Greek consumers are feeling the sting of rising coffee prices in 2025, with retail costs surging by more than 50% in just a month. A striking example is the price of traditional Greek coffee, which jumped from €2.49 in January to €3.82 in February.
The price hikes are not limited to supermarket shelves. Coffee shops and major café chains are also adjusting their prices, though at a more moderate rate. Increases of up to €0.20 per cup are already being implemented, affecting both sit-down and takeaway coffee.
The Driving Forces Behind the Price Surge
The global coffee market is experiencing an unprecedented crisis, primarily driven by reduced harvests in top-producing countries. Climate change has significantly impacted coffee yields for yet another consecutive year. Additionally, demand has skyrocketed in regions that previously consumed little coffee, such as China, where consumption has quadrupled in just one year.
Tasos Giagoglou, president of the Hellenic Coffee Association, described the situation as “absurd” when speaking to local media. “We are witnessing an unprecedented crisis in global coffee price negotiations. International prices have risen by 130%, with a staggering 30% increase just in the past month,” he stated.
Calls to Remove the Special Consumption Tax
Industry experts are now urging the Greek government to abolish the Special Consumption Tax on coffee to help mitigate rising costs for consumers. However, global supply challenges remain a major concern.
“Production is continuously declining due to climate change, while demand keeps rising,” Giagoglou explained. “Countries like China are integrating coffee into daily life at an astonishing rate. Meanwhile, coffee growers are refusing to sell their crops, even at record-high prices. Brazil, for instance, has already sold 85% of its current harvest, and the next one will take time to reach the market.”
