Coffee Connoisseurs Face the Music as Global Prices Soar
KUALA LUMPUR: With surging coffee bean prices and a global supply shortage, it might be time for Malaysians to consider brewing their own or drinking it less frequently. Global coffee prices have surged due to unfavourable weather conditions in key nations like Brazil and Vietnam, the leading producers of Arabica and Robusta beans.
The Impact on Malaysian Coffee Drinkers
Malaysian coffee drinkers would undoubtedly experience the impact of the shortage in the intake and price of their brews. Coffee enthusiast Luqman Hakim Kamaruzzaman, 29, told Bernama he spends RM120 to RM150 weekly on coffee. To him, anything beyond RM15 a cup is expensive, "so I’ll be more selective about choosing the right cafés". He added: "I can brew my own coffee by finding a local coffee roastery, buying my own coffee beans and grinding them myself, and that’s how I can save."
Rethinking Coffee Habits
Nurul Huda Muhammad Noor, 45, shared that the rising cost is making her reconsider indulging in her favourite drink as frequently as before. "I am definitely a strong coffee lover, but now I have reduced it a bit due to health and financial factors. I will definitely reduce my consumption, saving it for special occasions and outings," she said.
On the other hand, Ahmad Hijazi Mohd Faizal, who spends roughly RM30 weekly on coffee, would opt for cheaper options, such as local products or small roadside stalls that offer more affordable beverages. However, the 27-year-old acknowledged that not all local coffee shops can satisfy his taste buds, owing to the quality of coffee beans used.
Local Coffee Shops Feel the Pinch
Meanwhile, local café owners who import beans and sell specialty coffees are now faced with the challenge of rethinking their pricing strategies. Hijjaz Suhaimi, owner of Rendevú Coffee in Wangsa Maju, said in the face of skyrocketing green coffee bean prices, difficult decisions now have to be made. "However, as long as businesses maintain strong branding and adapt to cultural trends, demand will persist, even with higher prices," he opined.
The Future of the Coffee Industry in Malaysia
For Che Wan Sufian Che Wan Abdullah, owner of Kampung Brew, the global coffee bean price hike is worrisome for local owners. "We have not received any official notices from suppliers yet, but the recent sales and service tax hike and minimum-wage adjustments have already driven up costs for items like coffee, cocoa and milk. If the coffee bean price hike happens, most cafés will be forced to raise their prices," he told Bernama at his Ampang outlet recently.
Conclusion
As the global coffee industry continues to grapple with supply chain disruptions, it is high time for Malaysians to reevaluate their coffee habits. With prices expected to remain elevated, it may be wise for coffee connoisseurs to consider brew-at-home options or reduce their consumption. As for local coffee shops, adapting to the new reality will be crucial to their survival.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is driving the global coffee bean price surge?
A: Unfavourable weather conditions in key nations like Brazil and Vietnam, leading producers of Arabica and Robusta beans.
Q: How will this affect Malaysian coffee drinkers?
A: They will experience a shortage in the intake and price of their brews, leading to a need to reevaluate their coffee habits.
Q: What are local coffee shops doing to adapt to the new reality?
A: Some are rethinking their pricing strategies, while others are exploring alternative sources for coffee beans.
Q: Is it time for Malaysia to focus on producing specialty-grade coffee beans?
A: Yes, it may be wise for Malaysia to focus on producing high-quality coffee beans to reduce reliance on imported beans and enhance the local coffee market.