing a year’s supply is a big commitment.
Ethical Sourcing: Specialty coffee often relies on seasonal harvests—stockpiling might bypass newer crops, affecting farmers.
Uncertainty: Prices could keep climbing, so locking in now might save money. But it’s a gamble.
How We’re Navigating This
As a specialty roaster and café, we’re feeling the pinch too. Our first shipment at new prices just arrived, and reluctantly, we’re adjusting our menu and bag prices this week. Here’s our promise:
No Profiteering: We’re raising prices only to cover costs, not pad margins.
Transparency: We’ll keep you informed—no quiet markups.
Quality First: We won’t compromise on sourcing ethical, exceptional beans, even if it means tighter margins.
The Bottom Line
Coffee prices will likely stay high through 2025, maybe longer. While stocking up is an option, the real focus should be supporting sustainable practices and businesses committed to fairness. For us, that means balancing survival with integrity—and brewing the best damn coffee we can, no matter the storm.
Thanks for sticking with us. Every sip you take helps keep this community (and our shared coffee journey) alive.
☕ Stay caffeinated,
Ahmed Alrough
BH Coffee CEO
