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BSA Member
The Roaster’s Customer Clear Communication: Being
For independent coffee shops and cafés, the upfront about the challenges in
increased cost of green coffee could not the market will help customers
come at a worse time. understand why prices are
Businesses are also being hit by increased changing.
labour costs and soaring energy prices, and Stronger Direct Trade
commercial rents are also on the up. Relationships: Buying directly
Higher prices at the till are almost inevitable. from coffee producers can
As Paul Rooke from the British Coffee sometimes provide more stable
Association recently said, "We are getting to pricing and ensures fairer trade
the point where £5 for a cup of coffee will practices. However, this comes
soon become the norm." with increased complexity and
However, coffee has always been known as costs and is fraught with
an ‘affordable luxury’ which is resistant to potential pitfalls.
rising prices.
Individuals that support independent coffee Improving Efficiency:
shops care about quality and craftsmanship Streamlining production
and are more likely to remain loyal if they see processes and collaborating with
their local roaster as part of a wider other small roasters on bulk
movement that values transparency, buying may help offset rising
sustainability and ethical sourcing. costs.
Managing Rising Costs Looking Ahead
Gradual Price Adjustments: Incremental Whilst market conditions are
price rises over time are preferable to a challenging (even Nestle and
sudden, steep increase and will be better Lavazza have warned that bean
received by customers. prices have gone up so much they
can no longer absorb increases
without passing them on), they also
present an opportunity for small
roasters to reinforce their
commitment to customers in
important areas, including quality,
ethical issues, and sustainability.
Simon concluded, "Also bear in mind
that coffee is a commodity and
though the price may go up, it will
come down at some point. It's a case
of weathering the storm in the
meantime."
Contact details as follows:
(T) 01209 - 215555
Simon Speed-Andrews (L) of Cornish (W) www.cornishcoffee.co.uk
Coffee looks on as roasting begins
MARCH/APRIL. 2025 | ISSUE 41