Fairtrade International has announced increases to its minimum prices for arabica and robusta coffee, as it seeks to strengthen financial protection for farmers facing rising production costs and volatile commodity markets.

From 1 December 2026, the Fairtrade Minimum Price for washed arabica beans will rise by 11%, from $1.80 to $2 per pound. Washed arabica accounts for more than 80% of Fairtrade coffee sales.

The minimum price for natural robusta beans, which represent less than 10% of Fairtrade coffee sold, will increase by approximately 8%, from $1.20 to $1.30 per pound. Prices for natural arabica and washed robusta will also rise by $0.20 and $0.10 per pound, respectively.

Fairtrade’s minimum price acts as a global floor, taking effect when market prices fall below the specified level. Farmers and cooperatives can continue to receive higher prices when market rates exceed the floor. According to the organisation, coffee market prices have remained above $2 per pound since March 2024.

The changes follow a year-long review involving production cost data, market analysis and consultation with farmers, traders and other industry stakeholders. Fairtrade’s Standards Committee, which includes representatives from producer and commercial organisations, approved the final prices earlier this month.

Data for the review was collected from 57 cooperatives across 13 countries for the 2023-2024 crop period. The figures were adjusted to reflect inflation and exchange rates up to September 2025 and assessed alongside external market information.

More than 600 stakeholders responded during a two-month consultation period. Fairtrade said the review considered factors including production costs, market conditions, fairness and the relationship between its minimum prices and additional payments.

The organisation will retain its existing Fairtrade Premium of $0.20 per pound and organic differential of $0.40 per pound, citing the need to provide cooperatives and traders with greater predictability during a period of historically high coffee prices.

The Fairtrade Premium is paid in addition to the selling price and can be invested by cooperatives in areas such as production improvements, infrastructure and community projects. Fairtrade coffee cooperatives received more than €57 million through the mechanism in 2024.

Meanwhile, the organic differential is intended to compensate farmers for the additional costs associated with organic production. Fairtrade said its research found average organic production costs remained broadly aligned with the existing payment.

Colleen Anunu, senior advisor for coffee at Fairtrade International, said: “Fairtrade's price review process is unique in the coffee sector, as the only methodology that provides an essential understanding of the various stakeholders in the value chain – from farmer cooperatives to roasters to brands and retailers – as well as civil society pushing to create a thriving coffee system.”

“Coffee farmers want to earn a dignified livelihood. The Fairtrade pricing structure is a critical safety net for cooperatives that supports farmer resilience in the face of climate change and emerging regulatory pressures, and also supports the security of global supply chains.”

Fairtrade has committed to conducting a comprehensive review of its coffee prices every four years as part of efforts to improve producer resilience and support more sustainable supply chains.