Espresso Prices Spark Concern in Italy Amid Global Coffee Price Surge

As global coffee prices rise due to climate change and trade disruptions, Italian coffee bars are caught in a difficult situation, balancing the public demand for low-priced espresso with the realities of increasing costs, leading to widespread concern about potential impacts on the country's coffee culture.

In a country where the daily espresso ritual is revered, recent spikes in coffee bean prices are causing a stir. As Andrea Consilvio, who bought a storied coffee bar in Turin this spring, puts it, "It feels a little crazy." Italy, where about 75% of residents indulge in espresso daily, has deep-rooted expectations for affordability. A hassle-free espresso at a bar should cost no more than pocket change, but anxiety is brewing as prices threaten to rise due to global market shifts.

With climate issues and supply chain discrepancies driving costs up, Italian coffee bar owners are increasingly worried about maintaining affordability. "If prices keep increasing, it poses a serious danger," warns Mr. Consilvio, addressing the potential clash between tradition and economic viability.

Luigi Morello, the president of the Italian Espresso National Institute, echoed these concerns, remarking that consumers are rightfully alarmed. The current crisis is impacting the entire coffee supply chain, emphasizing the tension between the ingrained daily habits of Italians and the evolving landscape of coffee prices.

As discussions around espresso price inflation continue, coffee enthusiasts and bar owners alike are anxious about the future of this quintessential aspect of Italian culture. Will the espresso remain an affordable staple, or will rising costs force Italians to rethink their beloved daily ritual?