Italians, known for their deep-rooted coffee traditions, are facing anxiety as the cost of coffee beans rises because of trade disruptions and climate change. This shift poses a risk to the affordability of espresso and the livelihoods of coffee bar owners.
Espresso Price Hike Stirs Concern in Italy's Coffee Culture
Espresso Price Hike Stirs Concern in Italy's Coffee Culture
Rising coffee prices due to global challenges force Italian espresso drinkers and bar owners to confront a fragile balance between affordability and quality.
In Italy, the ritual of coffee drinking transcends mere consumption; it is an integral part of daily life. With about 75% of Italians indulging in espresso daily, this cherished custom is now under threat due to rising coffee bean prices, attributed largely to global trade disruptions and climate change. Andrea Consilvio, a newcomer to Turin's coffee scene, recently purchased an established coffee bar with the hopes of maintaining this Italian tradition, but is aware of the challenges that lie ahead.
Prices for coffee beans have surged, sparking anxiety among consumers and coffee bar owners alike. Italians, who are accustomed to sipping their espresso for just a few cents, fear that higher costs could lead to a significant rise in retail prices, disrupting the coffee culture that they hold dear. "The world of coffee is changing," Consilvio noted, citing the potential threat to both employment and gastronomic tradition.
Luigi Morello, the president of the Italian Espresso National Institute, has echoed these concerns, stating that the entire coffee supply chain is facing a crisis. With growing market tensions and shifting consumer expectations for affordable pricing, the future of Italy's espresso—and the livelihood of its many baristas—hangs in a precarious balance. As the nation grapples with these changes, many are left pondering what the next sip of espresso will cost them, both financially and culturally.
