There is still a steady flow of buzz, worry, suggestions, speculation, and occasional pandemonium in the specialty coffee industry associated with the price hikes, supply shortages (or speculation of shortages), and where the specialty industry is heading.
I’ve read a couple of great blogs this morning and inspired to write a quick (hopefully) note about what I have seen, what we’ve done, and where we see ourselves going. I’m obviously, by no means an expert. I’m merely a juvenile in this industry.
When I first launched my website my average coffee price per 12oz bag was $9.99 with a few going as high as $10.99.
My average price now is $10.99 to $12.00.
When JCCR (me) launched the website in Jan ’10 the industry literature was saying the buying patterns had shifted. People were still enjoying specialty grade coffees but were choosing to prepare it at home rather than paying upwards of three to five bucks for a Mocha, Latte, etc at the local shop. That was good news for me. I’ve noticed another shift in the past year. People are still enjoying specialty coffee, some are choosing to view it as a delicacy, something to ‘treat themselves’ to from time to time. Which is fine…sometimes I want a fillet mignon, sometimes a hamburger. These buyers will ‘get by’ with lower quality coffees for a while, then order once a month or every other month. Then there are the die hards such as myself who won’t drink anything else.
I’ve also noticed more buyers taking advantage of bulk order deals than before. We’ve had a great response to our free shipping when you order three bags or more. This is especially true on our wholesale side, more and more are buying up larger quantities to save on the per pound price where as before…I suppose maybe there wasn’t as much motivation before?
My cost of green, unroasted beans rise and fall (haven’t seen it fall yet lol!) based on crop yields, which have variables such as: rainfall, growers hoarding stock, government involvement, and even civil unrest. The other biggest variable is consumer demand, which we’ve talked about.
So, we plan to continue to diversify while holding true to our vision and standards of excellence to promote our brand. We’re going to make a few ‘inside’ changes to JCCR and get more aggressive with grocery stores this year.
We also plan to continue to find cost effective alternatives for YOU, our buyers without compromising quality or service such as: blends, shipping specials, and bulk order specials.
My recommendations for you:
-Join our email list. Not only will you be notified of new products and specials but there are also Email List Exclusive specials that you will only know about if you are on the list.
http://www.jitterycoffeecuproasters.com/2001.html
-Become a “Fan” of our facebook page to find out what we’re doing day to day to keep our customers and buyers happy and caffeinated.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jittery-Coffee-Cup-Roasters/60187958783
If you have any suggestions for us, please let us know. Thank you for your continued patronage!
-Michael
www.JitteryCoffeeCupRoasters.com
