A scandal in Italy. Coffee almost 5 PLN 20 grosz

The Italian town of Bergamo, known for its coffee culture and many coffee shops serving classical espresso, is presently experiencing a marked increase in coffee prices. According to the latest study by the Italian Federation of Public Places (FIPE), the average price of an espresso cup in Bergamo increased by 5.2% in the last year and presently is EUR 1,21 (approximately PLN 5.20). Although it is inactive a comparatively low price compared to another European cities, local media point out that the increase is crucial and raises concerns about the future of the quality of coffee served and the stableness of the catering sector.

How do coffee prices in Bergamo and another regions of Italy shape?

The FIPE analysis shows that the emergence in coffee prices in Bergamo is part of a wider trend in the Lombardy region and throughout Italy. The year before, the average espresso price in Bergamo was EUR 1,15, which means that it has increased by about 6 cents over the year. Even a fewer years ago, coffee in Bergamo was available for little than 1 euro per cup.

For comparison, in the Lombardy region, cheaper espresso can be found in cities specified as Varese or Lodi, where the average price is about EUR 1,16. The most costly coffees are served in Bolzano, an autonomous state in the Trident-Górna Adiga region, where the average espresso price reaches EUR 1.45.

In Bergamo, despite the increase in prices, drinking coffee at the bar remains attractive due to the fact that it does not include the alleged "coperto" – a place fee, which means no hidden costs.

Factors affecting the emergence in coffee prices

Italian local media pay attention to respective reasons for the rise:

• Increasing costs of natural materials and products – prices of coffee, milk, sugar and another ingredients and catering services have increased throughout the European market.
• Economic force for catering establishments – expanding business costs (actual, energy, wages) force price adjustment for customers.
• A fall in the number of cafes – Over the last 5 years, the Lombardy region has closed until 423 coffee bars, indicating the difficulties of the sector in maintaining profitability.

Concerns are besides raised that fast price increases can lead to a simplification in the quality of the services offered and coffee itself, which can consequently negatively affect reputation and demand.

Campaign for coffee quality in Bergamo

Already last year, local organizations, specified as Confcommercio Bergamo, have taken action to advance coffee drinking in advanced quality places. Social campaigns and the award of peculiar stickers to quality-distinguished premises sought to strengthen consumer awareness and support the best cafes in the city.

The importance of the trend for tourism and the population

Coffee is an crucial part of Italian culture and tourism. Many tourists visiting Bergamo consider the espresso cup a mandatory component of the visit. Despite rising prices, the average amount for espresso in Bergamo remains lower than in many another European cities, which inactive makes it attractive. However, further increases may affect consumer behaviour, which may start looking for alternatives or limit cafe visits.

For the residents of Bergamo and the region, higher coffee prices are also origin in expanding the cost of living, which can affect regular consumer choices and habits.