PORTLAND, Maine — A rust fungus is attacking coffee crops across Latin America, and the impact is making its way into local coffee shops.
At Speckled Ax in Portland, prices haven’t gone up for a cappuccino yet, but owner Matt Bolinder said he’s paying 25 to 35 percent more than last year for specialty coffee.
The fungus and record drought in Brazil are cutting crops and decreasing supply, causing more than a billion dollars in damage to the coffee industry.
Bolinder said smaller coffee shops, such as the ones in Portland, are being hit the hardest because they buy high-end coffee in small amounts, instead of stocking up.
Bolinder said he is trying his best not to pass along his costs to his loyal customers.
“A lot of people come in multiple times over the course of week, and I want to respect their dollars,” Bolinder said. “I will increase when I absolutely have to, but until then, I will play it by ear and hope that things work out.”
Bigger chains such as Starbucks buy large quantities of beans in advance so they shouldn’t see a shortage.
Bolinder, though, says the impact could be more widespread if the fungus isn’t under control by next year.