Theft of truck loads of green coffee beans is on the rise in the United States, the world’s largest importer of the commodity. According to transportation companies, this trend is a direct result of the unprecedented increase in coffee prices over the past year. The issue was brought to light at the annual conference of the U.S. National Coffee Association held in Houston over the weekend.
As the largest consumer of coffee in the world, the U.S. relies heavily on imports to meet its demand. With coffee being produced only in warmer regions, the transportation of millions of bags from ports to roasting plants is primarily done through trucks. However, in recent times, there have been numerous reports of thefts of coffee shipments, a phenomenon that was once rare in the industry.
Todd Costley, logistic sales coordinator for Hartley Transportation, a freight broker in Pembroke, New Hampshire, stated that there have been dozens of thefts in the past year alone. This is a significant increase from the past, where such incidents were few and far between. Costley believes that the surge in coffee thefts can be attributed to the high prices of the commodity, which has made it a lucrative target for thieves.
Coffee thefts have been reported in producing countries such as Brazil and Vietnam, where the beans are usually stored temporarily after harvest. These sites are more vulnerable to theft as they are often isolated. In January, armed men stole 500 bags of coffee worth approximately $230,000 from a farm in Brazil’s Minas Gerais state, according to local police.
However, what is concerning is that the thefts in the U.S. are being carried out by organized gangs who pose as transportation companies. Costley revealed that these fake companies are actively seeking small contracts from importers by offering better prices or immediate availability of trucks. Once they have the coffee in their possession, they disappear, leaving the importers at a loss.
The value of a truckload of green coffee beans is around $180,000, with each load containing approximately 19,958 kg of beans. It is believed that the organized gangs behind these thefts then attempt to sell the stolen beans to smaller roasters who are struggling to cope with the sky-high prices of coffee. This not only affects the importers but also has a ripple effect on the entire industry.
To combat this growing issue, some importers have started attaching tracking devices to their coffee bags. This move is an effort to protect their shipments and prevent any potential losses due to theft. It is a proactive step that showcases the industry’s determination to tackle this problem and safeguard their businesses.
In conclusion, the surge in coffee thefts in the U.S. is a concerning issue that needs to be addressed. As the world’s largest importer of coffee, it is crucial for the country to take necessary measures to protect its valuable shipments. The industry must work together to combat this trend and ensure the safe and timely delivery of coffee to meet the growing demand. With the implementation of stricter security measures and the cooperation of all stakeholders, we can overcome this challenge and continue to enjoy our daily cup of coffee.
