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As avid coffee enthusiasts, we at The Coffee Blog (TCB) often grapple with a delicate balancing act: on one hand, we believe that premium prices are crucial to support coffee producers and honor the artistry behind exceptional coffee. On the other, we recognize that not everyone can or chooses to splurge on high-end microlot coffees. Coffee has always been an accessible luxury, a small indulgence that anyone can enjoy. So, we feel a responsibility to find outstanding coffees at everyday prices, even if it means navigating a bit of a tightrope.
This month’s report focuses on the search for remarkable specialty coffees that won’t break the bank. But first, we needed to define what constitutes an “everyday” price for fine coffee. After some consideration, we settled on a price cap of $15 per 12 ounces. To put this in perspective, only four of the coffees featured in our Top 30 Coffees of 2017 were priced under $15 per 12 ounces. Nonetheless, half of the coffees on that list were under $19 per 12 ounces, still quite reasonable for exceptional quality, while others reached prices as high as $206 per 12 ounces.
In our pursuit of high-quality yet affordable specialty coffees, we sampled 44 different offerings from 28 roasters across North America and East Asia. Each one was priced at $15 or less per 12 ounces. The results were promising: we discovered three extraordinary 94-rated coffees, along with seven more scoring between 92 and 93. We review these top 10 here, showcasing that great coffee doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag.
The remaining seven top-rated coffees are all single-origin, reflecting their origins with clarity and distinction. These coffees aren’t special microlot selections but are rather exemplary versions of classic coffee types. They represent the best of traditional specialty coffee, triumphs of the supply chain’s care and expertise.
Achieving this balance of quality and affordability often involves sourcing traditional coffee types produced in quantity and maintaining efficient operations at home. For instance, Grounds for Change focuses on fine-tuning their operations and being mindful of their business practices to offer high-quality, fair-trade organic coffee at reasonable prices. Similarly, Caffeic Coffee keeps overhead low and prioritizes quality over flashy marketing.
Despite the positive findings from our cupping, the larger economic context for coffee producers is troubling. Over the past two decades, the price paid to growers for quality green Arabica coffee has decreased significantly. Adjusting for inflation, coffee growers today earn much less than they did 20 years ago. This disparity highlights a pressing issue in the global coffee industry: while consumers may pay more and value coffee higher, producers often receive less.
Navigating the Commodity System
The entrenched commodity system prioritizes low prices, often at the expense of quality, the environment, and the livelihoods of smallholder farmers. Despite numerous efforts to effect change through certifications and development programs, the fundamental economic pressures remain. Specialty roasters strive to transcend this system by paying more for quality, celebrating producers as co-creators, and contributing to coffee development efforts. This approach not only supports better quality coffee but also fosters more sustainable and equitable practices.
Gathering reliable statistics on how much more producers are paid for specialty coffees versus commodity coffees is challenging. However, data from Transparent Trade Coffee (TTC) suggests that specialty coffee systems pay significantly more for better quality and more distinctive coffees. For example, in 2016, the average price for specialty green coffees was $3.81 per pound, compared to $1.64 per pound for good-quality Arabica in the commodity market. This substantial difference underscores the potential for specialty coffee to offer better returns for producers.
Balancing the need for distinction and fair pricing while remaining accessible to consumers is a complex task. Mike Perry of Klatch Coffee sums it up well: “At Klatch, we buy the best coffee we can but recognize that not everyone can afford to drink Geisha every day. So we balance quality and value with sustainability.” This sustainability encompasses fair prices for farmers, roasters, and consumers, ensuring that quality coffee remains accessible while supporting the entire coffee supply chain.
Our search for value coffees has revealed that exceptional quality is achievable at everyday prices. By focusing on well-curated traditional types, efficient operations, and fair practices, specialty roasters can offer remarkable coffees that respect both the producers and the consumers.
If you enjoyed this exploration into the world of value coffees, we invite you to subscribe to our newsletter. Stay updated with the latest coffee trends, reviews, and tips to enhance your coffee experience. Let’s continue to celebrate coffee as an accessible luxury for everyone.
Happy brewing!
