Smell the coffee beans, Bengaluru; your favourite brew is getting pricey

Bengaluru: With coffee bean prices hitting a record high this year, Bengaluru’s iconic filter coffee may soon see a 10 to 15% price hike, PC Rao, President of the Bruhat Bengaluru Hoteliers Association, noted in a press statement on Tuesday.

"Though Bengaluru is known for its affordable filter coffee, the skyrocketing coffee prices have made a price increase unavoidable for hotels," Rao stated. He also noted that discussions were underway about a potential rise in milk prices.

Speaking to DH, US Mahendar, Founder and CEO of Hatti Kaapi, said they are holding off on a price hike for now. “We serve customers from all walks of life — from autorickshaw drivers to top businessmen — so a sudden increase would impact us. However, we may have to make a decision soon,” he said.

He added that with coffee prices at an all-time high, sellers are holding back stocks in anticipation of further increases, leading to a supply shortage.

The Coffee Board’s statistics revealed that as of February 14, mild arabica costs Rs 800.42 per kg, while robusta is priced at Rs 512.45 per kg.

While several Bengaluru outlets have already raised prices, Arun Adiga, owner of Vidyarthi Bhavan, said he is waiting before making a decision, as vegetable prices are currently low.

In May 2024, DH reported that Vidyarthi Bhavan had increased coffee prices from Rs 23 to Rs 25. Adiga noted that coffee prices could rise by Rs 100 to Rs 200 per kg in the next two months.

Babu Reddy, Deputy Director (Exports and Market Research) at the Coffee Board, attributed the steep price increase to reduced coffee production in major coffee-growing countries like Brazil. “Since Karnataka is India’s largest coffee-producing state, growers here stand to benefit from the current market rates,” he added.

Raw coffee price per 50 kg (in Karnataka as on Feb 17, 2025) 

Arabica Plantation: Rs 27,500-28,500

Arabica Cherry: Rs 15,300-16,350

Robusta Parchment: Rs 23,500-24,500

Robusta Cherry: Rs 12,800-13,650