Last March, the world of coffee drinkers was gripped in fear as news reports surfaced claiming large increases to the price of coffee due to shortages from South America as a result of very heavy rainfall. Coffee prices were expected to skyrocket as the supply would soon fall short of an already high demand.
I was in a state of decaffeinated panic. Lucky for me, the prices really never made much of a jump, one or two percent which translated to a couple of cents difference. So, I kept going to Dunkin Donuts and put my tea bags back in the cupboard.
That is until last month when Starbucks announced it would be hiking its prices (again), claiming that because of the increasing amount of fuel and milk prices, its coffee would have to cost more. But just like before, the increase will only result with the consumer paying about one percent more. As far as I am concerned now, Starbucks is dead to me. I would much rather spend my money elsewhere, even if that means traveling off campus to get a mocha latte.
I think its time we as Americans start investing in Colombia. I don’t think the American population really takes into account how much it depends on coffee. When Dunkin Donuts says “America runs on Dunkin,” it isn’t an exaggeration. Imagine how many more mindless people would be walking the streets in an unenergetic daze on their way to work without coffee.
HSBC said that by 2050 America will be much more invested in Colombia because of their oil reserves. I say we make that move now and secure a trade agreement on coffee. I’m not saying lets go in guns blazing like our classic M.O. Let’s talk it out and see if they want to play ball. If not, we can turn to Jamaica, Kenya, Brazil, Vietnam or Indonesia. So, relax a little, you on-edge coffee drinkers, Tea will likely not be replacing your black gold any time soon.
