Storm brewing: Coffee Worx
If the price of your daily flat white has you wincing, you’re not alone, but your local roasters are doing their best to keep things affordable.
Coffee prices are climbing across New Zealand, and it might be tempting to blame coffee roasters for the rising cost of your favourite coffee. But Coffee Worx Wigram co-owner Deb Riach, believes the truth is far bigger than your local brew supplier.
“The entire global coffee system is under pressure, and New Zealand, sitting at the far end of the supply chain, is feeling the squeeze more than most,” Deb explains.
Climate change is cited as the main culprit. The world’s major coffee‑growing regions are battling droughts, frosts, and unpredictable weather that slash yields and push up prices. At the same time, global coffee commodity prices have surged to historic highs for local roasters. “Then there’s the cost of getting those beans here. Shipping delays, fuel spikes, and disrupted trade routes have turned logistics into a costly gamble,” Deb says. “Add a weakened New Zealand dollar, and importers are paying up to 70% more before the beans even hit the roaster.”
So yes, your coffee costs more with many local roasters fighting hard to stay afloat – making it ever more important to support local by purchasing beans in-store or online, or getting a quick coffee to go from Coffee Worx Espresso Bar in Wigram and Rangiora.
