This year has been one of the toughest I’ve seen for the coffee industry, and I want to be upfront about what’s going on and how it’s impacting all of us—from the farmers who grow the beans to the cafés and customers who love them.
The State of the Coffee Industry in 2024
Over the past 12 months, the global “C-market” price for coffee has risen by 60%, reaching 332.50—one of the highest levels in history. This surge stems from challenging weather conditions in major coffee-producing regions:
- Vietnam: The world’s largest Robusta producer faced relentless rain, drastically reducing yields and pushing up Robusta prices.
- Brazil: As the largest global coffee supplier, Brazil’s frosts and droughts have severely impacted crops.
- Colombia: One of the most celebrated Arabica producers has struggled with adverse weather, further straining global supplies.
These factors have rippled through the supply chain, increasing costs for every coffee producer, roaster, and café.
Our Commitment to Quality and Fairness
At Coffee Bean Roasting House, we pride ourselves on sourcing specialty-grade coffee. This means:
- Paying farmers fairly to support their livelihoods.
- Prioritizing sustainability and ethical farming practices.
- Delivering exceptional coffee quality to your cup.
However, with significant increases in the cost of beans, farm labor, and logistics, these values come at a higher price.
Why We’re Raising Prices
We’ve made every effort to absorb these costs for as long as possible, but we’ve reached a point where maintaining our quality standards and supporting our team and farmers requires a price adjustment.
This was not an easy decision, especially during a global cost-of-living crisis. However, we believe that compromising on quality, cutting corners, or undervaluing the people behind every cup isn’t the answer.
The True Cost of Coffee
For the cafés we work with, these rising costs mean that a fair price for a standard coffee should sit around $5.50 to $6 at minimum. This pricing ensures businesses can serve great coffee sustainably without sacrificing quality or ethics.
A Note of Thanks
To those of you who brew our coffee at home, serve it in your cafés, or enjoy it at one of the many cafés we support—thank you. Your support means everything. Together, we’re sustaining a coffee chain built on fairness, sustainability, and exceptional quality.
