At H.R.Higgins, we have always been committed to offering coffees of the highest quality, carefully sourced and roasted with expertise passed down through three generations. Like many in the coffee industry, we are now facing rising costs at every stage of the journey from farm to cup.
Throughout 2025, global coffee prices reached historic highs. This has been shaped by challenging weather affecting harvests, rising global demand, increased production and transport costs, and wider political and trade factors influencing supply chains. These pressures are felt across the entire coffee industry, from farm to importer to roaster.
There is also positive progress within this change. Higher prices mean producers are being paid more fairly. This allows farms to reinvest in their land, improve quality, and support the next generation of coffee growers in an industry where farming populations are ageing. Looking ahead, the outlook for the Brazil 2026 harvest is encouraging, with expectations of a record crop that should help replenish global stocks and meet growing demand.
Throughout 2025, we worked to keep our prices as stable as possible. Long standing relationships with our importers and producer partners, alongside existing contracts, allowed us to absorb much of the volatility seen across the market. As fresh crop coffees arrive for the year ahead, some price adjustments are now unavoidable. These will vary depending on origin and availability.
We outline the key factors that influence coffee pricing.
Global Coffee Market Forces
The price of coffee is shaped by the C Market, the international commodities exchange where Arabica coffee is traded. This sets the baseline cost of green coffee, and most coffees are priced in relation to it.
The C Market is affected by weather patterns in coffee producing countries, crop yields, global demand, speculation in trading, exchange rates, and geopolitical and policy changes such as tariffs or export restrictions.
When the C Market rises, the cost of green coffee rises too. These increases move through the supply chain and are reflected across the coffee industry.
Coffee Quality and Production Costs
Higher quality coffee requires greater time, labour and expertise throughout production. This includes selective hand picking of ripe cherries, strict sorting and grading, careful post harvest processing, slower drying techniques, and cultivation of delicate coffee varieties that need additional protection from pests and disease. These production choices improve quality but increase cost.
Reputation and Rarity in Coffee
Some coffees command higher prices due to provenance, reputation, or limited availability. Jamaica Blue Mountain and Galapagos San Cristobal are recognised for their unique growing conditions and balanced flavour. The Geisha variety is prized for its floral character but is low yielding and challenging to grow, making it one of the most expensive coffees in the world.
Reputation also plays a role closer to home. Roasters and brands known for ethical sourcing and consistent quality may charge more. Customers are often willing to pay for trust and transparency.
Additional Costs from Farm to Cup
After coffee leaves the farm, further costs are added before it reaches the UK. These include export and import fees, storage and shipping, roasting and packaging, and high street costs such as wages, rent and energy.
Our Commitment at H.R.Higgins
At H.R.Higgins, our promise remains unchanged. We source fairly, roast with care, and maintain long standing relationships with the producer partners who underpin our supply chain. While global pressures mean some prices must rise as new season coffees arrive, our focus remains on quality, integrity and continuity.
We are grateful for your understanding and continued support, and we are proud to share this journey from farm to cup.
H.R.Higgins
