Cheap Coffee: Behind the Curtain of the Global Coffee Trade

by Karl Wienhold, Lily Kubota (Editor)

The supply chain for coffee is broken. Cheap Coffee provides a broad explanation of the economics, mechanics, and power structures that define the industry today. It is a readable and digestible synthesis of thousands of pages of academic literature and expert interviews from disciplines ranging from economics to anthropology and from environmental science to history. Change, restructuring, and conscientious participation from all stakeholders are needed if coffee farming is to be a viable livelihood for the next generation and part of the solution to the climate crisis that is upon us.

240 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 13, 2021

Reviews

[Joel Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anyone who works in coffee should absolutely read this book…anyone interested in learning more about what actually goes into their morning cup should read this book. This is well written and offers good insight to the conscious consumer as well as the roaster, barista, cafe owner and more. This industry must become better- for the sake of all of us, we have to do better.

[Joseph Jenkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quite possibly the most impactful book regarding the coffee industry I have or will ever read.

If you are in the coffee industry, read this right away. If you are a coffee drinker, also read this right away. Some sections are admittingly challenging to read, but you are rewarded with some empathetic, practical insight where we usually have blind spots.

My friend Dante and I have a YouTube video highlighting some of the key takeaways, watch it here: https://youtu.be/3OrZUvFJb2A

[Cody · Rating 5 out of 5]

Challenging read but exceptional work which bears tremendous value for the coffee industry. I don't think what it has to say will be very accessible to non-coffee industry readers unless they are economists or agronomists. I'm a coffee pro and it was tough.

But really important and exceptionally valuable for me and my work.

[Ieben Broeckhoven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommended, by far the most interesting book that I've read about coffee!
Definitely a look at the coffee supply chain from multiple and very critical perspectives.
From production to economics, to labels, sustainability, branding and beyond...

[John · Rating 2 out of 5]

Just wanted the facts, not a neo-marxist interpretation of the facts.