22/07/2026
To have a fair discussion about coffee pricing, we need to look at the whole story.
Melbourne’s coffee culture didn’t become internationally recognised by accident, it was built by thousands of passionate Australian businesses constantly pushing for higher quality coffee. Every cup represents a global supply chain, ethical sourcing decisions, skilled roasting, highly trained baristas, and small business owners navigating one of the toughest economic climates we’ve seen.
Italy’s espresso culture is incredible, so is Melbourne’s specialty coffee culture. However, they’re completely different traditions with different expectations, business models, and operating costs. Comparing the two is a bit like comparing apples and oranges.
Before we ask why a coffee costs $6, maybe we should ask how cafés have managed to keep it there for so long, and whether we’d really want to compromise the quality and ethics that make Melbourne’s coffee culture what it is.
Our perspective is this: Melburnians have continued to support their local cafés and roasters while navigating a cost of living crisis of their own. They know we have something special to protect here, and we know we couldn’t do it without them. Many lights are still on, and many dinner tables are still full, because someone chose to buy a $6 coffee. That’s not something we’ll ever take for granted.
