In a sure sign that the apocalypse is near, a coffee bean shortage is coming and we’re gonna have to start paying more for an our morning brown.
Experts from RMIT University have warned that frequent extreme weather events in major coffee-growing regions, coupled with ongoing supply chain disruptions, are going to drive up the price of coffee beans, potentially altering consumer habits and basically fuck over the Australian coffee industry.
So it would seem that it’s not just the shitty economy making your morning fix more expensive.
Professor Vinh Thai, a specialist in logistics and supply chain management, says there are multiple issues causing the spike in coffee prices.
“Extreme weather conditions in key coffee supply markets like Brazil and Vietnam have significantly disrupted production,” he said.
“Moreover, the continuing increase in container shipping rates, which play a crucial role in the transportation of coffee beans, is exacerbating these costs.”
Thai added that these increased expenses are likely to be passed down the supply chain, from roasters to cafes, and ultimately to consumers, placing additional strain on those already struggling with rising living costs.
The implications for the Australian coffee industry are serious, with Thai cautioning that any significant shift in consumer behaviour due to rising prices could threaten the livelihoods of nearly 70,000 people employed in the sector.
So, the moral of the story is: if you’re asked to pay a bit more for your favourite cup in the morning, don’t shoot the messenger because it’s not their fault.
