10 Dec Coffee Prices are Going Up! What You Should Be Doing Now (Before It’s Too Late)
Hold on to your coffee mugs – the price of coffee has hit the highest levels since 1977! Yup, you read that right. Due to adverse weather issues in key coffee-producing regions like Brazil and Vietnam, along with growing uncertainty around surrounding the EU’s Deforestation Directive (EUDR), coffee prices are soaring. Arabica futures have surged by 70% this year alone, creating significant ripple effects for coffee suppliers, roasters, and – of course – your beloved office coffee providers.
As the culture champions responsible for keeping your team’s caffeine levels high and morale even higher, you might wonder: What does this mean for my office coffee service? And how can you manage these rising costs without bringing down the office vibe?
Why Might Your Office Coffee Suddenly Become Expensive?
So, what exactly is brewing behind these price hikes? Let’s break it down:
- Adverse Weather Conditions: Brazil’s devastating droughts and heatwaves, along with unpredictable weather in Vietnam, have knocked coffee crops off track, creating a strained supply and driving prices up.
- EU Deforestation Directive (EUDR): The EU’s new sustainability rules have coffee traders stockpiling beans like it’s the last batch on Earth, tightening the market and pushing prices higher.
- Rising Production Costs: Coffee farmers are grappling with higher labor, fertilizer, and transport costs. To stay afloat, many are opting for higher bids, shaking up long-term contracts, and hiking prices across the entire supply chain.
Why You Should Care (And No, You Can’t Just Ignore It)
If you’re managing office perks, this does matter to you. Here’s why:
- Rising Costs Everywhere: From roasters to your local coffee supplier, everyone’s feeling the pinch. If your supplier’s not locked into a long-term contract, brace for some sticker shock when those price hikes trickle down to you.
- Budget Strain: You’re already juggling budget constraints thanks to inflation and rising operational costs. The last thing you need is a coffee price hike creeping into your balance sheet. Because let’s face it – when people notice the coffee isn’t as good, you know you’ll hear about it.
- Impact on Employee Happiness: Coffee isn’t just a caffeine fix; it’s a morale booster, productivity power-up, and let’s be real — it’s part of the office culture. If the coffee quality dips or prices spike without a heads-up, you risk alienating your employees. And we all know what happens when people stop getting their daily cup of joy. (Spoiler: It’s not pretty.)
What Actions You Should Take NOW (Before Your Employees Stage a Coffee Strike)
Don’t panic! Here are some strategies to stay ahead of the price hikes and keep your teams fueled without breaking the bank.
1. Request Transparent Communication from Your Office Coffee Provider
Look, nobody likes surprises (except maybe on their birthday). If coffee prices are climbing, start the conversation early! Give your refreshment provider a heads-up and let them know you’re in the loop about rising costs — whether it’s supply chain hiccups or just the cost of doing business. Work together to figure out a plan that keeps your office coffee flowing without breaking the bank. A little transparency goes a long way in brewing a solution that works for everyone.
Bonus points for making it sound like you’re all in this together — coffee solidarity!
2. Offer a Coffee Variety Show (Without the Drama)
You don’t have to stick to one type of coffee. Mix it up! Offer both premium Arabica for the coffee connoisseurs and Robusta for those who just need that kick without the price tag. You’ll be able to balance the budget without sacrificing the coffee flavor, and everyone wins!
3. Buy More, Save More with Long-Term Contracts (or Bulk Orders)
If you want to avoid the headache of price fluctuations, long-term contracts or bulk orders are your best friend. Locking in rates now can help you avoid sudden spikes later, and bulk ordering ensures you won’t run out of coffee mid-week (because we all know what happens when that happens). The best part? Predictable budgets!
4. Coffee Subscriptions: A Win-Win (And Yes, They’ll Love It)
Why not make your life (and your budget) easier with a coffee subscription? Employees get the benefit of fixed rates for a set period, and you get the peace of mind that comes with knowing the coffee supply is guaranteed. Plus, creating custom coffee packages based on team preferences (light vs. dark roast, organic vs. conventional) is a surefire way to make everyone feel special.
5. Quality Over Quantity: Show Them You Care
Yes, prices are going up, but this is your moment to brew something better. Why settle for a dozen so-so options when a few high-quality picks can hit the spot? Team up with your refreshment provider to get the best bang for your buck, then loop in your employees to find out what they really want. Involving them in the process not only ensures their favorite brews make the cut, but it also turns a price hike into a chance to show you care about what fuels their day.
6. Diversify Your Beverage Options: Give the People What They Want
Why stop at coffee? Adding other beverages like tea, hot chocolate, and even cold brews gives your employees more choices, which can be especially helpful if some people prefer a non-caffeinated option. You could offer better water or flavored water, which improves the taste of any beverage. Plus, diversifying your offerings can balance out the cost of coffee and make everyone feel like they’re getting more for their money.
Stay Ahead of the Curve (And Keep the Coffee Flowing)
Sure, coffee prices are on the rise, but that doesn’t mean your workplace coffee service has to suffer. With a little strategy, communication, and flexibility, you can manage rising costs without losing your beans – pun intended – or employee satisfaction.
As coffee consultant Orrin Huebner wisely puts it, “Take a deep breath, put a great plan in place, and over-communicate every step of the way.”
So go ahead — keep those coffee stations stocked, communicate like a pro, and make sure your team knows you’ve got their coffee cravings covered. Do you have a trusted refreshment provider for situations like this? If not, you need a Coolbreakrooms Authorized Provider, which we can provide free of charge! That’s one less thing to worry about as you continue to build a positive, energized workplace.
