Bars can't hold back anymore, start increasing coffee prices, 4.7% more in April

Coffee, a favorite habit of Albanians, is in danger of becoming a luxury product with rapidly rising prices. Inflation data showed that the price of coffee and cocoa increased by 4.7 percent annually in April. This was the highest level of increase since February 2022.

Coffee prices have increased the most in the most frequented areas of Tirana, where a cup of coffee has exceeded 120 lek, while in the suburbs the average price has reached 80-100 lek in the last month from 70 lek at the beginning of the year.

The main reason is related to the increase in prices in international markets and, on the other hand, the increase in consumption by tourists.

Coffee prices have risen rapidly in global markets, especially in the last year due to reduced production in Brazil. Also, increased transportation costs after the pandemic negatively affected retail prices in Albania.

The situation worsened further in 2024 when supplies from West Africa shrank due to extreme weather conditions and disease affecting coffee and cocoa plants. The effect of high prices is slowly being reflected in Albanian retail markets.

In the years 2016-2019, there was a decline in retail coffee prices in our country by about 1.5% due to the global production surplus, as well as strong competition in the domestic market.

During 2020-2021, prices began to rise due to the logistical problems the pandemic created with transportation and supply chains.

One kilogram of coffee was imported in March 2025 at 693 lek per kilogram, a 19% increase from March 2024 where one kilogram of coffee was imported at a price of 582 lek.

Earlier in January, the Bar and Restaurant Association reported that bars have been struggling since last year because the prices of coffee and cocoa, the two most widely sold staples, have increased significantly in the past year. The association reported retail prices in March-April at 10-30 lek for a cup of coffee.

Due to the high competition of coffee bars, the entire increase in import prices has not been reflected in the retail cup. However, the overall increase in costs (wages, etc.) together with the increase in import prices can no longer maintain the price of coffee at the current level of an average of 70-150 lekë depending on the area.

Coffee is not just a consumer product in our country, but represents a lifestyle for Albanians, whose day is not conceived without spending some time in bars to enjoy it. Coffee consumption, especially in environments outside the home, is the reason why Albania ranks among the countries with the highest number of bars and restaurants in Europe.

Next year, price stabilization is expected from increased new coffee production in Brazil and expansion of cocoa areas in Nigeria and Cameroon, but the risk of extreme weather remains high./ Monitor