Coffee prices are skyrocketing. What does this mean for East Bay cafes?

Highwire Coffee Roasters has announced a price increase for most beverages, citing sharp rises in ingredient costs, particularly the doubling of green coffee prices within the past year. Co-founder Robert Myers admitted they were slow to react to these escalating costs, which have affected all ingredient inputs. Reports indicate a concerning trend, as climate change is expected to drastically reduce suitable coffee-growing areas worldwide by 2050, impacting supply chains and prices. Keba Konte, founder of Red Bay Coffee, echoed these sentiments, revealing a staggering 150% increase in coffee prices over the past few years. He noted that while coffee shops can adjust prices quickly, distributors face a lag in implementing changes.

This situation forces consumers to reconsider their coffee choices, possibly opting for lower-quality alternatives to manage rising expenses. The article highlights a broader economic challenge within the food and beverage sector, where businesses must balance rising costs with customer expectations for quality. As coffee lovers face higher prices across the board, the future of specialty coffee may be at risk.