Every few months, there’s a new wave in coffee. Cold foam, oat milk, lavender lattes — trends that flood menus and social media feeds. They’re fun, creative, and reflect how the coffee world keeps evolving. But behind every trend lies a deeper truth: coffee’s real value doesn’t come from what’s popular. It comes from appreciation — from understanding the journey of the bean and the people behind it.

Farmers dedicate their lives to growing coffee, often far removed from the market prices that decide its worth. The C-market, which sets the global price for green coffee, rises and falls based on economics — not effort, not quality, not passion. Yet, even when the numbers dip, farmers continue working the same hillsides, nurturing plants that take years to mature.

That’s why real appreciation matters. The value of coffee is not found in charts or flavor trends but in respect — for the farmer, the roaster, the barista, and yes, the consumer. We, the people, are the true appraisers of coffee. Every time we choose to pay for quality, every time we support fair trade, or every time we pause to actually taste what’s in our cup, we redefine the standard.

Trends can bring excitement, but appreciation gives meaning. A balance between the two keeps coffee culture alive and evolving. It’s okay to enjoy a seasonal latte — but it’s just as important to understand where that coffee came from, who grew it, and what it stands for.

Coffee is not just a product. It’s a connection point — between soil and spirit, between producer and consumer. When we recognize that, we see beyond the foam and flavor to what coffee has always been: a shared experience rooted in care and craft.

So, while markets may set prices, it’s people who decide value. And in that sense, coffee will always belong to those who truly appreciate it.