Kottayam: As the price of coffee beans surged, the cost of coffee powder followed suit. The price of one kilogram of coffee powder has increased from Rs 600 to Rs 640, setting a new all-time high. Contributing factors include high market prices, the non-availability of quality coffee beans, and increased expenses.

On Saturday, coffee beans were priced at Rs 202 per kilogram, while coffee nuts were at Rs 360 per kilogram. When these reach the coffee powder manufacturing factories via middlemen, the prices rise further.

Additionally, there is a shortage of quality coffee beans and nuts. Major companies in Central Kerala source their coffee beans from regions such as Wayanad, Coorg, and the High Range areas.

Currently, leading coffee powder manufacturers are selling their products at Rs 500-600 per kilogram. In contrast, small producers, including local mills, are offering coffee powder at Rs 650 per kilogram, which is Rs 150 more than the previous year. Companies warn that if the current situation persists, the price of coffee powder could increase again.

While higher coffee prices offer some relief to farmers, the burden of higher wages and other costs continues to weigh heavily on them.