WHY HAS MY DAILY CUP GONE UP?
Why is Green Coffee More Expensive
The Coffee C Futures price reflects the global market price for commercial coffee. Reuben Hills sources high grade specialty coffee where the price we pay our producers is not directly proportional to the C market, however changes in the C market have a significant impact across the supply chain. The C-market price has more than doubled in the last year and is expected to increase further.
CASE STUDY: FAZENDA SERTÃO
In an effort to visualise these affects on coffee pricing, we've taken a farm we use in our coffee blends and showed the price comparison over the last three years. We use freight on board pricing here.
While price fluctuations are normal from year to year, 2025 has set a new record, making coffee more expensive than ever before.
BEHIND THE C
Adverse weather and climate change are damaging crop yields, while pests and diseases are taking a toll on plant health. Political instability in some coffee-growing regions, along with shipping delays, rising transportation costs, and logistical issues, are also driving prices up. Labour shortages are becoming more common as workers seek better opportunities in cities.On top of that, growing global demand for specialty coffee, combined with higher production and shipping costs are also applying upward pressure.
AT HOME
Among these supply challenges overseas, we also run a small business and have local challenges. Transport, storage and freight have all increased alongside rent, wages, utilities and other operational expenses. Coffee is traded in $US/lb and an inflationary economy and suffering exchange rate have also driven up the price once it lands in Australia.
Our responsibility
For us, the price of our coffee will change - in our bags and our cups - but our vision will not. We've spent a long time curating a concept and coffee offering that we are proud of, and feel it's not an option to compromise on the quality of coffee we are presenting to our customers. For us, supporting producers that align with our values will allow us to continue sourcing and roasting coffee to the standard our customers know and trust. And in turn we can support our wholesale customers, retail customers and our own staff.
For our customers
We think this is a change long overdue. And it is time to re-think how your daily cup is valued. Australia has always been seen as a world leader for coffee quality and cafe culture, but also has some of the lowest coffee prices per cup. This is not sustainable, and for Australia to continue to innovate and lead, we need to make sure producers - but also our roasters and independent cafes - thrive.