For years, coffee’s giants have been cast as villains. Their dominance, critics argue, squeezes farmers, depresses quality, and cheapens a product whose cultural cachet has soared in the past two decades. Producer countries’ share of commercial retail coffee prices has barely budged in the last 20 years, even with prices declining. Meanwhile at the upper end of the specialty market, prices rose by more than 75% – to whose benefit? Big roasters often run on thin margins balanced by scal...| Coffee Intelligence
Few sectors are as globally enmeshed – and as politically exposed – as coffee. In recent weeks, Donald Trump’s proposed tariffs on coffee imports have sent shockwaves through the industry. Arabica prices recently surged to $4.30/lb – only to later drop 60 cents amid tariff panic. Trump’s reciprocal tariffs (and the subsequent pause) is reshuffling global sourcing, including for coffee. However, uncertainty is the real tax – and few can afford it.| Coffee Intelligence
Colombia’s coffee industry, long celebrated for its exceptional green coffee exports, is witnessing a strategic shift as traders venture into specialty coffee retail. Rising costs and shrinking margins are driving a shift from green coffee exports to domestic retail. Specialty cafés showcase Colombian coffee culture and foster innovation and sustainability.| Coffee Intelligence
