TL;DR: In April 2026, we are increasing the price of our online subscription and cafe items to absorb inflation (shipping, packaging, wages, etc.) since our latest update. This will let us keep the quality, consistency, transparency, and integrity of our coffee and service.
The reason: inflation
We last updated our prices in 2023 (for subscriptions) and in 2025 (retail, wholesale, cafes). The reason behind this April’s 2026 adjustment is not too different from those, and it’s mainly driven by the need to absorb the cost inflation in packaging, shipping services, fuel, wages, utilities, insurance… Basically, most of the goods and services we need to make coffee happen.
You’re probably not too shocked, as you have experienced the same in your home/life bills and shopping.
However, compared to previous updates, the green coffee cost hike hasn’t been as radical a factor this time. This is because we’ve been gradually updating the retail and wholesale coffee beans prices; also, forward contracts (arranged for some blend components) have shielded us from the 2025 coffee price volatility and shock:
ICO ICI-P chart showing coffee price volatility in 2025
Here’s how Caravela Coffee explains the value of forward contracts:
“Strong, long-term relationships with roaster clients are crucial for stability and growth in the coffee supply chain. Forward contracts enhance certainty, efficiency, and planning for all stakeholders.
For roasters, these contracts guarantee a reliable supply of high-quality coffee at agreed-upon prices, enabling better inventory and pricing strategies. This predictability ensures they can meet customer complex demands consistently.
For producers, forward contracts provide financial stability by guaranteeing sales and prices ahead of time. This allows them to invest in their farms, improve practices, and plan for the future without fearing market fluctuations.
The result is a more efficient and coordinated supply chain, where both roasters and producers benefit from enhanced certainty. Eliminating market speculation creates a more responsible, resilient supply chain that supports coffee producing communities.”
We’ve said it before, and have to do it again: price increase announcements are never pleasant or easy, but absolutely necessary to keep operating with the same high level of quality, consistency, and integrity. And we wouldn’t do it any other way.
Subscriptions
As promised in our 2023 update (the latest and first in eight years), we’d review our subscription price structure a bit more often than once a decade. So, here we go.
The prices you currently see in your dashboard and the coffee subscriptions page reflect our updated 2026 price structure (a ~3% average increase across the board).
Existing active subscriptions will move to the new price structure for deliveries sent on or after Wednesday 3rd June or the next time you make a change to your subscription, whichever comes first.
Existing gift subscriptions will remain at their original price-per-delivery until the credit is fully redeemed. Gift subscriptions purchased from today will be based on the updated price structure.
Cafe items
Our cafe menu prices have changed on Monday, 20 April and are as shown on our Surry Hills and St Peters menus. It’s about 20 cents up across the board.
Please note that we’re taking this chance to phase out our 20-cent discount for BYO reusable takeaway cups. After nearly a decade of adoption and advocacy, we haven’t seen a trend or strong habit change towards having-in/reusables that warrants us keeping it on (and absorbing the extra cost).
We’re still choosing recyclable and compostable solutions, and supporting circular systems and lower/zero-waste initiatives at the community and government legislation level. That’s probably the best chance for action and sustainable behavioural shifts, taking off the pressure from small businesses.
Wholesale and retail – not affected
Our wholesale and retail (online and in-shop) prices for coffee and gear products have been adjusted as needed throughout the year, so they’re not affected by this update.
We’re still donating $0.20 per bag sold
We’re committed to giving a small percentage of our yearly sales (20 cents per retail and subscription bag sold) to social and environmental organisations. Learn more about our latest donation campaigns in our journal.
Questions? Support?
You can always reach out to us via email. We’re here to help!
We hope you can keep enjoying our coffee, but no matter the outcome of this change, we thank you for your support.
💙