The Premium Coffee Mirage in Coffee-Producing Countries
Let’s talk about the coffee you’re not actually drinking. In coffee-producing regions, the line between premium and poor quality is blurred by a simple truth: the best beans are exported, while the rest are repurposed. Local roasters and shops often sell what’s left as “organic premium,” charging prices that don’t match the product. A 12-ounce bag of “fresh ground” coffee in Mexico costs around $5, yet it’s not the same as the beans shipped to specialty markets. This isn’t just a pricing issue—it’s a systemic problem where quality is sacrificed for profit. The reality is stark: big coffee companies buy…

