The vending and food service industries have been hit with major coffee price increases since early 1997. Everyone was caught off guard and no one expected these substantial increases.

First Roasters and now Specialty Coffee shops are increasing prices as a result of rising costs of their raw materials. Hanna management has responded to hundreds of calls regarding the circumstances surrounding these increases.

Since December 1996 we have seen the cost of green beans rise by more than 40%. Why are prices increasing? First, the cartel of Coffee Producing Nations has announced that it will hold back exports in order to increase prices. Also, drought followed by heavy rains in Brazil has affected 25% of the world�s supply while Columbia�s supply is threatened by strikes at their docks. These combined forces are leaving most analysts to predict that coffee will most likely remain high through the next 18 months. If you would like to receive articles regarding these increases, please contact Charles Hanna.