Economics of the Coffee Supply Chain

What goes into the cost of a cup of coffee? The SCA has shed light on this perennial question through the publication of the Illustrative Outlook on the Economics of the Coffee Supply Chain. Compiling data from roasters, retailers, and importers, this Outlook provides unique insight into the breakdown of costs to bring coffee from countries of origin and transform it into a finished product for US consumers. Now, we want to do same for coffee supply chains in countries around the world.

There is increasing demand in the coffee community to improve price transparency along the coffee supply chain. The previous editions of the Economics of the Coffee Supply Chain helped fill this gap by providing an illustrative guide of what a breakdown of costs might look like to transport, insure, roast, distribute, brew, and sell specialty coffee. While not intended to be a singular industry representation of costs, it serves as a case study to help us better understand what does into the cost of a pound and cup of coffee in the context of the United States.

The CSF intends to replicate this research project for other coffee consuming destinations.

We are seeking a funding partner, or partners, willing to underwrite this work and serve as a research partner, helping perfect the research question, research design, and participate in dissemination of research findings. Get in touch with us to participate.