I’ve written about how I started roasting, and even when I started the business I didn’t know that much about coffee. In 2007ish, it was hard to find green coffee beans, and if you didn’t know someone, it was harder to learn about the coffee industry.
Two years ago I went to the Specialty Coffee Expo that was held in Portland, Oregon. I could call it a rude awakening, but it wasn’t that bad. By the time I went I had been running Galaxy Girl Coffee for two years and had expanded both my palate and my knowledge. It was still eye opening though. There was a lot about the coffee industry I just didn’t know.
I’m still learning.
The recent changes in the United States has put green bean purchasing in a state of upheaval. Prices have increased by over two dollars a pound since January, wholesale, on a lot of coffee beans, which has to be passed onto the customer. This isn’t due completely to politics, though. Some of it is holdover from the 2024 crop issues and therefore lack of available inventory.
The current tariff uncertainty has made coffee importers hold off on purchasing beans from different regions, only to turn around and order as much as possible once the tariff threat subsided, creating logistical nightmares trying to get it shipped into the country. This has been problematic for them, in addition to their customers, as successful business owners know that consistency is key to a thriving business. The amount of upheaval has had a detrimental effect on importers and the roasters who rely on them.
I’m explaining this, because, as a small roaster, who loves making people happy with good coffee, it has been extremely difficult to replenish my inventory. Several beans are sold out, or outside of my budget. I’m having to reevaluate my pricing that I just adjusted in January. I had goal pricing that I have had to violate over and over due to these issues.
While I believe that great coffee is worth the prices I have to charge, my goal has always been to try to have affordable coffee for everyone. Unfortunately, that is becoming harder to accomplish.
I have yet to adjust my prices, as I’ve been very busy working to get situated in the new location. Please be aware that price increases are coming. It is inevitable.
There may come a day where coffee prices decrease, but that will be a long time coming. The good news is that brewing great coffee at home lets you indulge in a delicious cup, at a more affordable price. Next week I’ll be writing about my experience with a home espresso machine that I was gifted, and how it changed my mornings for the better.