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How Did This Get Here: Your Coffee

Apr 16, 2025
Join food journalist Dan Saladino, who authored 'Eating to Extinction,' Sarah Nguyen, founder of Nguyen Coffee Supply, and Bloomberg's Javier Blas for an insightful discussion on coffee's complex journey. They delve into the recent surge in coffee prices, influenced by climate change and tariffs. The conversation highlights the vital importance of sourcing, especially for Vietnamese Robusta, and the impact on smaller roasters. Discover how global trade dynamics shape your daily cup and the ecological implications tied to coffee consumption.
31:37

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The intricate coffee supply chain, spanning from farms to grocery shelves, exposes vulnerabilities that can disrupt prices for consumers.
  • Climate change significantly threatens coffee cultivation, potentially rendering 50-60% of current growing regions unsuitable for production.

Deep dives

Coffee's Global Supply Chain

Most coffee consumed in the U.S. comes from Brazil and Vietnam, where different beans are produced for varying types of coffee. Arabica beans from Brazil are favored for espressos, while Robusta beans from Vietnam are primarily used for instant coffee. The complex supply chain begins at farms, where coffee is harvested, and involves numerous middlemen before reaching international traders and ultimately grocery shelves in the U.S. The supply chain's intricacy creates vulnerability to disruptions, as multiple buyers and traders are involved at different stages, leading to significant financial stakes at every step.

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