Costly caffeine
Newcastle Herald
Wednesday March 30, 2011
THOSE who can't do without their morning (and sometimes mid-morning and afternoon) coffee will have to dig a little deeper into their pockets in the coming months.Last week it was announced that a cup of coffee will rise by about 50€š.This is due to numerous factors: poor global growing conditions, milk and labour cost increases, and, not surprisingly, an increase in demand, both at home and internationally.The reason I am not surprised by higher consumer demands is simple - caffeine is a legally addictive stimulant, albeit a mild one. If you start imbibing it, chances are, over time, you will want and need more.Case in point is my husband.When he first starting working in the nine-to-five office environment, he also discovered the joys of the bean break. Over time, his desire grew and now he asks for three shots in his morning coffee.But having a latte has become so much more than merely the need for a warm brew. Meeting up for coffee is now an integral part of our social tapestry. We meet up, have dates, reconnect with friends, all over a cup of the hot stuff. Going out for a cup of tea just doesn't quite have the same allure (spoken as a tea drinker myself).But, with price hikes looming, maybe some drinkers will think twice before heading out for that daily java. After a year, it adds up to about $1300, and that's quite a financial commitment to make.Although, even with the increase, we are still paying less per cup than those in Moscow ($8), Paris ($7) and New York ($4), which is a relief to the coffee-dedicated out there.So may your espresso runneth over!jwhitfield@theherald.com.au
© 2011 Newcastle Herald