Cost of coffee surging

May 11, 2009 The recession has more consumers skipping the cafes and brewing coffee at home. But that demand mixed with poor Colombian crops is expected to drive coffee prices even higher.

The cost of premium Colombian Arabica beans has surged to a 12-year high.

Last month, Kraft raised prices on its Maxwell House blends by 19 percent. Analysts expect others to follow.

Also, the cost of sweetening coffee is going up. Last week sugar prices jumped to their highest level in three years.