Coffee Prices Rise in Albania: Beloved Daily Ritual Turns into a Luxury for Many

 TIRANA – Coffee, a daily ritual deeply embedded in Albanian culture, is becoming increasingly expensive, sparking concerns that the beloved beverage may be turning into a luxury item for many. In April 2025, the price of coffee and cocoa rose by 4.7% year-on-year — the steepest increase recorded since February 2022, according to official inflation data.

In a Coffee Bar in the center of Tirana, May 2025

The sharpest price hikes have been noted in Tirana’s most frequented areas, where a cup of coffee now costs over 120 lek. In the suburbs, the average price has climbed to 80–100 lek in the past month, up from 70 lek at the beginning of the year.

Global Pressures Driving Local Increases

The primary factor behind the rising prices is the surge in global coffee prices, largely due to a significant drop in production in Brazil, the world’s largest coffee producer. Post-pandemic disruptions to global supply chains and transportation have also driven up costs, compounding the problem for Albanian importers and businesses.

In 2024, the situation worsened as coffee and cocoa supplies from West Africa — notably Nigeria and Cameroon — shrank. Extreme weather conditions and plant diseases ravaged crops, adding further strain to global supply and boosting wholesale prices.

In March 2025, Albania imported one kilogram of coffee at an average price of 693 lek, marking a 19% increase compared to March 2024, when the price was 582 lek per kilogram.

Local Cafés Struggle to Absorb Costs

Albania’s Bar and Restaurant Association reported earlier this year that cafés have been under financial pressure since 2024, primarily due to the spike in prices of coffee and cocoa — the two top-selling products in the sector. The association predicted a retail price increase of 10 to 30 lek per cup between March and April.

Despite the rising import and operational costs — including wages — the highly competitive coffee market has prevented businesses from fully passing these increases onto customers. However, maintaining current prices, which now range between 70 and 150 lek per cup depending on the area, is becoming increasingly unsustainable.

More Than a Drink: Coffee as a Lifestyle

Coffee in Albania is not just a commodity — it’s a cornerstone of the national lifestyle. Social life in the country revolves around coffee culture, with locals spending considerable time in cafés each day. This explains why Albania consistently ranks among the European countries with the highest number of cafés and restaurants per capita.

Looking ahead, experts expect some relief in 2026, as Brazil is projected to boost production and cocoa farming is expanding in parts of Africa. However, risks remain high due to the unpredictable nature of extreme weather events, which could again disrupt supply chains and destabilize prices.