A complex web of pressures, from climate change to tariffs, are pushing up coffee prices. But the industry has a challenge: How to communicate necessary price rises to consumers without scaring them off.
For paid subscribers: deleted scenes from last week's lexicon. Musings on the words "Sustainability", "Specialty", and the old-school buzzwords like "Artisan" and "Gourmet".
Lots happening in this Roundup, so let’s get going:
Coffee prices will continue increasing, according to Giuseppe Lavazza, chair of Lavazza Group. Arabica futures hit a two-year high in July, and robusta beans remain at record levels due to supply shortages—Lavazza thinks this is going to “force” companies to raise their prices.
A university in China is offering a coffee science and engineering undergraduate degree. The university, Yunnan Agricultural University in China’s main coffee-growing region, adds to a number of institutions that are viewing coffee as a subject of study rather than merely fuel for students.
Brave/foolhardy Australian who want to try Doritos’ new coffee-flavoured tortilla chips can do so by entering an Instagram competition. But should they?
Coffee is basically the liquid version of a Mediterranean diet. So says one health researcher, anyway. Sample quote: “The Mediterranean diet is, primarily, a plant-based diet, and coffee is a plant-based drink.” Thanks for clearing that up, professor.
Read the full Roundup, including more unionizing news and some coffeewashing by Tetra Pak, over at Fresh Cup Magazine:
I'm the creator and writer of The Pourover. Based in Scotland, I have over a decade of experience in the specialty coffee industry as a barista, roaster, and writer. Ask me about coffeewashing.
