But while the value of the product reaches unexpected levels, the dollar continues to fall, which has increased the appreciation of the peso.
The record price recorded by the International Coffee Organization (ICO), not seen for a decade (May 1998).
In the domestic market prices also rose this year as the load of 125 kilos, as the price for receiving the coffee farmers' cooperatives in the holds of Almacafé has been these days at 500,000 pesos, but now in A minimum of 521. 500 pesos (in Cucuta) and 525,250 (Santa Marta).
Producers such as Mario Gomez Estrada, Caldas representative on the National Committee of Coffee Growers, think that the international price is not a panacea, as in Colombia, production costs have increased, in labor and inputs (fertilizers).
Despite the surge in grain prices, producers can not exploit the full extent of the price because now there is no harvest, for the next harvest season is scheduled for April and May when the production comes the so-called crop mitaca. During this period, the highest production is recorded in the departments of Tolima, Huila, Cundinamarca and Santander. This means that the traditional coffee-growing region, consisting of Quindio, Risaralda and Caldas, shall be excluded from the current prices as most grain production in that region is recorded in the second half, during October and November. However, the good behavior during the past months can contribute to crop the Coffee mitaca, exceeds that of previous years.
The minibonanza comes as the country has decreased considerably the cultivated area of coffee, as a result of the crisis that was experienced since the early 90's and the conversion of farms to turíticas activities.
Good prices were predicted
Although the current situation of international prices had been predicted by experts, the current price of $ 1.50 per pound was not in the plans of those who sell the grain on the NYSE. So far, projections indicated that prices were going to keep on top of a pound, but at no time spoke of the figure recorded yesterday. The increase in contributions due, according to market analysts, the increased demand and reduced inventories.