Understanding the Price Volatility of Specialty Arabica Coffee

If you're a coffee lover, you may have noticed that the price of specialty coffee has been fluctuating recently. At our roastery, we always strive to offer the highest quality beans at fair prices, but due to global market shifts, we want to be transparent about why you might see a slight increase in our prices in the coming months.

 

 

Why Are Coffee Prices Changing?

The global coffee market has faced significant challenges in recent months, leading to a sharp increase in the cost of raw arabica coffee. Here are some of the key factors influencing these changes:

 

1. Climate Conditions & Crop Shortages

Brazil, the world’s largest producer of arabica coffee, has experienced severe weather disruptions, including droughts and unexpected frosts. These climate issues have reduced crop yields, leading to a supply shortage and increased prices. Other coffee-growing regions, such as Colombia and Ethiopia, have also faced unpredictable weather patterns that have impacted production.

 

 

2. Supply Chain & Transport Costs

The cost of transporting coffee from farm to roastery has risen significantly. Increased fuel prices, shipping delays, and global supply chain disruptions mean that coffee takes longer and costs more to reach us. These logistical challenges have affected the entire industry, making it harder for small roasters to absorb the rising costs.

3. Currency Fluctuations

As a UK-based roastery, we source coffee from across the world, with most coffee transactions occurring in US dollars. With the fluctuations in currency exchange rates, buying green coffee has become more expensive, further contributing to rising prices.

 

 

4. Fair Pay for Farmers

At our roastery, we prioritise ethical sourcing and fair trade practices, ensuring that farmers receive a sustainable price for their coffee. With rising production costs for farmers (including fertiliser, labour, and processing), they need to charge more to maintain their livelihoods. As a result, the cost of ethically sourced specialty coffee has risen.

 

 

What Does This Mean for Our Prices?

We are committed to maintaining the highest quality while supporting sustainable and ethical coffee sourcing. To continue providing exceptional coffee without compromising on these values, we may need to make slight price adjustments. This ensures that we can:

  • Continue sourcing the best quality beans from trusted farms.
  • Support farmers with fair wages and ethical trade practices.
  • Cover the rising costs of roasting and operating sustainably.

 

 

Our Commitment to You

While market conditions are unpredictable, our commitment to providing you with outstanding coffee remains the same. We will always be transparent about pricing and strive to balance affordability with sustainability. We truly appreciate your support, and by choosing our coffee, you are contributing to a more sustainable coffee industry.

If you have any questions or would like to learn more about coffee sourcing, feel free to reach out or visit our roastery. Thank you for being part of our coffee journey!

Written by Flat Cap Coffee

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