June 11, 2025

Spotlight on Blue Ledge Farm

Nestled in the scenic hills of Salisbury, Vermont, Blue Ledge is a first-generation, family-run creamery that’s been crafting award-winning cheeses since 2000. Known for their commitment to sustainability, animal welfare, and strong community partnerships, they’ve earned a lasting place in Vermont’s local food scene. This week, we’re proud to feature Blue Ledge Farm as our Member Deal. From June 11–17, Co-op members save 20% on all Blue Ledge products!

Founders Hannah Sessions and Greg Bernhardt didn’t begin their journey on a farm. Their story started in Florence, Italy, where they studied art and culture and began to dream about a life rooted in land and purpose. After returning to Vermont, they restored a retired dairy farm and started with just four goats. Over the years, that dream has grown into a thriving farm, where 125 Alpine and LaMancha goats are milked daily to produce 14 unique cheeses, ranging from delicate fresh chèvre, to creamy bloomy rinds, and firm, aged wheels.

Hannah, Greg, and the Blue Ledge Farm Team

In addition to their acclaimed goat’s milk cheeses, Blue Ledge Farm also produces a line of cow’s milk cheeses. Since 2008, they’ve sourced cow’s milk from Ayrshire cows at MoSe Farm in Whiting, VT—valued for its richness and cheesemaking qualities. This summer marks a new chapter as they begin working with Hogan Farm in Leicester, VT, where Deb and Andy Hogan raise a small, grass-fed herd of Normande cows, known for their exceptionally rich milk and efficient grazing. That milk will be used to produce Blue Ledge favorites like the buttery Camembrie, the creamy Middlebury Blue, and the new Moosalamoo, available in flavors like dill and caraway. With this new partnership, they’re also bringing back Riley’s 2×4—a fan favorite that blends goat and cow’s milk into a complex, aged cheese with a bold, full-bodied flavor.

Sustainability has always been central to the Blue Ledge philosophy. The goats spend much of the year grazing and foraging, which helps keep them healthy and minimizes the need for imported feed. All manure is composted and returned to their fields, helping to enrich the soil and close the nutrient loop. In 2008, they constructed an underground cheese-aging cave that uses the natural insulation of the earth to maintain perfect aging conditions while reducing energy use.

Blue Ledge has worked closely with Efficiency Vermont to improve their energy systems, including installing high-efficiency compressors, LED lighting, and a variable-speed milking machine. They heat their home, barn, and cheese house with a biomass furnace fueled by locally-sourced wood pellets, and in 2015, solar panels were added to their barn roof—now producing nearly half of their electricity during the summer months.

Blue Ledge Farm is a powerful example of how small-scale, sustainable agriculture can produce world-class food while supporting the health of the land, the animals, and the community. With every wedge and wheel, Hannah and Greg are creating something truly meaningful—cheese that nourishes and connects.

Stop by this week to enjoy their incredible cheeses at a great price, and experience the passion, care, and craftsmanship that define Blue Ledge Farm .

Hannah Sessions, Greg Bernhardt, and their children.

Branded boxes of flora cannabis sitting on a glass counter

June 9, 2025

Co-op Connection Business of the Month — FLORA

Located in the heart of downtown Middlebury, FLORA is proud to be the town’s only locally owned and operated cannabis dispensary. Founded by longtime residents Michael Sims and Dave Silberman, FLORA offers more than just quality cannabis—it provides a welcoming, community-focused space where visitors can explore thoughtfully curated, lab-tested Vermont products. We’re excited to feature FLORA as this month’s Co-op Connection featured business, where Middlebury Natural Foods Co-op members 10% off their purchase every day!

FLORA’s atmosphere is intentionally clean, calm, and inviting. Whether you’re new to cannabis or a seasoned consumer, the shop is designed to make everyone feel comfortable and informed.

*Dave Silberman talks to a customer about product offerings.*

FLORA’s dedicated team of budtenders are the heart of the operation. Known for their deep knowledge and friendly approach, they’re always ready to help customers navigate their options—whether they’re looking to cannabis for sleep, pain relief, stress management, or recreational use. Customers who already know what they want can also place preorders online, to have their selections ready for fast checkout when they arrive at the store.

Bar featuring different strains of marijuana

FLORA’s large selection of canned beverages (left) and a popular tincture for DIY dosing (right).

FLORA keeps things fresh with a rotating lineup of five to six new cannabis flower strains each week—there’s always something new to discover. Their aromatic bud bar lets visitors take in the full sensory experience of each strain. “Every week we put out 5–6 new strains,” says co-founder Dave Silberman. “We always keep the selection fresh and exciting.”

Diptych with preroll joints and edible gummies — *A selection of pre-roll joints (left) and FLORA’s line of edibles (right).*

That same dedication to quality carries through to their pre-rolls. While many shops mass-produce joints that can linger on shelves, FLORA crafts theirs in small batches using high-quality flower, so customers can count on them always being fresh and flavorful.

Beyond flower, FLORA also offers a refined range of cannabis products including a large selection of edibles and beverages. One favorite among customers and staff is FLORA’s own line of low-dose edibles known as “Socials.” Socials are crafted with full-spectrum cannabis oil pressed from flower without the use of solvents, preserving naturally occurring terpenes for a richer experience. Many users find that full-spectrum products—containing a range of cannabinoids and terpenes—offer a more balanced, approachable effect than isolated THC. Other gummies in FLORA’s co-branded line-up include “Functionals” designed to address everyday complaints – from pain to insomnia. These gummies are vegan, gluten-free, and crafted without artificial flavors or colors, making them a popular and approachable option for a wide range of consumers.

FLORA is deeply invested in curating the best of the best across every category, regularly testing new products to ensure customers have access to top-tier options. One recent standout: handcrafted chocolates from Stir the Pot Kitchen, made right here in Addison County by the original founder of Daily Chocolate in Vergennes. With premium ingredients and meticulous attention to detail, they’re a perfect example of FLORA’s thoughtful approach to product selection.

After opening, Silberman realized that no one in the area was selling pipes—people were driving all the way to Burlington just to buy glass. So FLORA expanded to include accessories, too. True to form, even these are carefully curated, from simple, affordable options to artisan pieces like the one-of-a-kind, hand-carved pipes from local woodworker Jim Cunningham of Pipes by Jim.

FLORA gave over $40,000 in Co-op Connection discounts in 2024, underscoring the store’s deep commitment to serving locals and supporting the Co-op. “Being part of the Co-op Connection Program gives back to the consumer, offers a discount, and supports the Co-op,” says Silberman. “It also signals that we stand for local—locally owned producers and the people of this community.”

Whether you’re exploring cannabis for the first time or looking for a special gift, FLORA’s welcoming team is ready to help you find exactly what you need. Patrons must show a valid picture ID to verify they are at least 21. Stop by their downtown Middlebury location at 2 Park Street – and don’t forget to tell them we sent you!

June 7, 2025

Supporting the Northeast Organic Family Farm Partnership

In honor of Dairy Month, which is celebrated each June, we’re shining a bright Spotlight on the Northeast Organic Family Farm Partnership. In early January of 2022, the Northeast Organic Family Farm Partnership, a first-of-its-kind campaign in partnership with the Maine Organic Farming and Gardening Association (MOFGA), was created to help solve the crisis of disappearing organic family farms in our region.

Nathan Rogers of Rogers Farmstead Creamery in Berlin, VT, pauses to give one of his grass-fed cows a chin scratch

The Partnership, a collaboration of farmers, processors, retailers, activists, and government agencies, invites consumers to pledge to purchase at least one-fourth of their weekly organic dairy purchases from brands that have committed to sourcing their dairy from Northeast organic family farmers. A central goal of the effort is to increase demand for dairy produced in our region, creating market stability to help save at-risk farms and build greater food system resilience for the future.

Strafford Organic Creamery owners Earl Ransom and Amy Huyffer, pictured with their family and their happy, grass-fed cows

We are proud to announce that your Co-op has joined the Northeast Organic Family Farm Partnership. To secure the future of organic dairy farming in the northeast, we’re committed to purchasing organic dairy products from brands that source their milk from our region. We’re also encouraging member-owners and the community to become informed about the Partnership and take the pledge to purchase ¼ of your weekly dairy products from Brand Partners. When you commit to buying one-fourth of your weekly dairy items from the brands that support our region’s organic family farms, you become a proud Consumer Partner with all of these farmers.

Why Does This Matter?

Family farms reconnect us to the land and each other. They provide our communities with beautiful open spaces, abundant wildlife habitats, and rural charm. We pick fruit in their fields and orchards and pet their cows at county fairs. Family farms remind us where our food comes from and connect us with the hands that feed us.

When you pledge to buy the products from our region’s organic family farmers, you are not just helping to keep these farms financially viable. You are supporting true environmental and health heroes. Organic farmers foster healthy soils, which are both a founding principle of organic production and key to fighting climate change. Vermont’s organic farms release fewer greenhouse gases than their conventional counterparts, protect our water and other natural resources, are more resilient to extreme weather events, sequester carbon through their management practices, promote biodiversity, and provide greater community food security. Moreover, you are helping to support a fairer, more stable agricultural market, which keeps thousands of small family farms in business and thriving. In fact, organic milk prices are traditionally more stable than the conventional dairy market, so organic farmers often have an easier job of covering production costs. That means they have a better chance of keeping the lights on at the farm and the cows out in the pasture, where they belong.

Mercy Larson of Larson Farm and Creamery in Wells, VT pictured with one of her grass-fed cows

“The Northeast Organic Family Farm Partnership celebrates the fact that when it comes to supporting our region’s organic family farmers, it really does take a village,” said Gary Hirshberg, chair of the Partnership and co-founder of Stonyfield Organic. “Everyone has a stake in the long-term financial health of our region’s farms and farm families. The simple act of pledging to purchase one-quarter of dairy items from the brands, processors, and farms that support these family farmers, can help to ensure that farms remain healthy, vibrant, financially viable, and environmentally and climate-positive parts of the northeast region for generations to come.”

The late great Jack Lazor of Butterworks Farm in Westfield, VT pictured with wife, Anne, and daughter Christine, along with her family.

The decline in the number of small family farmers is unfortunately not a new story, as the United States, and especially the northeast, has seen drastic reductions in the number of both farms and acreage over the last decade. From 2012 to 2021 alone, Vermont has lost over 390 individual dairy farms as food production has largely been ceded away from small families, and into large, agri-business operations. However, organic family farmers are important contributors to a healthy environment and thriving rural life and are important players in the region’s food system.

Elliot of Rogers Farmstead Creamery in Berlin, VT greets customers at his family’s organic farmstand

The next time you are shopping in the dairy or cheese cases, look for the Northeast Organic Family Farm Seal to identify Partner Brands. When you see the seal, you can be confident that your purchase supports hard-working organic dairy farmers in the Northeast. For more information on the campaign and to take the pledge, click here.

May 30, 2025

Spotlight on Shelburne Farms

This week, we’re thrilled to introduce Shelburne Farms to our Member Deal line-up! From May 28–June 3, Member-Owners receive 20% off these exceptional local cheeses—crafted just down the road on one of Vermont’s most iconic farms.

Nestled along the shores of Lake Champlain in Shelburne, Vermont, historic Shelburne Farms spans a breathtaking landscape of rolling pastures, forests, and pebbled beaches. Its stunning architecture and inviting spaces make it one of the most beautiful farms in New England –magical and inviting.

Shelburne Farms is a nonprofit organization dedicated to cultivating a conservation ethic for sustainable future through education. Rooted in regenerative agriculture, this working dairy farm is renowned for its world-class artisanal cheddar cheese. Since 1980, the farm has produced farmhouse cheddar using only raw milk from its own herd of purebred Brown Swiss cows. Free from rGBH, artificial flavors, colorings, and preservatives, their cheese reflects a deep commitment to quality.

Each year, the farm crafts around 140,000 pounds of cheddar. This work not only connects people to the source of their food but also strengthens local food systems and supports Shelburne Farms’ educational programs.

Here at Middlebury Natural Foods Co-op, Shelburne Farms Cheddars are a cornerstone of our local artisanal cheese case. From the delicate, creamy notes of their 6-month aged cheddar to the sharp sweetness of their 2-year, to the crumbly, herbaceous bite of the 3-year, there’s a flavor for every palate and every cheeseboard. Don’t miss this chance to stock up while supporting a farm that exemplifies sustainability, education, and excellence.

Learn more about Shelburne Farms and their programs by visiting their website. Better yet, plan a visit to explore this incredible conserved property and see their cheesemaking and regenerative farming practices in action!

May 1, 2025

Spotlight on Red Hen Baking Company

Our Member Deals Spotlight is beaming on Red Hen Baking Company! Member-owners can enjoy 20% off their full line of freshly baked breads from May 14-20. Read on to learn more about this wonderful local bakery that’s been turning out fresh organic bread 7 days a week for over 20 years!

History

The folks at Red Hen Baking Company are guided by a belief that pure, uncomplicated ingredients and the hands of skilled artisans are the building blocks for great food. Their bakery sprouted from humble beginnings with a staff of 8 on Route 100 in Duxbury, VT back in 1999. They were committed to using organic ingredients since the very beginning and became an established presence in the area’s many cooperative and independent food stores. Their bread was beginning to appear at more and more of the area’s finest restaurants and they became mainstays of the Montpelier and Waitsfield Farmers’ Markets. To this day, these venues still make up the core of their wholesale business.

After 8 years of hard work in Duxbury and a seasoned staff that had grown to over 20 employees (many of whom are still with the bakery today), they had the opportunity to move 5 miles down the road to the neighboring town of Middlesex. It was here that they established their new baking facility in a building constructed especially for their purposes with an attached café in a renovated building that housed the former Camp Meade Diner.

Their café has become known as a local destination and gathering place where people can enjoy not only the bread they’re so well known for, but also their increasingly lauded pastries, sandwiches, and soups. To supplement their own creations, the cafe also features beer, wine, and specialty food from near and far. Next time you’re cruising through Middlesex, be sure to stop in!

Although Red Hen has grown considerably since those early days in Duxbury, they remain dedicated to creating the very best food from the best possible ingredients. You can’t make great food without great flour (or potatoes or seeds or meal, as the case may be), so a great deal of time and energy is spent sourcing the very best of these items. In many cases, the folks at Red Hen are closely acquainted with the farmers and millers that are responsible for producing the raw materials used for baking their breads. In fact, over 90% of all the flour they use comes from two farmers within 150 miles of the bakery. Each year, 430,000 lbs of local wheat go into their breads!

Members of the Red Hen Baking Crew visiting Les Cedres farm in Quebec where some of the organic grain for their bread is grown.

They employ methods that are as old as bread making itself and these processes guide their days at the bakery. This method of slow fermentation produces a complexity of flavor, a chewy texture, helps the bread to keep longer, and even adds to its nutritive value. Each loaf is then formed by hand and baked in a hearth oven. The Red Hen family of breads runs the gamut from dense whole grain varieties to light and airy ciabatta and everything in between.

Red Hen Baker Randy unloading fresh baked baguettes

Giving Back

Like any good hen, the folks at Red Hen feel a responsibility to do what they can to nurture the community that has nurtured them. There is never a shortage of work to be done and there are so many good organizations doing that work, but each year their staff selects a few organizations that they would like to support. Last year they directed over $26,000 to the following organizations doing work both close to home and further afield:

To learn more about Red Hen Baking, check out their web page! You can view their cafe menu, read all about their diverse bread offerings, and find great tips for storing your bread to maximize freshness.

May 1, 2025

Business of the Month: Middlebury Fitness

We invite you to check out this month’s featured Co-op Connection Business — Middlebury Fitness! Flash your Co-op member-owner card and you’ll receive 50% off the enrollment fee and your first class or workout is FREE! Read on to learn more about what this community wellness center has to offer:

Middlebury Fitness is a community health and wellness center founded in 1997 that puts its members’ needs first. Their facility features a wide variety of the most current strength and cardio equipment by the leading brands in the industry. Is group fitness your thing? They offer a variety of live and remote programs and group fitness classes to meet the diverse and ever-changing needs of their member base, ranging from ages 13 to 93. Click here for their class calendar and descriptions. Other services and amenities include personal training, sport-specific athletic performance training, nutrition consultations with Registered Dietician Amy Rice of Champlain Nutrition Solutions, and more!

The crew at Middlebury Fitness is incredibly proud to be so active in this great community and annually receives recognition and awards for various initiatives. For the past four consecutive years, they have received the United Way of Addison County’s “Partner Award” for an annual event that has raised $60,000 for our local friends and families in need since 2014. Wow!! They were also the 2018 recipients of the prestigious BOB (Best of Business) award in the Health Club category by Vermont Business Magazine.

At Middlebury Fitness they understand that you have options when it comes to your health and fitness needs. They aim to meet and exceed their members’ expectations every day and believe they have some of the most attentive, caring, professional, and knowledgeable instructors, personal trainers, and staff you will find. Their ultimate goal at Midd Fit is to ensure that each of their members achieves their personal fitness goals while experiencing exceptional customer service in a supportive atmosphere of fun and camaraderie.

If you are a current member, they’d like to extend a sincere THANK YOU for being a part of the Midd Fit family! If you are not yet a member, please visit and let Middlebury Fitness guide you through your fitness journey today! And don’t forget to mention that you’re a Co-op member-owner!

April 6, 2025

Featured Co-op Connection Business – Green Mountain Adventures

Spring is finally here, and with it comes that familiar itch to plan your next Vermont adventure. Whether you’re dreaming of backcountry trails, mountain-fed rivers, or just a weekend escape close to home, Green Mountain Adventures—located right on Middlebury’s Main Street—is the place to start. They offer top-tier gear, guided outdoor experiences, and one of the best local summer camps around. Member-owners enjoy a 10% off their purchases year-round, and we’re thrilled to spotlight this local institution as April’s Co-op Connection featured business!

A Family-Owned Business with Deep Roots

Green Mountain Adventures is co-owned by Steve and Marion Atocha, who first opened the business (originally called Middlebury Mountaineer) back in 1998 in a small space above the Storm Café on Mill Street. Since then, the shop has moved a few times—first to the old Ben & Jerry’s spot on Park Street, then a bit further up the street next to the Sheldon Museum—before finally landing, in 2017, at their current, sunny Main Street location. It’s the space they’d always hoped for: centrally located and easy to find, with a steady stream of locals and out-of-towners alike.

The Family

Steve and Marion Atocha co-own Green Mountain Adventures. On the store’s webpage, Steve is described as a father, a fly fishing enthusiast, and a certified American Canoe Association Kayaking Instructor. He spends his free time hiking for out-of-the-way fishing holes or backcountry skiing on the Lincoln Gap. Marion serves as a clothing buyer for the store, and divides her time between the shop and working full-time as a nurse in Bristol. An avid hiker, swimmer, and Nordic skier, Marion’s real passion is raising her three boys and working on her family farm. In true family business fashion, their boys pitch in as part of the Green Mountain Adventures team.

Quality Gear & Rentals for Every Season

Green Mountain Adventures is known for carrying high-quality outdoor gear and apparel, with a focus on brands that hold up to Vermont’s rugged landscape. You’ll find gear from Patagonia, Prana, Blundstone, Darn Tough, Howler Bros., Hydro Flask, Yeti, and more. In winter, they’re a go-to destination for Nordic skis, boots, poles, wax, and accessories from trusted brands like Rossignol, Fischer, Swix, Salomon, and Craft.

Not ready to buy? They offer rental and lease options year-round, so you can test out top-tier gear before committing—or simply grab what you need for a weekend trip without having to invest.

Guided Trips for All Experience Levels

For those who want a more hands-on introduction to Vermont’s outdoors, Green Mountain Adventures offers guided trips for fly fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding, snowshoeing, backcountry skiing, hiking, and even rock climbing. Whether you’re a beginner or someone looking to refine your skills, they can customize a full or half-day adventure that fits your goals. Guides are experienced, knowledgeable, and deeply familiar with the local terrain.

Unforgettable Summer Camps for Kids

Green Mountain Adventures also runs one of the most beloved summer day camps in the region. Now in its 26th season, the camp serves kids ages 6–15 and offers an immersive experience in the wild landscapes that surround us—from rivers and cliffs to wooded trails and glacial swimming holes. Campers might spend one day paddling, another hiking or biking, and another tubing or rock climbing, all led by experienced local guides.

Camp groups are intentionally small, with a low camper-to-guide ratio (max 6:1), and the culture is all about building confidence, connection, and a sense of belonging. As Steve puts it, “We encourage a ‘come as you are’ ethic where campers can be fully themselves, without external pressure to act or perform in a certain way.” Over the years, many campers have returned summer after summer, forming deep friendships and memories that stick.

Plan Your Visit

Green Mountain Adventures is more than just a gear shop—it’s a community hub for outdoor adventure. Whether you’re shopping for new equipment, booking a guided trip, or looking for a meaningful summer camp for your child, they’ve got you covered.

Don’t forget: Co-op member-owners receive 10% off year-round—just show your member card at checkout. Stop in this month to take advantage of the deal, explore what’s new, and start planning your next adventure.

April 5, 2025

Spotlight on Big Picture Farm

This week’s Member Deal Spotlight features a producer we’re proud to have on our shelves: Big Picture Farm, a goat dairy and farmstead confectionery located in Townshend, Vermont. Their focus on environmental stewardship, humane treatment of animals, and thoughtfully made food makes them a natural fit for our community of shoppers. And from April 16-22, Members enjoy 20% off their delicious line of products.

Family in a field with their dog — *Photo courtesy of Big Picture Farm*

Big Picture Farm was founded by Louisa Conrad and Lucas Farrell—artists who became farmers with a vision of raising goats and making something meaningful from their milk. Their small herd of pasture-raised goats is at the center of their operation, and you’ll see them (the goats) featured proudly on their packaging. Each one has a name and personality, and the farmers make it clear they’re the heart of the farm.

Sustainable and Humane from the Start

The farm is solar-powered, uses zero-waste packaging, and holds Certified Animal Welfare Approved status—one of the highest animal welfare standards out there. Their goats spend their lives outdoors on pasture, and the team is deeply committed to making choices that are good for the land, the animals, and the people who enjoy their caramels.

Goats in a field — *Photo courtesy of Big Picture Farm*

Award-Winning, for Good Reason

Big Picture Farm has earned multiple national awards, including several Good Food Awards and Best Confection at the Fancy Food Show. Their Sea Salt & Vanilla caramel is a classic, but they offer a range of rotating seasonal flavors, too—each one rich, creamy, and a little bit addictive.

Boxes of caramels on a wooden table — *Photo courtesy of Big Picture Farm*

20% off for Members April 16-22

Now’s a great time to try them (or stock up) while they’re on sale for members. Whether you’re picking up a treat for yourself or a gift for someone else, these are the kind of sweets you can feel good about.

Photo of produce section with sign announcing changes

April 4, 2025

Exciting New Changes at the Co-op!

If you’ve shopped with us this week, you might have noticed something different: the big sale display at the front of the store is gone! After many years of service, we’ve officially retired that setup and rolled out a new system that’s all about making it easier to spot deals, shop produce, and move through the store more comfortably.

Here’s a look at what’s changed:

Sales Are Now in the Aisles

Instead of pulling sale items to the front of the store, we’re now featuring sale items right in the aisles where they normally live. That means:

More space to expand our produce section
Less crowding at the store entrance
More sale items featured throughout the store

Now you’ll find great prices exactly where you’d expect to—on the shelf next to your favorite products. No more navigating bottlenecks or checking the front for deals—we’re bringing them to you, where you already shop.

Two Flyers to Keep You in the Know

To support this new approach, we’ve launched two flyers designed to bring you more relevant and up-to-date deals:

🛒 Co-op Deals Flyer

This flyer now includes only products we actually carry, so you can shop with confidence knowing that everything listed is right here in our store. It’s still full of great prices, but now it’s tailored just for MNFC.

🧀 Fresh Flyer

This new one-page flyer comes out every Wednesday and features fresh, short-notice deals from departments like meat, cheese, deli, dairy, and produce. These are the kind of deals that are hard to plan in advance—but too good to miss!

Both flyers are available at the front of the store, near the restrooms, in the flyer racks located just outside the front door and inside the store.

You Might Be Wondering…

“Why did you remove the front sale display?”
We needed more room for produce, and the front display had become a traffic jam. Now, we’re able to spread out the deals and make shopping easier and more pleasant throughout the store.

“Are Member Deals and coupons still available?”
Absolutely! Member Deals are still going strong, and Addison Independent coupons are still in use—they just now follow the same Wednesday–Tuesday sales cycle as everything else.

“Where can I find the flyers now?”
Flyers are still easy to find—look for them near the new signage at the front of the store, near the restrooms, on the sandwich board outside, and online.

We’re Excited About What’s Next

This new system helps us offer more deals in more places, make better use of our space, and bring even more attention to the producers, products, and savings that matter most to you.

Love the new look? Not quite sure how you feel yet? Let us know! You can leave your thoughts in the customer comment box located at the customer service desk.

April 4, 2025

Fair Grounds: Understanding the Recent Increase in Coffee Prices

Coffee prices have been creeping upward, and many of you have been asking why. While the increase at the register has so far been modest, it reflects a deeper and more complex set of global issues. At the center are climate change, supply chain instability, and the structure of the international commodity market—all of which affect the people who grow your coffee, the organizations that import it, and ultimately, your morning cup.

Here’s a closer look at what’s happening.

Image courtesy of Equal Exchange

The New Reality for Coffee Farmers

In recent years, extreme weather events have significantly disrupted coffee-growing regions around the globe. According to the International Coffee Organization, droughts, frosts, and other climate-related events have reduced yields by 20–30% in key producing countries like Brazil, Honduras, and Ethiopia. As climate change accelerates, these events are becoming more frequent and more severe.

At the same time, global demand for coffee continues to rise, with consumption in emerging markets and established ones alike growing steadily. The result is a basic economic equation: less supply + more demand = higher prices.

In early 2025, the benchmark price for green (unroasted) coffee—known as the C price—reached an all-time high, peaking above $4.30 per pound in February. Although the price has fluctuated since then, it has remained well above historic averages, contributing to ongoing volatility and long-term uncertainty for producers and importers alike.

infographic of coffee journey from grower to buyer

Not All Coffee Is Traded the Same

That volatility has ripple effects throughout the supply chain—but not all supply chains are structured the same way.

Many of the coffees we carry at the Co-op come from mission-driven companies like Equal Exchange, which operate outside the traditional commodity market model by working directly with small-scale farmer cooperatives in Latin America, Africa, and Asia. These partnerships are built to give farmers more agency in pricing and greater economic security.

When global prices fall, Equal Exchange guarantees a minimum “floor price,” helping to protect growers from market crashes and volatility. And when prices rise, they don’t try to bargain farmers down. Instead, Equal Exchange offers farmer cooperatives a window of time during which they can choose the most favorable moment to lock in a price. This approach gives producers real flexibility and bargaining power—allowing them to benefit from a strong market rather than being subject to it.

This strategy not only creates more stability, it also ensures that more of the money spent on coffee ends up with the people who grow it. These alternative supply chains are designed to absorb shocks and share risk more equitably. Rather than relying on speculative pricing or middlemen, they prioritize long-term relationships, pre-purchasing, and community investment.

What It Means for You, the Customer

The effects of the global coffee crisis have begun to show up at the Co-op—but to a lesser extent than many anticipated. Prices for some bulk coffees have increased. For example, Dean’s Beans bulk coffee recently went up by about $2 per pound. We’ve also had to raise our Equal Exchange bulk coffee price by $1.

Still, thanks to the sourcing relationships we’ve built—and the long-term contracts many of our partners have in place—we’ve been able to avoid major price spikes. That’s one of the strengths of working within a values-driven supply chain.

More importantly, these increases reflect real efforts to support farming communities, not to increase profits for shareholders. Every dollar goes further when it supports producers directly.

Man holding baby coffee tree, ripe coffee beans on branch — *Image Courtesy of Equal Exchange*

What’s at Stake

Coffee is a daily ritual for many of us—but it’s also the livelihood of more than 125 million people worldwide, most of whom are smallholder farmers. As the climate changes and market pressures mount, the decisions we make as buyers—both individual and institutional—have growing significance.

At the Co-op, we choose to partner with suppliers who are working toward a more equitable, transparent, and sustainable coffee system. That means paying fairly, honoring long-term commitments, and advocating for economic justice in a volatile global market.

Questions? Let’s Talk.

We know that many of you care deeply about where your coffee comes from—and we’re always happy to share what we know. If you have questions about sourcing, pricing, or supply chains, just ask. We believe transparency and trust are at the heart of good food—and good coffee.

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