Why Coffee is Getting More Expensive And What It Means for All of Us
Torque SteamAt Torque & Steam, we believe great coffee should be both exceptional and accessible. But lately, you might have noticed headlines — or your wallet — suggesting that the cost of coffee is climbing fast. It's not just your imagination.
Take a look:
Over the past few years, the price of green Arabica beans — the kind used in high-quality specialty coffee — has soared. In early 2025, prices reached $4.41 per pound, nearly quadrupling from 2018 levels. Let’s take a closer look at what’s driving this increase, and what it means for everyone in the coffee chain — from farmers to cafés to your cup.
What’s Causing the Surge in Coffee Prices?
This price spike isn’t happening in a vacuum. Several overlapping factors are contributing to the increase:
- Climate volatility: Severe droughts and unseasonal frosts in Brazil and Vietnam, two of the world’s largest coffee producers, have devastated harvests.
- Shipping costs and tariffs: Global disruptions in logistics and increased tariffs on agricultural imports have pushed up the cost of transporting green coffee.
- Surging demand: Consumption is rising rapidly in emerging markets like China and the Middle East, putting further pressure on supply.
What This Means for Farmers
On the surface, higher coffee prices might seem like good news for farmers. And in some ways, they are — for those who are able to sell directly or have access to specialty markets, better prices can finally mean a living wage.
But here’s the nuance: many farmers are locked into long-term contracts or are selling through intermediaries, meaning they may not see the benefits of these price increases. Additionally, extreme weather makes yields unpredictable, and rising costs of fertilizer, fuel, and labor continue to eat into margins.
For smallholder producers — especially those without certifications or access to global buyers — the future remains uncertain.
What This Means for Roasters
For roasters, this price volatility presents a real challenge. We’re not just talking about the cost of beans. Rising import fees, energy costs, packaging materials, and labor expenses all add up.
At Torque & Steam, we’ve worked hard to insulate our supply chain by maintaining strong, direct relationships with producers. For example, our Brazilian Cerrado Mineiro beans are sourced from a fifth-generation family farm with consistent quality and pricing. That said, even we are feeling the pressure.
Balancing quality, sustainability, and affordability has never been trickier — but it’s a challenge we take seriously.
What This Means for Consumers
The reality is, higher bean prices often mean higher prices at the café or retail shelf. That £2.80 flat white might become £3.10. And your favorite bag of beans could creep up by a pound or more.
But here’s the good news: coffee is still one of the most affordable luxuries. A cup of high-quality coffee — responsibly sourced, carefully roasted, and brewed with love — remains a remarkable value for money when compared to many other daily indulgences.
Our Commitment at Torque & Steam
We’ve always believed in doing things differently. While the industry grapples with rising costs, our mission stays the same: deliver exceptional coffee without compromising ethics or emptying your wallet.
Here’s how we’re doing it:
- Absorbing cost increases wherever we can without passing them directly to customers.
- Investing in long-term farmer relationships to secure sustainable pricing.
- Innovating with efficient packaging and logistics to streamline operations.
We’re not immune to market forces, but we are committed to ensuring that you continue to enjoy Torque & Steam without compromise.
Because great coffee — the kind that fuels your passions, your workouts, or your Sunday drives — should remain within reach.
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