Robusta coffee prices have soared to a 45-year high, driven by complex factors beyond just rising demand. Drought in Vietnam, the world's largest robusta producer, has wreaked havoc on harvests. Meanwhile, roasters are increasingly blending robusta to offset high arabica costs. Coffee consultant Cleia Junqueira explains that roasters must now navigate tight inventories and unpredictable price shifts. As global stocks dwindle, some producers are holding back coffee to leverage higher prices, further exacerbating the market crunch. Strategic inventory management is now crucial for roasters to balance consumer demand and maintain profitability.
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