In recent days, a meeting was held at the Confcommercio headquarters in Sanremo in the presence of the roasters associated with the Confcommercio of the Province of Imperia, also extended to all the entities present in the area, to evaluate and address the dramatic situation of the global coffee market.
The price of raw coffee has been under tension for months on international markets: the issue is affected by a strong contraction in supply from Vietnam; adverse weather conditions in Brazil; the unfavorable exchange rate due to the strengthening of the dollar against the euro; transport problems linked to the need to avoid crossing the Red Sea, with consequent increase in travel times and costs. Factors which, overall, impact the costs of importing coffee exponentially.
The aftermath of the pandemic and the winds of war had already created instability on the markets, but these first months of 2024 are giving the final blow to an already truly critical situation. The shortage of raw materials on the market has reached unprecedented levels. There have historically been periods of production shortages that have caused product prices to rise, but never before has there been such difficulty in sourcing green coffee from the countries of origin.
In summary, unfavorable weather conditions, speculative bubble, increase in costs relating to the entire supply chain linked to the world of roasting, the world stock market rose to historic highs for “robusta” and to levels considered very high for “arabica”, they are all triggering factors, which have forced the artisan roasters of the province, who have always focused on product quality and service efficiency, to think carefully. With the aim of continuing to guarantee customers the same quality and efficiency that distinguish them from large industry, local coffee artisans inevitably find themselves forced to adjust their sales price lists, obviously with interventions carried out independently by each individual company.
Sustainability is a fundamental element for all of us and only through this step are we able to maintain and achieve those values that are preserved and handed down over time. The same values that today represent the dreams of the sector. In light of what emerged, the roasters associated with Confcommercio of the Province of Imperia have decided to convene a meeting in the next few days to discuss strategic proposals aimed at strengthening the Union, aiming for trade union action aimed at protecting local excellence in the sector.
