In an interview, Andrea Illy, a notable figure in the coffee industry, sheds light on the stark realities faced by coffee farmers, emphasizing that the German government profits more from coffee sales than the farmers themselves. He notes the rising costs associated with coffee, largely driven by climate change, which threatens coffee production in traditional growing regions. By 2015, it was already apparent that half of the existing cultivation areas would soon become unsuitable for coffee growing due to these climatic shifts.

Illy elaborates on the threats posed by climate change, mentioning the increasing severity of weather events that reduce productivity. He highlights the alarming trend of frequent droughts in key coffee-producing countries, such as in 2024, where two major droughts heavily impacted yields. These changes have not only led to soaring coffee prices over the past year but have also sparked speculation within the market, indicating a volatile forecasting environment for both producers and consumers.

This discussion opens up critical insights into the coffee supply chain’s challenges and the financial dynamics that favor larger entities over individual farmers. As consumer demand continues to rise while climate conditions worsen, it puts farmers in a precarious position, underscoring an urgent need for more equitable practices in the global coffee market, which could help ensure sustainability for coffee farming and improve the livelihoods of farmers.