In the United States, size has long signalled value. “Supersize me” was not just a McDonald’s slogan but a national mantra, visible in bottomless sodas and endless refills at diners. Jumbo-sized iced coffees – sometimes 32 ounces or more – are trending in America. With the effect of tariffs and high coffee prices, cafés may be stretching supply by bulking out drinks with milk, syrup and ice. The average US coffee serving is 2-3 times the size of a typical European one, reflecting ...| Coffee Intelligence
On September 5th President Donald J. Trump signed an executive order updating tariff rules in line with ongoing trade negotiations. It designates coffee as an “unavailable natural resource,” eligible for exemption but only through future trade deals. 50% tariffs on Brazilian coffee have already shaken America’s market, and appear to be staying put. Brazil supplies 8M bags of coffee annually to the US, but roasters and traders are quickly pivoting to alternatives.| Coffee Intelligence
J. M. Smucker raising its prices in the wake of US tariffs raises an alarm. The custodian of Folgers, Dunkin’ and Café Bustelo has long been a bellwether for America’s coffee market. But are tariffs the cause, or the final straw for a market already in decline? Smucker’s US retail coffee profits plunged 22% last quarter, as tariffs on Brazilian coffee increased input costs. Volumes fell 2% as net pricing went up 18%, signalling that households are cutting back. Tariffs could accelerate...| Coffee Intelligence
