Is the €1 Espresso Al Banco Gone Forever?

Italy Braces for the €2 Espresso as Coffee Prices Keep Rising.

A Rapidly Rising Cost.

Italy’s espresso prices have climbed substantially in the past three years, prompting fears that the once-inconceivable €2 espresso could become a reality. Traditionally known for its affordable coffee culture, Italy now finds itself grappling with unprecedented cost pressures.

Historic Coffee Culture Under Strain.

Espresso has long been central to Italian identity. Cafés and bars across the country fill with the clink of espresso cups and lively morning chatter, contributing an estimated €7 billion annually to tourism revenue. However, recent price hikes, crashing through the psychological €1 espresso barrier and reaching a national average of €1.20, are raising concerns that this much loved ritual could become less accessible. Prices are even higher in big cities. One customer in a coffee bar in Florence called the police when he was outraged at being charged €2 for an espresso. The bar was fined €1,000 for not displaying its prices properly behind the bar.

Global Warming and Bad Coffee Crops.

Unpredictable weather in Brazil and Vietnam, two major coffee-producing nations, has led to coffee crop failures and soaring prices for coffee beans. The cost of raw arabica beans, in particular, reached record highs, nearly tripling within a year. Roasters who have become accustomed to absorbing these increases can no longer bear the burden, forcing them to pass the added costs to cafés, which often operate on narrow profit margins.

Will Coffee Habits Change?

Industry observers predict a drop in espresso consumption throughout Italy if prices push past €2. Many Italians may opt for making coffee at home rather than paying more at their local bar. Though some espresso enthusiasts insist they won’t be deterred by higher prices, the fear of losing part of Italy’s communal coffee culture remains.

Calls for Price Protection.

Consumer advocacy groups are urging local authorities to set caps on espresso prices. With major global events on the horizon, like Rome’s Holy Year and the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina, there are concerns about opportunistic price-gouging during peak tourism periods.

The Road Ahead.

While some bar owners hesitate to increase prices for fear of losing customers, many see no alternative. Climate projections suggest that regions suitable for coffee cultivation could shrink by half by 2050, hinting at ongoing price surges. Ultimately, Italy’s coffee lovers must decide whether they can adapt to the era of the €2 espresso—or if a cherished national pastime could be at risk of transformation.