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Montreal Gazette
04-05-2025
- Business
- Montreal Gazette
Coffee lovers flock to Montreal festival — but will rising java prices sour the buzz?
By At the Café Collectif coffee festival on Saturday, Edwin Chareton handed me a sip of his cold-fermented coffee he promised would taste like a Bounty candy bar. He was right. Around us, hundreds of coffee lovers moved between roasters, cupping stations and fermentation discussions, filling the Société des arts technologiques on St-Laurent Blvd. It's the third edition of the festival, where coffee lovers can come and explore different cups of java from spots across the city, Chareton said. He founded Zab, a Montreal-based roaster, along with Zab Café. He's also part of the organization behind the festival. 'Montreal honestly has a fantastic coffee scene,' he said. 'Same level as any city in the world — for real.' But amid the excitement in the room, one matter lingered: coffee could soon get more expensive. The coffee crunch The price of coffee futures, which are contracts that set prices for later dates, has more than doubled over the past two years, according to data from Trading Economics, particularly surging in the last year. Bloomberg's Javier Blas attributes the rise to lousy weather in major producer countries like Brazil and Vietnam, years of demand outpacing supply, and a fresh shot of political uncertainty — tariffs included. While those costs will eventually reach roasters, cafés, and customers, many specialty roasters sign contracts up to a year in advance, Chareton explained. That buffer, however, is beginning to thin. 'Our next contracts are going to be a lot more expensive,' he said, adding price increases 'have already started.' According to the latest data from Statistics Canada, the average price for roasted or ground coffee rose by about 15 per cent in the past year. 'There's no way around it,' Chareton said. 'It's not about putting more in our pockets. For a while, we'll probably earn less.' Aside from the impact on consumers, he believes the price correction is overdue. 'Historically, coffee's been priced way too low. Now, it's catching up. And when the base price jumps, everything else jumps even more.' The upside, he added, is coffee producers may finally benefit. 'Farmers could actually get paid more. And that's overdue, too.' Coffee prices are surging and your daily cup is about to get much more expensive. @JavierBlas explains why — Bloomberg Opinion (@opinion) February 3, 2025 Across the room, Simon Massaglia, founder of Micro Espresso, was pouring samples of a range of different coffee, including one using Kenyan beans he calls 'Berries and Cream.' True to the name, it tasted of raspberry, dark berries and a touch of orange blossom. Massaglia, who grew up in Rome and moved to Montreal in 2017, launched his business during the pandemic. It now has multiple locations across the city. For him and his wife, who run the cafés together, price increases are already a reality. 'A shot of espresso cost me about 30 cents' three years ago, he said. 'Now, it's closer to 70 — and it's still going up.' Unlike Zab, Micro Espresso buys beans on the spot, so prices can fluctuate more quickly as a result. 'Sometimes it's three- to six-per- cent higher than the week before,' Massaglia said. Despite the upward prices, he said cafés shouldn't sacrifice quality. 'If you have mediocre coffee because you're trying to fight rising prices, people are not going to come.' Will customers swallow the price hikes? Among the crowd, I asked festival-goers how much more they'd be willing to pay. Itamar Keren, who came to the festival with his friend, said it will depend. 'If a bag I like goes from $50 to $70, I might still pay it,' he said. 'But I want to know what I'm getting: the region, the process, the traceability.' He added: 'If I'm paying more, maybe I'll try something rare. Something special.' Jordan Fast, who came to Café Collectif after a friend invited him, has volunteered at coffee-tasting competitions before. 'When I actually tasted the notes in the coffee, it kind of blew my mind,' he said on tasting special coffee. But on rising prices, Fast said he is wary. 'If prices keep going up, I'd probably go to cafés less.' His friend, Angus McAlpine, by contrast, said he just tagged along on Saturday: 'I'm an uncultured swine with pretensions of grandeur,' he joked. 'Couche-Tard coffee is my go-to.' But McAlpine was open to spending more within reason. 'If I'm dropping $20 or $30 and it lasts me two months, then I don't really care,' he said. Fast also said he values the experience of going to a café than just the coffee. 'In the past, coffee houses were basically social institutions, where merchants, writers, even future investment banks got their start,' he said. 'That sense of community, I don't think it exists in the same way anymore.' McAlpine agreed, adding: 'Maybe that's what cafés could lean into. A new value-proposition. If prices are going up, give people something more. Make it a place where you actually connect.'
New York Times
02-05-2025
- Business
- New York Times
Companies Are Serving Notice: We're Raising Prices Because of Tariffs
More companies are starting to warn that they will have to pass on higher costs to American consumers, raising prices for products like strollers, mattresses, power tools and cast-iron cookware as President Trump's tariffs take hold. Some company officials said they had been left with no choice but to raise prices as they pay more to import goods and materials into the United States. Other firms have said they will soon run out of inventory for certain products because they have paused orders from China. Mr. Trump has upended the global trading system, hitting foreign countries with punishing levies in an attempt to bring manufacturing jobs back to the United States and take aim at what he calls 'unfair' trade practices. But economic studies have found that the burden of higher tariffs typically falls on domestic consumers and companies. Although Mr. Trump has scaled back some tariffs and paused others as he pursues trade deals with foreign nations, the impacts of his policies are already starting to eat into household budgets and frustrate Americans who have noticed higher prices for their goods. Some major companies have recently warned about impending price increases. Stanley Black & Decker said on Wednesday that it raised prices on its tools and outdoor products last month and will raise them again later this year. The German sportswear company Adidas said this week that steeper tariffs would eventually lead to higher prices for U.S. customers. Executives at Procter & Gamble, which makes products like Bounty paper towels and Tide detergent, said last week that the company would most likely increase prices for some products to mitigate the effects of higher tariffs. And officials at Hasbro recently said the toymaker would 'have to raise prices,' although it would try to 'minimize the burden' on customers. Some of the most immediate price increases have come in response to the elimination of a loophole that allowed items worth $800 or less from China to enter the United States without import fees. Shein and Temu, popular Chinese e-commerce platforms, began adjusting prices for U.S. customers last week ahead of the end of the tariff exemption on Friday. Michelle Hall, a 48-year-old secretary in Snohomish, Wash., said she started buying products from Temu late last year and has since spent about $2,300 on furniture, car mats, sweaters, Christmas gifts and other inexpensive goods from the platform. 'It's addicting and fun when you get your packages,' Ms. Hall said. But over the weekend, she discovered extra 'import charges' tacked onto her total. A cart of six items from Temu that would have usually cost her $83.80 would cost an extra $92.08 because of import fees, Ms. Hall said. On Wednesday, she noticed that the platform appeared to take down many products that would have incurred import fees, leaving only products that were shipped from local warehouses. Ms. Hall said she planned to abandon Temu because she did not want to pay higher prices, and its offerings seemed more limited now. She said she still hoped that Mr. Trump's tariffs would have some long-term benefits. She voted for Mr. Trump in November, initially thinking his trade policies could help reduce the deficit, create manufacturing jobs and make the nation less dependent on foreign countries. But Ms. Hall said she was not sure if those benefits would materialize. 'In the meantime, I feel like citizens are suffering,' she said. Ms. Hall said she never thought her own costs would increase, and she originally hoped that Mr. Trump would quickly bring prices down. 'I wanted to have faith,' she said. 'I don't have that faith anymore.' Some companies have said they will begin raising prices in the coming weeks because of higher tariffs. Joanna Rosenberg, the chief sales and marketing officer at Zwilling J.A. Henckels, a German company that specializes in cutlery and other kitchen products, said the firm would have to raise prices for some products in early June. Premium knives from Zwilling and cast-iron cookware from Staub, one of the company's brands known for its Dutch ovens made in France, will see 'single-digit' price increases, Ms. Rosenberg said. She said the company would have to raise prices more substantially for certain knives from its value brand, Henckels. Some of those knives are produced in China, which Mr. Trump has hit with a minimum 145 percent tariff. The president has signaled that the rate could drop, though the White House has insisted it will not do so unless China agrees to pare back its levies too. 'We don't want to increase prices,' Ms. Rosenberg said. 'There's just no way that we can absorb some of these price increases.' Some industries are being hit particularly hard because the bulk of their products are made in China. About 90 percent of durable baby and children's products sold in the United States are manufactured overseas, with the vast majority produced in China, according to the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association. Several companies that sell strollers and car seats said they would have to increase prices to offset higher costs from tariffs. UPPAbaby said last month that it would adjust prices across most products. Evenflo increased prices between 10 to 40 percent for most of its products on Thursday. Cybex also increased prices for some products on Thursday, which company officials said was 'unavoidable.' Steven Dunn, the chief executive of Munchkin, which sells products like high chairs, strollers and diaper pails, said the company will likely have to increase prices at a minimum of 20 percent for many products soon. And Mr. Dunn said the company might have to discontinue 30 to 40 percent of its products after its current inventory dwindles within an estimated 10 weeks. 'There are a lot of products that we just will not order anymore at the current rates,' Mr. Dunn said. 'You can't pass on a 145 percent tariff to the consumer and expect them to buy the same product.' Mr. Dunn said that Munchkin paused its orders from China last month, and officials have tried to move as much manufacturing out of the country as possible. Although Mr. Trump has urged companies to make more products in the United States, producing more baby products domestically is complex. 'The tooling, the skills and the automation just doesn't exist here,' Mr. Dunn said. Companies that make products in America are not immune to the impacts of higher import fees, either. Vy Nguyen, the chief executive officer at Avocado Green Mattress, said all of its organic mattresses were made in the Los Angeles area. But many of the 'core natural components' that are used to make its mattresses, such as wool and latex, are sourced from countries including India, Thailand and Guatemala. Those materials have risen in price because Mr. Trump has instituted a 10 percent blanket tariff on nearly all trading partners. Avocado plans to increase mattress prices by about 6 percent and other products by an average of 7.5 percent starting on Tuesday, company officials said. Some brands have been more vocal about price increases because they are worried about their ability to pass on cost increases to consumers, said Simeon Siegel, a retail analyst at BMO Capital Markets. The companies want to ensure that consumers 'don't feel like they're having the rug pulled out from under them,' he said. Réalisation Par, which sells an array of silk dresses, said in an email to customers last month that officials would have to raise prices for U.S. orders starting May 2 because its 'silk pieces have always been crafted with care and expertise in the home of silk — China.' In the meantime, customers could take 20 percent off their order until late April, according to the email. Fatima Ocampo, a 24-year-old data analyst in Sacramento, Calif., said she was already eyeing several dresses from Réalisation Par when she saw the email. Ms. Ocampo said she was planning to wait to make a purchase, closer to when she will leave for her honeymoon in the south of France this fall. But she wanted to take advantage of the lower prices while she could, so she bought three dresses from the brand for about $400 later that day. 'I feel like it's a clear example of how these tariffs are going to be a burden put onto the consumer,' Ms. Ocampo said.
Scottish Sun
30-04-2025
- Scottish Sun
Stunning Spanish island that looks so much like the Caribbean it's used as a dupe on TV – & it regularly hits 28C in May
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THE SMALLEST of the Balearic islands is regularly confused for the Caribbean, thanks to its crystal-clear waters and beaches backed by dunes. Formentera sits just south of Ibiza, and is considerably less crowded than its famous neighbour. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 7 Formentera is often compared the Caribbean for its beaches Credit: Alamy 7 The island is the smallest in the Balearic Islands Credit: Alamy 7 It takes less than 40 minutes to reach the island via ferry, from Ibiza Credit: Alamy This hidden spot is known for having a relaxed vibe and is far less busy that Ibiza, which is about 40 minutes away via ferry. The island's beaches are even often voted as Europe's best and have ranked in the top 10 worldwide. One of the island top beaches is Playa Illetes. This Caribbean-like beach has previously been voted the best beach in Europe and ranked in at number six in the world. It sits on the west site of the narrow peninsula and features sunbeds and even a nudist area. In fact, this beach contributes to the island's nickname of 'little Caribbean' after it was used by chocolate company Mars to double up as the Caribbean for its Bounty bar adverts. Italian chocolate makers Ferrero also used the island for an advert for their coconut flavoured balls, Raffaello. A small fee has to be paid when you access the small peninsula where Illetes, Levante and El Tiburón beaches are located by car or scooter. Alternatively, there is Playa de Levante - a quiet bay with small rocky areas. This spot is popular with nudists and is set against a backdrop of sand dunes. One of Spain's oldest beach bars that was loved by A-List stars forced to close — as fans say goodbye to €4 beers and sea views Most of the beaches across the island feature white sand, clear waters and most have shallow waters. Famous stars have also loved the island in the past, including Bob Dylan, Jimi Hendrix, Madonna and Leonardo DiCaprio. For visitors who like to hike, there are several areas on the island to explore including old lighthouses, ancient caves and sunset spots. On the other hand, for visitors who prefer water-based activities, the island is a great spot of see marine life whilst snorkelling or diving. Formentera is also home to artisan markets - many of which sell products designed and made in workshops on the island. As for places to eat or drink, there are plenty of bars, restaurants and cafes across the island. Many serve Mediterranean food, often with an Italian twist and the eateries will range from luxury establishments to rustic gems. Due to the island's long maritime history, many of the dishes served across the island include fresh fish, cheese, dried figs and honey. 7 In addition to great beaches, the island also boasts many restaurants, shops and markets Credit: Alamy 7 Water-based activities are popular on the island too, with snorkelling and diving available Credit: Alamy 7 Some of the beaches even have nudist areas Credit: Alamy Staying on the island also suits all budgets, as there are a number of low-key hostels as well as more luxury apartments. Temperatures can get hot with average highs of up to 24C throughout May, and on warmer days it regularly hits 27C and 28C. The island itself measures 20km long and only 2km wide and is mainly flat. To get to the island, visitors will need to catch a boat from Ibiza. A number of ferries travel between Ibiza and Formentera all-year-round and land at the island's La Savina port. The Sun's Sophie Swietochowski recently visited a Spanish island off the coast of Africa with laid-back beach resorts and 22C winters. Plus, a Spanish island with award-winning beaches has new year-round UK flights.
The Sun
30-04-2025
- The Sun
Stunning Spanish island that looks so much like the Caribbean it's used as a dupe on TV – & it regularly hits 28C in May
THE SMALLEST of the Balearic islands is regularly confused for the Caribbean, thanks to its crystal-clear waters and beaches backed by dunes. Formentera sits just south of Ibiza, and is considerably less crowded than its famous neighbour. 7 7 This hidden spot is known for having a relaxed vibe and is far less busy that Ibiza, which is about 40 minutes away via ferry. The island's beaches are even often voted as Europe 's best and have ranked in the top 10 worldwide. One of the island top beaches is Playa Illetes. This Caribbean -like beach has previously been voted the best beach in Europe and ranked in at number six in the world. It sits on the west site of the narrow peninsula and features sunbeds and even a nudist area. In fact, this beach contributes to the island's nickname of 'little Caribbean ' after it was used by chocolate company Mars to double up as the Caribbean for its Bounty bar adverts. Italian chocolate makers Ferrero also used the island for an advert for their coconut flavoured balls, Raffaello. A small fee has to be paid when you access the small peninsula where Illetes, Levante and El Tiburón beaches are located by car or scooter. Alternatively, there is Playa de Levante - a quiet bay with small rocky areas. This spot is popular with nudists and is set against a backdrop of sand dunes. One of Spain's oldest beach bars that was loved by A-List stars forced to close — as fans say goodbye to €4 beers and sea views Most of the beaches across the island feature white sand, clear waters and most have shallow waters. Famous stars have also loved the island in the past, including Bob Dylan, Jimi Hendrix, Madonna and Leonardo DiCaprio. For visitors who like to hike, there are several areas on the island to explore including old lighthouses, ancient caves and sunset spots. On the other hand, for visitors who prefer water-based activities, the island is a great spot of see marine life whilst snorkelling or diving. Formentera is also home to artisan markets - many of which sell products designed and made in workshops on the island. As for places to eat or drink, there are plenty of bars, restaurants and cafes across the island. Many serve Mediterranean food, often with an Italian twist and the eateries will range from luxury establishments to rustic gems. Due to the island's long maritime history, many of the dishes served across the island include fresh fish, cheese, dried figs and honey. 7 7 7 Staying on the island also suits all budgets, as there are a number of low-key hostels as well as more luxury apartments. Temperatures can get hot with average highs of up to 24C throughout May, and on warmer days it regularly hits 27C and 28C. The island itself measures 20km long and only 2km wide and is mainly flat. To get to the island, visitors will need to catch a boat from Ibiza. A number of ferries travel between Ibiza and Formentera all-year-round and land at the island's La Savina port. The Sun's Sophie Swietochowski recently visited a Spanish island off the coast of Africa with laid-back beach resorts and 22C winters. Plus, a Spanish island with award-winning beaches has new year-round UK flights. 7
Calgary Herald
28-04-2025
- Politics
- Calgary Herald
Today in history: Muhammad Ali stripped of heavyweight boxing title
Article content On this date, April 28, in history: Article content Article content In 1220, Bishop Poore laid the first five stones of the famed Salisbury Cathedral in England, one each for himself, Archbishop Stephen Langton, Pope Honorius III, Earl William and Countess Ela of Salisbury. Article content In 1559, the English parliament approved the Church of England's Book of Common Prayer. Article content In 1789, the mutiny on the Bounty occurred when British Captain William Bligh was cast adrift with 18 loyal crewmen by mutineers led by the ship's mate, Fletcher Christian. The mutineers settled on the isolated Pacific island of Pitcairn. The Bligh party sailed 6,400 kilometres in their open boat to Timor, where they were rescued. Article content Article content In 1817, the Rush-Bagot treaty was signed by Canada and the U.S. It limited the number of warships the two countries could maintain on the Great Lakes and Lake Champlain. In 1871, the Treaty of Washington completed disarmament. Article content Article content Article content In 1945, Italian dictator Benito Mussolini, his mistress, and 16 other Fascists were executed by a partisan firing squad near Milan. Also, the British and U.S. governments received a message from Gestapo chief Heinrich Himmler guaranteeing an unconditional German surrender to western Allies but not Russia. Winston Churchill responded that surrender must be to the 'Big Three' — Britain, United States and Russia. Article content Article content In 1967, Muhammad Ali was stripped of his heavyweight boxing title after refusing induction into the U.S. army on religious grounds. Article content Article content In 1968, Walter Stitch was believed to have become, at the age of 98, the first great-great-great-grandfather in Canada. His great-great-granddaughter gave birth to a son in Halifax. Article content In 1969, Charles de Gaulle resigned as president of France when his proposed constitutional reforms were defeated in a referendum. Article content In 1986, the Soviet Union informed the world of the nuclear accident two days earlier at Chernobyl. Article content In 1996, a hockey era ended as the Winnipeg Jets lost their final game. The visiting Detroit Red Wings beat the Jets 4-1 to win their playoff series in six games. The Jets moved to Phoenix for the next season and were renamed the Coyotes. (In 2011, the Atlanta Thrashers franchise relocated to Winnipeg and was reborn as the Jets.)
