According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, retail coffee prices in supermarkets surged by 21.7% year-on-year in August, marking the steepest increase since 1997. Within this surge, instant coffee prices rose 20.1%, while whole bean coffee prices climbed 20.9% compared to the same period last year.
This dramatic price rise has created significant challenges for coffee roasters, retailers, and consumers in both the U.S. and Europe. For coffee brands, this is also a wake-up call to enhance their value proposition—not only in product quality but also in presentation through custom coffee packaging. That’s where AT PACK’s custom coffee bags, cups, and boxes help brands stand out in competitive retail shelves.
Market analysts attribute the sharp price hike primarily to the 50% tariff the U.S. government imposed on Brazilian coffee. For decades, Brazil has been the largest coffee supplier to the U.S., offering affordable, high-quality beans widely used for blends and instant coffee.
Since the tariffs took effect, green coffee buyers have been forced to absorb higher costs—either by passing them on to consumers or by sourcing beans from Colombia, Peru, or Mexico, where prices are generally higher than Brazilian coffee.
Meanwhile, Arabica coffee futures recently surged past $4 per pound, the first time since February 2025. This spike has amplified the retail price pressure across the market.
Historically, there has been limited data on how wholesale and futures coffee price hikes impact consumer-level prices. However, a 2007 USDA economic report found that the longer the price shock lasts, the greater the “pass-through” effect to consumers. On average, every 10-cent increase in the cost of a pound of green coffee beans results in a 2-cent rise in retail coffee prices in the same quarter.
With this prolonged price volatility, U.S. and European coffee drinkers are now experiencing noticeable cost increases at checkout. This reality makes brand differentiation and packaging even more important—consumers are more selective about what they purchase, and eye-catching, eco-friendly coffee packaging can elevate the perceived value of a product.
As the global coffee market faces unprecedented volatility, coffee companies must find innovative ways to maintain consumer loyalty. High-quality, personalized packaging not only protects coffee freshness but also builds stronger brand recognition.
AT PACK offers custom coffee bags, takeaway cups, gift boxes, and accessories, tailored to the needs of international coffee roasters and retailers. By combining premium design with sustainable materials, AT PACK helps your coffee brand convey value—especially when retail prices are rising.
Whether you’re targeting the U.S. specialty coffee market or expanding across European retail chains, AT PACK ensures your packaging supports your brand story and enhances consumer trust.
Elevate your brand during uncertain times with AT PACK custom coffee packaging.
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