Coffee Klatch

Coffee prices have been volatile in the last year, with the contract for December 2020 futures exceeding $1.45 in late 2019 and dropping below $1.00 in June. It is at $1.09 today.

This futures contract is for delivery of Arabica coffee, generally having more complex flavors and grown in higher elevations (think Colombia). The first chart is a nice explanation of the journey of the coffee bean from "shrub to mug".

As with many agricultural commodities, there is significant processing and handling before they are purchased by consumers. Think about the price up your recent brewed cup or whole bean purchase compared with the green coffee bean sold on world markets.