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The price of coffee has been steadily rising due to climate change. In recent years, repeated droughts and flooding have strained the global coffee supply. Brazil is the largest exporter of arabica – the most popular coffee bean in the world. Almost 60 percent of the world’s coffee stems from this variety, according to the u.s. Department of agriculture. In second place is the robusta bean, which is primarily grown in vietnam. For years, farmers in both countries have been struggling to maintain their crops in the midst of more extreme weather, and this is having a direct impact on the price of coffee around the world.
In the U.S., major names like starbucks, folgers, maxwell house, and nescafe have already raised prices while small roasters and coffee shop owners are forced to assess how and when to raise prices without pushing people away. Last year, Starbucks saw a sharp decline in sales and is hoping to win back consumers this year by cutting prices from other parts of the menu and revamping its stores to feel cozier and more inviting.
While the price for coffee isn’t expected to go down anytime soon, the good news is that it isn’t predicted to rise either. Other countries like Honduras, Mexico and Peru are stepping up to produce larger quantities of alternate varieties. So, the next time you buy a cup of joe, ask where the beans come from. You might be surprised.
The post Viewpoints Explained: From Starbucks To K-Cups: The Rising Cost Of Coffee appeared first on Viewpoints Radio.
