Raise prices: a new reality
In the last three years, coffee and cocoa have experienced an increase in prices of 32.5%, becoming products of great interest to thieves in Catalonia. This tendency not only reflects a change in consumer perception, but also raises serious challenges for the restaurant industry, which seeks ways to absorb costs without directly loading them on customers.
Factors behind the increase
The Consumer Price Index (CPI) of the National Statistics Institute (INE) has revealed that the increase in coffee and cocoa prices is significantly higher than 4.75% that was recorded during the previous decade. Several factors have contributed to this phenomenon, including climate change, which has led to a drought in producing regions, as well as increasing world demand, especially in Asian markets, which have altered price dynamics.
The situation of the producers
The Guilds of Café de Catalunya and Pastry Shop in Barcelona have expressed concern about the current situation. In addition to the need to reduce profit margins, they have acknowledged that it is inevitable that final prices for consumer will increase. The loss of cocoa crops in Africa has been one of the key factors, with storms and heat waves that have affected production.
Impact on the restaurant sector
The chocolate master, Lluc Crusellas, has confirmed that this year he will apply a small increase in the price of monkeys, although he hopes that the quality of the product will continue to be their priority. Crusellas emphasized that Easter is a time to reward customer loyalty, trying to maintain accessible prices despite the pressure of the market.
The expectations of the future
Carlos Gotor, president of the Café de Catalunya Guild, said that the increase in the price of Arabic coffee has doubled in a year, and the robust has increased by 40% to 50%. Logistic problems and geopolitical uncertainty have further complicated the situation. Gotor emphasized the need for a better purchase forecast to manage costs, anticipating that the quality of the product must improve in response to the increase in prices.
Theft as a reflection of the crisis
Coffee has become the third most stolen product in Catalonia, a phenomenon that has been directly linked to the increase in prices. The Source Tagging Company Report reports that chocolate ranks fifth, indicating that economic stress has led to an increase in theft in essential products.
Conclusion: Adaptation to a new scenario
With the prices of coffee and cocoa in constant fluctuation, the industry will have to adapt to this new scenario. The quality of the product, the innovation in the production processes and the ability to adjust the prices will be key to meet the challenges presented. As consumers look for new flavor experiences, the sector must be prepared to offer added value in the face of an increasingly uncertain economic landscape.
