U.S. coffee prices surge amid tariffs
Gregory's Coffee and other U.S. retailers are confronting rapidly rising coffee costs as retail prices climbed roughly 21% year-over-year to a record $8.87 per pound, driven by drought and volatile weather in growing regions and by heavy U.S. tariffs — including a reported 50% levy on Brazilian beans — that have raised import and supply-chain costs for roasters and cafes nationwide. Industry executives from Gregory's, J.M. Smucker Co. and Starbucks told CBS News the combination of crop shortfalls and tariff-driven import expenses is forcing firms to consider price increases, even as some chains' hedging practices delay sticker shock for customers.
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🔍 Key Facts
- Retail 100% ground roast coffee prices rose nearly 21% over the past 12 months to $8.87 per pound (USDA data).
- Article cites heavy U.S. tariffs on coffee-producing countries — including a reported 50% tariff on Brazil — as a recent driver of higher costs.
- Named industry voices: Gregory's Coffee leadership (Gregory Zamfotis, Jake Leonti) and executives at J.M. Smucker Co. (Mark Smucker) and Starbucks (CFO Catherine R. Smith) warning of impending price pressure.