Your daily caffeine fix is getting pricier —but coffee farmers aren't reaping the rewards. Why? A stark divide between coffee-producing nations in the Global South and big-name brands in the Global North is leaving growers with just 1% of your latte's retail price.
Bean Counters vs. Big Business
Brazil, Vietnam, and Ethiopia supply 70% of the world's raw coffee beans , while European giants like Nestlé and Starbucks dominate the $14.30/kg processed coffee market . Farmers earn only $2.40/kg for unprocessed beans—a gap wider than your favorite TikTok drama.
Tariffs: The Invisible Wall
Want justice? Developed nations slap tariffs up to 20% on processed coffee imports , while raw beans enter tax-free. It’s like a video game where the final boss keeps respawning—farmers can’t level up their economies without facing financial roadblocks.
Cartel Controversy Brewing
Some economists suggest coffee-producing countries form a cartel to negotiate better terms . Think OPEC, but for arabica. Will it work? Stay tuned—this could change your cup’s backstory more than a Netflix documentary.
—but coffee farmers aren't reaping the rewards. Why? A stark divide between coffee-producing nations in the Global South and big-name brands in the Global North is leaving growers with just 1% of your latte's retail price.
, while European giants like Nestlé and Starbucks dominate the $14.30/kg processed coffee market 
. Farmers earn only $2.40/kg for unprocessed beans—a gap wider than your favorite TikTok drama.
, while raw beans enter tax-free. It’s like a video game where the final boss keeps respawning—farmers can’t level up their economies without facing financial roadblocks.
. Think OPEC, but for arabica. Will it work? Stay tuned—this could change your cup’s backstory more than a Netflix documentary.
: What It Means…
