Torna indietro
Impact of coffee diseases and pests : coffee rust (Hemileia vastatrix) and the coffee berry borer (Hypothenemus hampei) are seriously messing with global production. When these nuisances hit the crops, supply drops and prices can skyrocket. Keeping tabs on and tackling these issues is key to keeping the coffee game sustainable.
Coffee growers, already battling the effects of the climate crisis, now face another major headache: diseases and pests threatening their crops worldwide. Coffee rust (Hemileia vastatrix) and the coffee berry borer (Hypothenemus hampei) are two of the top culprits wreaking havoc on coffee plantations. With climate change ramping up these challenges, the impact of coffee diseases and pests is becoming a hot topic for both producers and consumers. We dug into the latest insights from World Coffee Research and the International Coffee Organization to give you an up-to-date rundown on the situation.
Coffee rust, caused by the fungus Hemileia vastatrix, is one of the most destructive diseases hitting coffee farms – especially in Latin America. In 2024, reports showed that rust slashed crop yields by as much as 30% in some areas. This nasty affliction weakens the plants, cuts down production, and leaves them open to other issues. The danger here is real: if left unchecked, coffee rust can wipe out entire plantations, shrinking the bean supply and inevitably jacking up prices.
Meanwhile, the coffee berry borer (Hypothenemus hampei) is another pest that’s been wreaking havoc on coffee plantations. This tiny bug bores into coffee cherries, triggering premature drop-offs or subpar yields. Spreading like wildfire through Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia, it’s responsible for damaging millions of tonnes of coffee. The rising infestation of this critter – especially in major coffee-producing regions – has raised serious concerns about its long-term impact on coffee availability. However, growers are forced to pump more cash into pest control, and to do it in an eco-friendly way means relying on seriously pricey solutions. Needless to say, production costs are taking a hit.
As diseases like coffee rust and pests like the coffee berry borer continue to mess with global production, the fallout on supply becomes even more significant. A shrinking coffee supply can send prices soaring – just as we saw in 2024. The global coffee market is super sensitive to these shifts, so when supply dips, price hikes are almost inevitable. Experts warn that if these issues persist, we could be in for a long-term upward trend in coffee prices. While growers struggle to keep yields high and ensure the sustainability of their farms, consumers will ultimately feel the pinch at the checkout.
At Qahwa Limited, we’re keeping a close eye on how coffee diseases and pests are shaking up the global market. By working directly with growers and backing sustainable farming practices, we’re all in on minimizing the damage from these threats. Our commitment to quality and sustainability means we can continue serving up the best coffee possible while staying ahead of the curve.