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The Coffee Bean That Broke Commodity Markets
Description
In this episode of Global Trade with Fexingo, Lucas and Luna dive into the global coffee trade — specifically how one bean, the robusta, upended commodity markets in early 2026. They trace the story from a frost-damaged harvest in Vietnam, the world's largest robusta producer, to the sudden price spike that forced roasters like Nestlé and JAB Holding to rewrite their sourcing strategies. Lucas explains how arabica and robusta diverged, with robusta prices hitting a 30-year high while arabica remained stable. Luna questions whether the price surge is a temporary shock or a permanent structural shift as climate change alters growing zones. They also unpack the role of the London-based ICE futures exchange, where robusta contracts traded at a record premium over arabica for the first time. The episode explores how this affects your morning cup: from instant coffee blends to espresso shots in major chains. A focused, concrete look at how one agricultural commodity reveals the fragility and complexity of global supply chains.