Coffee lovers in Greece are feeling the pinch as the price of their favourite beverage soars amid a global spike in coffee costs.
With international prices reaching their highest levels in nearly 50 years, Greek consumers are seeing sharp increases both in supermarkets and cafes, where a cappuccino freddo can now cost as much as €5.50.
What’s Driving the Price Increases?
Global factors, including poor harvests and supply chain disruptions, have driven the price of coffee beans—particularly Arabica—up by 100% since the start of the year. In Greece, this has translated into price hikes of 15% to 30% across the board, making coffee increasingly unaffordable for many.
The effects are visible on supermarket shelves, where products such as espresso capsules have risen from €5.10 to as high as €6.60. Retailers report shrinking stocks and higher costs for new deliveries, which are arriving with price increases of up to 8%.
Cafes Pass the Cost to Customers
Cafes and restaurants in Greece have little choice but to pass on these increases to customers. Popular drinks like cappuccino freddo have jumped from €4.20 to €5.50, a staggering 31% hike. Similarly, a simple espresso has climbed from €3 to nearly €4 in many establishments.
Tax Burden Under Scrutiny
The Hellenic Coffee Association is calling on the government to abolish or reduce the Special Consumption Tax on coffee, which it says is compounding the problem.
“We’ve seen a doubling of prices for Arabica coffee, and while businesses have absorbed the costs until now, the situation has become unsustainable,” explained Tasos Yiagoglou, president of the association, in an interview with MEGA.
Yiagoglou criticised the excise tax as an “unbearable burden” that inflates prices even further. “Without this tax, increases would be much milder. We urgently call for its abolition or at least a reduction,” he added.
How Much More Are Greeks Paying?
Here’s a snapshot of the recent price changes:
Supermarkets:
- Espresso capsules (10 pcs): From €5.10 → €5.90 → €6.60 (15%-30% increase)
Cafes:
- Served espresso: From €3 → €3.45 → €3.90 (15%-30% increase)
- Fresco espresso: From €3.60 → €4.10 → €4.70
- Cappuccino freddo: From €4.20 → €4.80 → €5.50
A Growing Luxury
Coffee, long considered a staple of Greek social life, is fast becoming a luxury item. For Greeks abroad and those with ties to the country, this marks a significant shift in daily life and the cherished coffee culture. With industry leaders pushing for tax reform, all eyes are on the government to see if relief is on the horizon.
(Source: To Vima)