India has a long history with coffee, especially in the southern states. Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala are home to large coffee plantations, and Bengaluru has become famous for its traditional South Indian filter coffee. Served in steel tumblers with frothy milk, this strong and flavourful coffee is an essential part of daily life for many people. However, this beloved drink might soon become more expensive. Read on to know all about the scenario.
Coffee Prices Are At An All-Time High In Bengaluru
According to the Deccan Herald, coffee prices have reached record highs. As of February 14, the Coffee Board reported that mild arabica beans cost ₹800.42 per kg, while robusta is priced at ₹512.45 per kg.
PC Rao, President of the Bruhat Bengaluru Hoteliers Association, told the Deccan Herald that this price hike could lead to a 10 to 15% increase in filter coffee prices in Bengaluru. “Though Bengaluru is known for its affordable filter coffee, the skyrocketing coffee prices have made a price increase unavoidable for hotels,” he said. He also noted that milk prices might rise soon, making things even more expensive.
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A Look At Global And Local Factors
This is worrying news for coffee lovers in Bengaluru. Many people rely on their daily cup of coffee, whether at a small roadside stall or a famous café. Deccan Herald spoke to US Mahendar, founder and CEO of Hatti Kaapi, who said they are trying to hold off on increasing prices. He also mentioned that some sellers are holding back stocks, expecting prices to rise further, which is causing a shortage.
Babu Reddy, Deputy Director (Exports and Market Research) at the Coffee Board, explained to the Deccan Herald that coffee production has dropped in major coffee-growing countries like Brazil. This has reduced global supply, pushing up prices. However, Karnataka’s coffee growers may benefit from this increase. Since Karnataka is India’s largest coffee-producing state, local farmers are getting better prices for their crops. Unfortunately, this means higher costs for consumers.
Despite the price hike, Bengaluru’s love for filter coffee remains strong. Whether at a local darshini or a famous café, the tradition of sipping a hot cup of coffee will continue. But for now, coffee lovers should be prepared to pay a little more for their favourite drink.
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva
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