Coffee prices surge as EU import values hit 18.7 billion euros

Coffee prices are rising significantly for both retail consumers and international importers. In the European Union, coffee imports from non-EU countries reached 2.9 million tonnes in 2025, valued at 18.7 billion euros. This represents a 117% increase in value compared to 2015, despite only a modest 7% increase in volume. Brazil remains the primary supplier, accounting for 34% of these imports, followed by Vietnam at 20%.

Within Italy, the cost of coffee has seen sharp increases. Data from Istat shows that the price of coffee purchased for home consumption rose by 44% between 2021 and 2025, with a 21% jump occurring in 2025 alone. This increase significantly outpaced the general consumer price inflation of 1.5% recorded in 2025.

At the bar, the era of the one-euro espresso has largely ended across Italy. An investigation of 19 cities shows that espresso prices now typically range between 1.20 and 1.40 euros. Bolzano is noted as one of the most expensive cities, while Catanzaro remains the most affordable. These rising costs are driven by a more than doubling of raw material costs on international markets since 2021.