Coffee production is facing significant challenges due to climate change and economic factors. Severe drought in Brazil and Vietnam has led to decreased coffee bean availability, causing prices to soar. Reneé Colón, owner of Fuego Coffee Roasters in Rochester, New York, is feeling the effects firsthand as she navigates rising costs and changing supply chains.
• Coffee prices have more than doubled in recent months, with beans costing Colón $5.50 per pound, impacting her business decisions.
• Tariffs imposed by the U.S. government on coffee imports are expected to increase prices further, complicating supply chain management for roasters.
• Global coffee exports have dropped significantly, leading to the highest raw coffee prices since 1977.
• Colón is adapting by expanding her roasting capacity and exploring new sales avenues, despite the market challenges.
The situation highlights the broader implications of climate change and tariffs on small businesses. As coffee becomes more scarce and expensive, consumers may face higher prices, and roasters like Colón must find innovative ways to sustain their businesses. This scenario serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of global agriculture, environmental conditions, and economic policies.
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