Brazil’s Upside Down Coffee Market Means a Tastier Daily Cup
- Dry weather caused by El Nino sent robusta prices soaring
- Roasters blending in more arabica, which has a smoother flavor
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Brazil’s economy is turning sour, but the coffee is sweeter.
A drought across robusta plantations this year has raised prices for the bitter-tasting type of coffee that’s usually the cheapest. In some cases, the beans are now more expensive than arabica, the variety preferred for high-end drinks because of its smooth flavor, and roasters are changing their blends.