Fresh, thoughtful journalism and creative works produced by students
of the School of Art, Communication and English at the University of Sydney.

Australia grapples with coffee bean price hike

This story delves into the economic challenges faced by Pigeonhole Cafe, a coffee shop in
Ultimo, as it navigates the pressures of rising coffee bean prices amidst cost of living crisis. We’ll explore how the dwindling coffee bean supply from major distributors worldwide has
significantly impacted coffee prices, with average coffee costs in Sydney soaring from pre-
pandemic levels of $4.00-$4.50 to over $5.50 in 2024.

The story will highlight how coffee shops like Pigeonhole are adapting to these pressures, detailing the changes they’ve implemented or are planning to make, and will conclude by capturing the voices of their customers through interviews, revealing how these price hikes are affecting their daily coffee habits and overall lifestyle.

By

Jessica Lau
Jessica Lau
Jessica Lau is a 2nd year student studying a Bachelor of Arts/Advanced Studies, majoring in media communications and design. With a love for all things media, she enjoys challenging herself with new creative mediums. Jessica also has a strong interest in photography and video production. Sharon Wongosari is a second year student studying Media and Communication at the University of Sydney. With both Indonesian and Taiwanese background, she has a profound interest in exploring topics such as languages, culture, psychology and current affairs.

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