Alright folks, let’s talk about something a lot of us are noticing right now: that little price bump in your daily cup of joe, or your favorite pastry.
We see it, we're feeling it too—and we want to be super transparent about what’s going on, why it’s happening, and what we’re doing to keep serving you the best coffee and baked goods we can. No doom and gloom here—just the facts, served with a splash of real talk and a dash of optimism.
So What’s Brewing Behind the Price Increases?
1. Brazil’s Coffee Crop Got a One-Two Punch
First, there was the worst drought in over 70 years. Then came unexpected frost. Not great. Together, they damaged up to 20% of Brazil’s arabica crops—those smooth, flavorful beans we all love. Less coffee from the world’s biggest producer = prices go up.
2. Vietnam’s Heatwave Made Robusta Beans Even Rarer
Robusta beans (used in blends, cold brews, and espresso) took a major hit from extreme heat and dry conditions. With demand still high and supply shrinking, prices for these beans are climbing too.
3. Colombia’s Getting Way Too Much Rain
While Brazil and Vietnam dry out, Colombia’s dealing with the opposite problem—too much rain. And it’s throwing off their coffee plants’ rhythm. Fewer flowers, delayed harvests, and lower yields mean less of those beautiful Colombian beans on the market.
4. Shipping and Supply Chains Are Still a Mess
From ports to trucks, getting green coffee beans from farm to roaster has gotten pricier and trickier. Freight costs are up, shipping timelines are stretched, and hiccups are still happening more than we’d like.
5. Tariffs Are Adding to the Pressure
Here’s one that’s newer in the mix: recent changes in global trade policies are bringing tariffs back into the spotlight. Some coffee imports now cost more before they even arrive at our door. We're keeping a close eye on it, but yep—it’s one more factor brewing in the background.
6. Coffee is Popular (Like, Really Popular)
Even with all these challenges, global coffee demand keeps climbing. More folks are discovering specialty coffee around the world, and the at home barista trend is skyrocketing. Making tasty espresso at home keeps getting easier (but if you want the best you know where to come)—so supply is tight, and competition for top-quality beans is fierce.
7. The Climate Is Making Coffee Growing Tricky
From droughts to downpours, shifting weather patterns are shaking up traditional coffee-growing regions. That means farmers have to work harder to produce less—adding pressure on price and availability.
8. Even Eggs Are Getting Pricier
Yep, it’s not just coffee. Egg prices have flown the coop too, thanks to feed costs, supply shortages, and avian flu. Since eggs are in a lot of our house-made baked goods, that’s affecting things on the pastry side of the menu as well.
What We’re Doing About It
Here at San Fran, we’re still roasting the same small-batch, high-quality beans you know and love. We’re staying loyal to our sourcing partners, continuing to roast fresh in-house, and doing everything we can to keep our prices as accessible as possible, without cutting corners. Because you come to us for quality, and we are going to make sure you get it.
Yep, everything really is connected, for worse, and..for better. A reminder of how connected we all are—to farmers across the world, to climate systems, and to each other as a coffee community.
We know it’s more than just coffee—it’s comfort, connection, and community. If you ever have questions, suggestions, or just want to nerd out about your favorite roast, we’re all ears!
Yours in coffee,
The Freshmaker