Brewing Change: Reflections on the Specialty Coffee Industry

The specialty coffee industry is at a pivotal moment—one defined not just by shifting tastes but by urgent systemic and environmental challenges that are reshaping the way we source, price, and understand the value of coffee.

Coffee Prices Are Rising—But Who Really Benefits?

In recent months, we've all seen it: coffee prices are climbing. From your local café to grocery shelves, the cost of a cup is creeping higher. But while many assume these increases mean more money for farmers, the reality is more complicated—and more troubling.

For most growers, especially smallholder farmers in Latin America, Africa, and Asia, rising prices don’t translate to rising profits. In fact, the majority still operate on razor-thin margins, squeezed by middlemen, currency fluctuations, and a market that historically undervalues their labor and legacy.

At Uncharted Coffee, we believe that the price tag should reflect more than market speculation. It should reflect the true cost of ethical sourcing and a commitment to justice across the supply chain.

Climate Change: The Invisible Hand Reshaping Coffee

Climate change isn’t some distant threat—it's already here, and it’s already hurting coffee.

Erratic weather, increased temperatures, and unpredictable rainfall patterns are devastating yields in key coffee-growing regions. Arabica beans—the foundation of most specialty coffee—are especially vulnerable, requiring specific conditions to thrive. As these ideal climates shrink, so does global supply.

This is what’s fueling a growing shortage—and why some industry insiders are calling coffee the next “endangered” commodity.

For us, that means doubling down on regenerative agriculture, biodiversity, and direct partnerships with farmers who are innovating under pressure. It also means acknowledging that the communities least responsible for climate change are paying the highest price.

Redefining "Specialty" for a New Era

In a world where both supply and ethics are at risk, "specialty" must mean more than complex flavor notes—it must represent transparency, justice, and resilience.

We're proud to work with generational farmers who are not only stewards of the land but innovators on the front lines of climate adaptation. We tell their stories, invest in their futures, and advocate for a new model of coffee that prioritizes people and planet, not just profit.

A Call to Conscience

This isn't just about coffee. It’s about systems—who they serve, who they exploit, and how we can reimagine them. Rising prices and shrinking supplies are symptoms of deeper issues. It’s time we treat them that way.

Let’s not just consume better. Let’s demand better.

With purpose and persistence,
Jasmine