FAQs: Life's too short for bad coffee

1. Why have coffee prices increased so dramatically?

Coffee prices have jumped mainly because of ongoing climate issues impacting harvests in major producing countries like Brazil, Colombia and Vietnam. Add in a weaker Aussie dollar and higher global freight and energy costs and it's a perfect storm causing these increases.

For more details, read green coffee update and what it means for Australia.

2. How long will these higher coffee prices last?

Honestly, it's hard to say. The challenges facing global coffee supply, like unpredictable weather and economic shifts, aren’t likely to disappear quickly. This new pricing could well be the new normal, at least for the foreseeable future.

3. What is specialty coffee?

Specialty coffee is the highest-grade coffee (80+ points, minimal defects) with enhanced traceability. Beyond quality, it's coffee that's noticeably delicious, enjoyable and memorable. In a cafe setting, it’s about the experience. From barista skill and latte art to atmosphere and vibe, making you eager to come back.

Pablo & Rusty’s coffee is not only delicious and specialty, we go beyond. We brew and roast the most delicious coffee we can while doing as much good as possible. We are a B Corp, Carbon Neutral Organisation and 1% for the planet members ( yes! 1% of our revenue goes towards for planet causes).

Read What is specialty coffee? And how we go beyond it.

4. Is specialty coffee worth the extra cost compared to commodity coffee?

Absolutely! Specialty coffee is sourced responsibly, tastes incredible and supports fairer pay for farmers. The small extra investment per cup ensures you're drinking delicious coffee that’s ethically sourced and sustainably produced. Life’s too short for average coffee!

Specialty coffee is the result of many hands carefully growing, processing, selecting, roasting and brewing this delicious beverage. Many farmers, coffee graders, roasters, baristas and cafe leaders. So is delicious coffee worth a little bit more? We think so. However, are the people of coffee worth a little bit more? Definitely.

We hope you agree.

5. Will all cafes increase their coffee prices?

Most cafes will likely increase their prices to remain sustainable and maintain quality. If some don’t, they'll face tough choices such as cutting corners on quality or service which would be a real loss for everyone.

To understand more, read why do cafes find it hard to raise prices.

6. What impact do higher coffee prices have on coffee farmers?

Higher coffee prices mean farmers have the potential to get fairer returns. After years of being underpaid, farmers can hopefully now earn more sustainable incomes, which is fantastic news for coffee communities worldwide. This will also lead to investment in future farms and better varieties of coffee which will likely produce even better (and more delicious) results.

7. If I buy coffee beans for home use, how much more will I actually pay per cup?

At a per-serve measure, not much! Even a $15/kg increase only adds about 15 cents per shot. It’s a small investment to keep delicious coffee alive and thriving.

8. Can I expect the quality of coffee in cafes to change with these price increases?

The goal is to maintain, if not enhance, the coffee experience. Slightly higher prices help cafes continue to use delicious beans, employ skilled baristas, invest in quality equipment and focus on innovations ensuring that the exceptional coffee experience remains unchanged.

Read Global coffee prices: Why Australian cafes and consumers need a fresh perspective

9. How can I support my local cafe during these price rises?

Keep visiting them! Understand why prices are rising and continue choosing specialty coffee (and ideally, those going beyond specialty coffee!). Tell them you understand and you will keep coming back. Your support helps sustain the amazing coffee culture and local communities we all love.

Read What's in the cost of coffee?

10. Are there alternatives to Arabica coffee that might be cheaper?

Alternatives exist, but they generally don't match Arabica’s quality and flavour. Also, it’s not just Arabica that’s at all-time highs, so is Robusta coffee. Switching might save a few cents but may significantly lower your coffee experience. We believe in innovation and a resilient future for coffee. Therefore, we are ultimately interested in the taste of the coffee regardless of varietal, species or process. As long as it’s delicious, we are open to using it. However, nothing currently will meaningfully change the pricing situation.

11. What can I do to ensure I’m still getting ethically sourced coffee?

Look for brands and cafes that are transparent about sourcing and certifications, such as Fairtrade, B Corp, Carbon Neutral, or 1% for the planet. We believe that consumers should not have to choose between delicious coffee and coffee that is good for the planet and its people. Therefore, we are obsessed with ensuring both of these outcomes. 

Read Pablo & Rusty’s Impact Report 2024: A reflection of our growth

12. Will prices come back down if global coffee prices drop?

If global prices significantly decrease and stabilise, Australian prices may stabilise or slightly reduce eventually. However, these changes usually take time to pass through the value chain and currently, this is an unlikely outcome. Rather than hoping for prices to drop, it's best to adapt to the current reality and ensure the coffee industry remains strong, sustainable and resilient by investing a little bit more in our daily cup of joy. 

13. I have heard that cafes, farmers or roasters may be price gouging, is that true?

Not at all. The current price increases reflect global challenges and higher costs. Most cafes, farmers and roasters are adjusting prices just to stay sustainable and ensure everyone in the coffee supply chain, from farm to cup, stays sustainable and viable. According to IBIS, Australian cafes have some of the lowest profitability out of all our industries. 

The coffee supply chain is not an abstract concept. It’s real people from farmers to baristas. For us, they are worth investing a little bit more in our daily cup of joy. 

You don’t have to take our word for it, these challenges have been widely reported and can easily be searched for online. Here are a couple of recent articles from the ABC.

Coffee prices hit record high after bad weather

Flat white coffee price likely to skyrocket, no matter where you live