Why Are Coffee Prices Rising in 2025?
You're not alone if you've noticed your favorite coffee costing a little more lately. Coffee prices have been on the rise, and behind every cup is a complex global market affected by weather, economics, and supply chain challenges. At Olympia Coffee, we believe in transparency, so we want to break down what's happening and why.
What’s Driving Up Coffee Prices?
Over the past year, the price of green coffee (unroasted coffee beans) has surged. In December 2024, prices hit a 47-year high, and since then, they’ve climbed another 20%. The coffee industry operates on a global pricing system, often referred to as the C Market, which determines the cost of most of the world’s coffee. The C Market has risen primarily due to supply and demand dynamics. Low production in Brazil and Vietnam, the two largest producers of commodity coffee, resulted in poor harvests, significantly reducing global coffee supply. This drop in production led buyers to seek out any available inventory, creating a worldwide shortage. Additionally, market speculators have capitalized on the volatility, further exacerbating price fluctuations.
Specialty coffee—like what we source and roast at Olympia Coffee—is even more susceptible to price swings due to our commitment to quality, direct trade relationships, and sustainable farming practices.
Beyond the price of coffee itself, other costs have also risen:
- Packaging: Sustainable, high-quality materials are more expensive.
- Shipping & Logistics: Import costs fluctuate with fuel prices and global trade conditions.
- Labor & Tariffs: Economic shifts and trade regulations impact the cost of bringing coffee from farms to your cup.
Why Quality & Transparency Matter
At Olympia Coffee, we’ve built long-term relationships with coffee producers to ensure fair pay and high-quality beans. This commitment means we don’t cut corners when prices rise—we continue paying farmers fairly, supporting sustainability, and roasting the best coffee possible.
While we’ve had to make some small price adjustments, we remain committed to keeping our coffee accessible while ensuring our producers and team are paid equitably. We believe that transparency is key to a sustainable coffee industry, which is why we publish our Annual Transparency Report, sharing exactly how much we pay for our coffee and the impact it has on the people who grow it.
📄 Download the 2025 Transparency Report
What You Can Do
We know coffee is more than just a daily ritual—it’s a connection to farmers, roasters, and baristas around the world. Supporting ethically sourced coffee means ensuring those who grow and prepare it can continue their work, even in challenging times.
Want to learn more about coffee pricing and market trends? Check out this in-depth article from The Washington Post: Why is coffee so expensive?
Thank you for being part of our Olympia Coffee community. Every cup you enjoy supports the farmers, roasters, and baristas who make it possible.
