BRISBANE: Brisbane coffee lovers paid a high price for their passion in 2009 – with the city taking out the title for the most costly cup of coffee.

Coffee distributor Gilkatho discovered the whopping average $3.26 price tag that Brisbane drinkers were paying during its annual price index across the country’s three biggest capital cities.

“Despite the fact that we were going through tough times economically and CPI was only 1.5%, prices rose 7.5% in the same period in Brisbane,” Gilkatho Managing Director Wayne Fowler said.

“In Sydney coffee prices only went up by 2.7% to $3.03 a cup and in Melbourne the average price was $2.99, which is an increase of 2%.”

The company surveyed about 200 cafes each in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne.

Mr Fowler said the research showed coffee consumers in Brisbane could pay as little as $1.60 for a cup of coffee, but as much as $4.50 for a cappuccino and $4 for an espresso depending on where they went.

In Sydney the cheapest price was $2 for a cappuccino and espresso, and the most expensive price was $4.50 for both.

In Melbourne coffee drinkers could pay as little as $2 for a cappuccino and espresso, and as much as $4 for a cappuccino.

Mr Fowler said installing a high-quality coffee machine in the workplace could mean significant savings for people – with the same experience only costing 35 cents a cup.

“The machines have come a long way in the past few years. For example, some of the machines that we distribute are fully programmed and ensure that the coffee is consistently good,” Mr Fowler said.

Many businesses are able to take advantage of the Federal Government Investment Allowance, entitling them to a 50% tax break, which is in place if they purchase a coffee machine before December 31.

“The economy is turning around and it is a chance for businesses to again invest in their staff,” Mr Fowler said.

For more information and editorial comment:

Wayne Fowler
Managing Director
Gilkatho Pty Ltd

Ph 07 3876 1210