Coffee bean pricing explained: how much do businesses need to budget?

Whether you are a small office or a large enterprise, understanding coffee bean pricing is essential for budgeting and choosing the right supplier. This guide breaks down how coffee is priced, what factors influence cost and what businesses can expect to pay.

How is coffee priced?

Coffee is typically priced per kilo or per bag, depending on the supplier and packaging format. Bags often come in standard sizes, commonly 1kg or 250g, and pricing is usually quoted per kilo to simplify comparisons.

Why per kilo?

• Standardisation: Most commercial roasters and suppliers use kilo pricing for consistency.
• Bulk purchasing: Businesses often buy in bulk, making kilo pricing more practical.
• Ease of comparison: It allows for easier cost per cup calculations.

Average cost of coffee beans

The average wholesale price for roasted coffee beans typically falls in these ranges:

• £12 to £25 per kilo for blends.
• £20 to £40+ per kilo for single origin or specialty grade beans.

Prices vary based on quality, origin, certifications and supplier agreements.

Real-world examples

Here are some pricing examples from FreshGround’s range:

• Standard, medium roast blend – £14 a bag.
• Single origin Brazilian coffee – £15 a bag.
• Decaf – £17 a bag.

Outside of commercial offerings, you can buy large quantities of beans at supermarkets for lower prices. Read our article on the differences in price and quality here.

Factors that affect coffee bean prices

1. Market price.Coffee is a commodity traded globally. The commodity market sets a baseline price for Arabica beans which fluctuates based on supply, demand, weather and geopolitical factors. See our deep dive here.
2. Certifications.Beans certified as Fairtrade, Organic or Rainforest Alliance often cost more due to ethical sourcing and sustainability practices.
3. Blends versus single origin.Blends combine beans from multiple origins and are generally more affordable. Single origin beans come from one region or farm, offering unique flavour profiles at a premium.
4. Arabica versus Robusta.Arabica is smoother and more aromatic and typically costs more. Robusta is stronger and often cheaper and is commonly used in espresso blends.

Purchase agreements and discounts

Businesses can reduce costs through:

• Subscriptions: Regular deliveries at fixed prices.
• Volume discounts: Lower prices for bulk orders.
• Free-loan models: Some suppliers offer agreements where buying a certain amount of beans allows you to rent machines at no additional cost.

Estimating daily usage

To budget effectively, consider:

• Average consumption: One kilo yields approximately 120 to 140 cups, depending on brew strength.
• Daily usage: A 50-person office might use 2 to 3kg per week, costing around £30 to £75 weekly.

Delivery costs

Some suppliers include delivery in the bean price, while others charge separately. Factors include:

• Location.
• Order frequency.
• Minimum order quantities.

Final thoughts

Coffee bean pricing can vary widely, but understanding the key factors, from bean type to purchase agreements, helps businesses make informed decisions. Whether you are budgeting for a small team or a large office, clarity on pricing ensures you get the best value without compromising on quality.