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From the The b3ta City challenge. See all 145 entries (closed)
( , Fri 28 Oct 2011, 23:08, archived)

this is what pays for your cheap coffee*
*can anyone explain this to me - coffee in the supermarket. harvested, roasted and ground beans in a paper/plastic package - 3 quidish. cofffee - harvested, roasted and ground beans further processed into shit tasting instant and sold in a glass jar - 49p
wtf?
( ,
Fri 28 Oct 2011, 23:12,
archived)
*can anyone explain this to me - coffee in the supermarket. harvested, roasted and ground beans in a paper/plastic package - 3 quidish. cofffee - harvested, roasted and ground beans further processed into shit tasting instant and sold in a glass jar - 49p
wtf?


( ,
Fri 28 Oct 2011, 23:16,
archived)

they add filler, save on space and can hold it for longer.
( ,
Fri 28 Oct 2011, 23:15,
archived)

and people pay for that. On a similar theme this is why 'fair trade' goods cost so much more. The farmer might get 100% more for the goods, which is great. But the distributer gets 200% more for doing the same job as with slave labour goods. I have no facts to back this up but if it isn't true then I have learned nothing in 40 years.
( ,
Fri 28 Oct 2011, 23:30,
archived)

surely 'we' as consumers can change this?
*remembers that lots of people like football and the x factor. dies a little inside*
( ,
Fri 28 Oct 2011, 23:34,
archived)
*remembers that lots of people like football and the x factor. dies a little inside*

I understand this is the way to change how the whole world works.
( ,
Fri 28 Oct 2011, 23:39,
archived)

It actually commodifies the product and drives the longevity of the farm (and therefore the farmers livelihood)down. Look for things like cup of excellence instead though this too has had issues this year with the crop being so valuable now it has jeopardised families lives and kidnappings have increased in Guatemala as a direct result. Nothing is perfect but it pays to know more about what you are buying and how you are buying it. Weirdly, looks like starbucks had one of the better policies in this regard with their 10 year agreement..
( ,
Fri 28 Oct 2011, 23:43,
archived)

You are buying a commodity, and coffee prices this year have doubled, but regardless - instant coffee has things like chaff returned to it (it is removed in roasting)and is often very lightly roasted. This drives off less liquid which, as a commodity sold by weight means more value. Green coffee used by nescafe's latest blend is a hilarious example of clever marketing and an uneducated consumer.
If you look at the big companies, they will plant and use high yield robusta plants too, with a much lower trade price, generally traded through Switzerland to avoid the tax.
There is more finery to this ut I'm too drunk to explain. Go buy proper coffee, instant is shit. :)
( ,
Fri 28 Oct 2011, 23:39,
archived)
If you look at the big companies, they will plant and use high yield robusta plants too, with a much lower trade price, generally traded through Switzerland to avoid the tax.
There is more finery to this ut I'm too drunk to explain. Go buy proper coffee, instant is shit. :)

How the hell do you cope with making real coffee in the morning? It's all I can do to remember to add water using instant!
Edit sometimes I even remember to boil the water first.
( ,
Fri 28 Oct 2011, 23:43,
archived)
Edit sometimes I even remember to boil the water first.

In Lisbon last week I was destroyed and had to serve a few hundred delegates on three hours sleep; habit and coffee on tap get me through. :)
( ,
Fri 28 Oct 2011, 23:45,
archived)

I have developed a new trick. When i get into work and 5 people are lining up with problems for me to deal with, I just say quietly: 'I haven't had a coffee yet'. It isn't true, but they leave me alone for an hour or so.
( ,
Fri 28 Oct 2011, 23:53,
archived)

to get us to stop making coffee. You should hire us, we do the Saatchi Gallery sometimes so should fit in with yours and I make great coffee.
( ,
Fri 28 Oct 2011, 23:55,
archived)

Our new blend is awesome at the moment too.
On that note, must hit the sack. Night!
( ,
Sat 29 Oct 2011, 0:03,
archived)
On that note, must hit the sack. Night!

I'll see you in dawn's rosy light, assuming that is somewhere around midday.
( ,
Sat 29 Oct 2011, 0:06,
archived)

it's like saying, forgive me, but i am i cunt, without anyone thinking any less of you and completely understanding.
( ,
Sat 29 Oct 2011, 0:00,
archived)

it's a ritual, regardless of head state
( ,
Fri 28 Oct 2011, 23:52,
archived)

i have tried. this whole scenario depresses me
( ,
Fri 28 Oct 2011, 23:48,
archived)

but given the choice i'd sooner have the smack. haven't they just noticed that meth is far more dangerous and expensive anyway?
( ,
Sat 29 Oct 2011, 0:08,
archived)