Richard Corney: managing director of Flight Coffee issues warning about the future of the coffee industry

Experts are warning things are set to get 'very scary' for New Zealand's coffee and café industry. Global supply chain disruptions and worsening climate conditions have been driving up production costs - and one leading presence in the coffee world warns that these costs will be passed on to businesses. New reports show the average green coffee price had lifted from $3.76 a kilogram in 2020 to $10.18 a kilogram in 2024 and was at $13.97 so far in January. Richard Corney, the managing director of Flight Coffee, says consumers will need to be prepared to cover these costs. "We're looking at some pretty significant reductions in growth margins or operating profit for coffee roasters, and the fact of the matter is - they cannot afford to wear those costs and they will need to pass them on."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.