Local coffee roasters in Maine are facing significant financial pressure due to soaring coffee prices. The cost of coffee has reached a 50-year high, primarily driven by adverse weather conditions in Brazil, which is a major coffee producer. This situation has forced local businesses to find ways to cope without passing these costs onto consumers.
• Coffee prices have increased from $2.20 to over $4.00 per pound in just a year.
• The drought in Brazil caused a 70% jump in arabica coffee prices.
• Local roasters are exploring bulk sales and reducing packaging costs to manage expenses.
• Smaller businesses struggle to compete with larger roasters that benefit from volume discounts.
This issue matters as it affects not only the livelihoods of local roasters but also the experience of coffee lovers. If prices remain high, consumers may have to adjust their coffee habits. The upcoming harvest reports from Brazil could provide hope for lower prices, but uncertainty remains.
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