Packaged coffee prices in Puerto Rico will rise starting Friday, November 13, under a new price order from the Department of Consumer Affairs (DACO) that raises minimum prices across the island’s coffee production chain. Increases are expected to range between 15% and 20%, adding $0.80 to $1 per 14-ounce bag at retail; a package that previously sold for about $5 could climb to around $6.
The adjustments stem from DACO Order No. 2026-007, approved on October 2, which raises minimum prices for locally produced coffee at several production stages and also increases the regulated price of imported coffee. Imported beans account for an estimated 80% to 85% of the coffee used in most brands sold in Puerto Rico, with locally grown coffee typically only 15% to 20% of the final product.
The minimum price paid to farmers for ripe beans rises from $18 to $22 per almud (20 liters, about 5.3 gallons), while first-grade parchment coffee goes from $488 to $596 per quintal (100 kilograms, or about 220.5 pounds) and first-grade green coffee, or pilado primera, from $500 to $610 per quintal. Imported semi-roasted coffee bought through the Agricultural Enterprises Development Administration (ADEA) also rises: arabica from $375 to $450 per quintal and robusta to $307.20 per quintal.
Industry officials said the adjustments reflect higher production costs and greater compensation from growers and processors to distributors, though consumers will pay more for a household staple.