Specialty Coffee: How Much Is It and What Did You Pay For?

ave you ever wondered what goes into the cost of a cup of coffee? Why are commodity brands like Folger and Maxwell House so much cheaper than premium brands like The Barn?

The answer is a bit more complex than you may think. In this article, we will break down what exactly specialty coffee is and why it costs more. By the time you’ve finished reading, you might just have a newfound respect for the process behind your brew.

What Makes Specialty Coffee Special?
The Coffee Quality Institute has employed many standards that specialty coffee must ad here to through out its journey from tree to cup. According to the SCAA, specialty coffee can be defined by both the quality of the product and the quality of life the product can deliver to everyone involved in its cultivation, preparation, and consumption. Specialty coffee should deliver satisfaction to all those involved in the process and add value to their lives.

Why Does Specialty Coffee Cost More?
At the end of 2020, the average price of specialty coffee was €19.75 EUR per pound. Broken down in the simplest form, the production of specialty coffee takes a much more hands-on approach from start to finish.
Commodity coffee is able to exist cheaply because of mechanized production methods, large-scale farms, and lower-quality beans. Here is a more in-depth explanation of the top 3 reasons why specialty coffee costs more:

1. Specialty coffee utilizes higher-quality coffee beans.
   There are two main species of coffee beans grown by farmers in the commercial coffee industry: Robusta and Arabica. If you’ve ever had free coffee in a hotel lobby or at work, it was almost definitely Robusta or a blend of the two. Widely considered to be the lower-quality coffee bean, Robusta ranges from neutral to harsh in flavor, is easier to grow, and produces higher yields at a faster rate. Arabica, which is what specialty coffee roasters generally opt for, is known to be a much higher-quality coffee bean with a more complex and appealing flavor profile. Unlike the
   Robusta coffee bean, Arabica is a delicate bean that must be grown at high altitudes with rich soil and ample shade. Because Arabica beans require more attention and are more challenging to grow, the labor costs required for cultivating them drive up the cost of the product.

2. Specialty coffee involves direct trade relationships with farmers.
   Unlike commodity coffee, specialty coffee can be traced directly back to the farm the beans were grown on. Specialty coffee roasters like The Barn eliminate the need for a middle man by developing strong direct trade relationships with farmers. This allows them to play a larger role in positively influencing both the quality of the farms and the quality of life for the coffee farmers. In recent years, the price of coffee has dropped below the cost of production, making it more and more difficult for coffee farmers to make a living. By forming direct trade relationships with farmers, they are empowered with higher pay and more sustainability.
   Customers have the ability to enjoy a cup of coffee and learn all about exactly where it came from, creating a special bond between farmers and consumers. When you purchase a cup of specialty coffee, you are directly contributing to the livelihoods of coffee farmers in countries like Colombia, Ethiopia, and Jamaica.

3. Specialty coffee utilizes a more hands-on approach.
   From production to processing, specialty coffee involves meticulous hands-on methods to ensure that every bean produced is of superior quality. While commodity coffee employs heavy machinery to get the job done quickly and adequately, specialty coffee involves a much more laborious and careful approach. This creates a more desirable flavor profile and naturally comes with a higher price tag. The future of the specialty coffee industry and the livelihoods of coffee farmers around the world is ultimately dependent on the customers. By gaining a deeper understanding of the premium you when you buy specialty coffee, you can do your part in ensuring that the specialty coffee industry continues to thrive for years to come.