2009 Cappuccino Price Survey by Gilkatho Coffee

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%.”

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.

CPI	2008	2009	% Rise
Brisbane	$3.03	$2.85	7.5%
Sydney	$2.95	$3.03	2.7%
Melbourne	$2.93	$2.99	2%

ABS CONSUMER PRICE INDEX, AUSTRALIA (CAT. NO. 6401.0) ALL GROUPS, Percentage changes-Brisbane

Methodology

Each year, Gilkatho carries out a survey of cappuccino prices in Brisbane, Sydney & Melbourne in order to understand the retail price of cappuccino hot beverages and the implications for Gilkatho’s business planning. This information is used to compile the Cappuccino Price Index which is now published internally in August each year. Selected cappuccino society areas in each city are surveyed by walking into each establishment and obtaining the price of three hot beverages, cappuccino, espresso and long black for both takeaway and dine-in consumption.

About Gilkatho Pty Ltd

Gilkatho is aspiring to be bigger than Starbucks by 2020. Currently the Brisbane based company supplies coffee equipment and supplies to hotels, clubs & offices. The competitiveness in the retail coffee market ultimately determines the attractiveness of alternative ways in which consumers can obtain espresso coffee.

Gilkatho was established in 1996 and operates from a coffee equipment showroom in Milton.