Coffee Prices Hit Historic $4+ Per Pound — ‘Operators Should Prepare Now,’ Expert Suggests

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The global coffee market is experiencing record-breaking prices. On February 6, 2025, the global coffee market reached unprecedented heights, with green coffee prices surpassing $4 per pound. The US Coffee C Futures for March 2025 (KCH5) closed at 403.25 cents per pound on Thursday, marking an increase of 5.50 cents (1.38%) from the day’s opening price.

Industry veterans are expressing concern over these record-breaking prices. Dan Welch, President and CEO of World Cup Coffee in Portland, Oregon, commented in a social post, “After 40 years in the industry I’ve never seen the tipping point where people don’t drink coffee but they do certainly change habits.”

While Vending Connection reported prices would rise, this dramatic spike signals a larger problem than initially forecasted. Shrinking margins, unpredictable costs, and supply chain disruptions are becoming inevitable.

The market’s future remains uncertain, with questions about potential stabilization or continued volatility. Supporting sustainable farming practices and fostering transparent supply chains to mitigate future risks has never been more important. Experts are beginning to advise operators in the coffee and refreshment sector that they should prepare their clients for new expectations and budget adjustments as coffee pricing enters uncharted territory. 

“We’ve never seen office coffee prices this high before,” said Orrin Huebner, a refreshment industry veteran. “I’ve been in the business since the late ‘70’s  and it’s never been this bad. Operators should prepare now for the rising costs of coffee.”

In Brazil, the situation has become so dire that it’s led to “fake coffee” products — powdered substances containing little to no actual coffee beans being sold at a fraction of the price of regular coffee, according to a report by Reuters. This development has raised concerns within the Brazilian Coffee Roasters Association about product authenticity and consumer protection.

As the industry grapples with these challenges, stakeholders at all levels are closely monitoring the situation, seeking strategies to adapt to the evolving market dynamics. Office coffee businesses should brace for continued uncertainty in the months ahead.