Fairtrade International has announced an upcoming increase to its minimum prices for both Arabica and Robusta coffee. The changes, which will take effect globally on December 1, 2026, are intended to provide producers with greater price security amid rising production costs and the ongoing pressures of climate change.
The new structure follows a year-long consultation and data analysis process. Under the updated rules, the Fairtrade Minimum Price for washed Arabica beans will rise by 11% to $2.00 per pound. The floor price for natural Robusta will increase by 10 cents to $1.30 per pound. Correspondingly, the minimum for natural Arabica will see a 20-cent increase, while washed Robusta will rise by 10 cents.
The Fairtrade Minimum Price acts as a safety net for certified producers, only coming into play when the global market price for coffee falls below this established floor. It is not a fixed price but rather a baseline to protect farmers from severe market volatility. According to industry reports, coffee market prices have remained above the new $2.00 threshold since March 2024, indicating the change is a long-term risk management measure rather than an immediate market price driver.