by Dr Rahim Said
My fellow caffeine aficionados, it’s time to spill the beans — literally and figuratively. Coffee prices are percolating to dizzying heights, and our daily brew may soon come with a side of financial angst.
Arabica beans have surged to their highest prices in nearly five decades, and robusta isn’t far behind, leading to a perfect storm for coffee lovers. As the frothy layer of global weather concerns settles over Brazil and Vietnam, the fallout is clear: a costlier cup.
But let’s get real for a moment. Sure, we could switch to tea, but can a humble chamomile hold our hand through the Monday blues?
Will green tea understand our late-night deadlines or forgive our existential dread at 3 a.m.? Unlikely.
Instead, let’s imagine a world where coffee becomes a luxury item. Fancy a “Grande Latte”? That’ll be RM30, and yes, the barista now expects a heartfelt thank-you note.
Instant coffee? It might be the next Bitcoin — hoarded, traded, and worth its weight in gold. And if you thought oat milk was overpriced, just wait until the café introduces the “Gold Dust Arabica Blend.”
Nestlé, ever the bearer of uplifting news, has already started “shrinkflating” their coffee packs. The once-reliable jar of Nescafé now feels lighter, like a metaphor for our dwindling disposable income. Meanwhile, some experts argue that coffee farmers are finally being paid fair wages, making this price hike a moral dilemma. Pay more for your coffee, or sip guilt-free knowing your caffeine habit isn’t fuelling exploitation? Decisions, decisions.
Perhaps it’s time to brace for the inevitable lifestyle shifts. Imagine neighbourhood potlucks where we share teaspoons of coffee instead of dishes. Or, coffee-sharing apps — “GrabSip,” anyone? You bring your mug, and I’ll pour half my brew. We could even start gifting coffee sachets at weddings instead of ang pow cash — “Best wishes for your marriage, and here’s enough for one morning of bliss.”
Ultimately, the question isn’t whether we can afford our coffee; it’s whether we can afford to live without it.
For now, I’ll clutch my cup a little tighter and savour every overpriced sip. Because while my wallet may cry, my heart still beats for coffee — and that’s one expense I’m not willing to cut.
WE