Robusta coffee prices have climbed to the highest in 45 years, according to the International Coffee Organization, as a supply crunch intensifies for the variety used in espresso blends and instant drinks.
The ICO’s gauge of wholesale prices rose 17% during April to the strongest since 1979, the London-based group said in a monthly report posted Friday. Vietnam — the world’s largest robusta producer — “continues to face supply difficulties” after poor harvests in both the last and current seasons, it said.