Espresso Prices Stir Anxiety among Italians as Global Costs Surge

As coffee bean prices escalate due to global factors, Italians, who hold their daily espresso close to their hearts, express concern over potential retail price increases, threatening the integrity of their cherished coffee culture.

In the heart of Italy, where espresso is not just a drink but a cornerstone of daily life, rising global coffee bean prices are inciting anxiety among consumers. Outpaced by expectations for inexpensive coffee, struggling coffee bar owners face an uncertain future. Andrea Consilvio, a fresh proprietor of a historic coffee bar in Turin, has described the ongoing situation as “a little crazy.” He asserts that coffee is more than a beverage for Italians, representing a vital ritual repeated by nearly three-quarters of the population each day.

Despite this deep-rooted affection for espresso, increased costs caused by trade disruptions and climate change loom large, painting a troubling picture for Italy’s coffee culture. Retail prices, although currently stable, may soon reflect the skyrocketing wholesale coffee costs, unsettling consumers who have always considered affordable espresso their right.

Luigi Morello, president of the Italian Espresso National Institute, echoed these concerns, stating that the entire coffee supply chain is facing a crisis. Higher prices are stirring unease among customers who have grown accustomed to low-cost coffee, leading to a collective anxiety about what the future holds for Italy’s rich coffee tradition. If prices do not stabilize, the fabric of a uniquely Italian experience may face a significant threat.