Concerns grow among Italian coffee bar owners and consumers about rising prices threatening a cherished national tradition.
Rising Espresso Prices Stir Anxiety Among Italians

Rising Espresso Prices Stir Anxiety Among Italians
As coffee bean prices soar, Italy's love for affordable espresso faces a brewing crisis.
Andrea Consilvio, a proud resident of Turin, recently embarked on an ambitious venture by purchasing a famous coffee bar in his city. For many Italians, coffee is not just a drink; it's a beloved ritual. With nearly 75% of the population enjoying espresso daily, this cherished beverage is integral to their culture. Yet, the irony looms—while espresso is considered a staple, patrons demand it at impressively low prices. This expectation stands in stark contrast to a troubling surge in global coffee bean prices, influenced by climate change and trade hurdles. Consequently, concern is bubbling over as customers fret about potential rises in retail prices that could disrupt the country's coffee economy, which feels uniquely Italian.
The anxiety is palpable, especially for coffee bar owners, as expressed by Mr. Consilvio who worries about the long-term impacts of increasing costs. Luigi Morello, president of the Italian Espresso National Institute, echoed this sentiment, stating that consumers are justifiably alarmed by the escalated coffee prices that are shaking the foundations of the entire supply chain.
Amidst the delicate balance of tradition and change, Italian consumers navigate a complex coffee landscape where their daily caffeine fix may soon face inflationary pressures. The stakes are high, as both long-standing traditions and the livelihoods of countless coffee bar owners hang in the balance.
The anxiety is palpable, especially for coffee bar owners, as expressed by Mr. Consilvio who worries about the long-term impacts of increasing costs. Luigi Morello, president of the Italian Espresso National Institute, echoed this sentiment, stating that consumers are justifiably alarmed by the escalated coffee prices that are shaking the foundations of the entire supply chain.
Amidst the delicate balance of tradition and change, Italian consumers navigate a complex coffee landscape where their daily caffeine fix may soon face inflationary pressures. The stakes are high, as both long-standing traditions and the livelihoods of countless coffee bar owners hang in the balance.