Coffee Commune Continues Advocacy for Small Businesses on Channel 9 News
SEPTEMBER 18, 2024
The Coffee Commune once again made headlines, appearing on Channel 9 News to address the financial challenges café owners are facing as costs skyrocket. With rising expenses impacting everything from beans to electricity, café operators are struggling to keep prices manageable for customers while staying afloat.
As Phillip Di Bella, Managing Director of The Coffee Commune, noted, “Labour’s about 40–45% of a cup of coffee. But then you’ve got your gas, electricity, your insurances. These are all going through the roof.” The increase in expenses is significant, with some cafés only managing to make around $1 in profit per cup of coffee. Meanwhile, costs have surged by 30% in the last two years, while prices have only gone up 10%.
Many café owners, such as one of our members at the Corner Store Café in Toowong, are being forced to adjust their menu prices every few months. Currently, a flat white is $5.20, but the rising costs are making it increasingly difficult to keep prices low. The concern is that customers may soon have to pay $7.00 or more for a standard cup.
Phillip also emphasised the lack of government consultation with small businesses, particularly as Queensland approaches a state election: “It wouldn’t be possible for the government to know what they can do to support unless they go and talk to the people.” As cafés across Queensland struggle, 50% of them are not even breaking even.
The Coffee Commune is working harder than ever to advocate for small businesses, pushing for better support and policies that will prevent mass closures in the industry. This recent media coverage highlights the ongoing advocacy efforts of The Coffee Commune, ensuring the café industry’s voice is heard in critical times.