Mercon Coffee Corp, a renowned global coffee bean supplier, has found itself in hot water, filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. This move highlights the brewing difficulties within the coffee industry, which has seen other notable companies like Seattle-based Tully’s and China’s Luckin Coffee struggle in recent years.

Tully’s, once a prominent coffeehouse chain, succumbed to bankruptcy in 2013. Its journey ended when its owner, Global Baristas, faced its demise following legal battles and bankruptcy. Meanwhile, Luckin Coffee, which surpassed Starbucks in the Chinese market, experienced a dramatic fall due to a major accounting scandal, leading to Chapter 15 bankruptcy in 2021. Local coffee roasters have also faced financial strain, struggling against giants like Starbucks and Dutch Bros.

Coffee shops rely heavily on suppliers like Mercon for their beans. With suppliers in distress, these coffeehouses could face significant operational disruptions. Mercon’s bankruptcy filing in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York aims to facilitate the sale of its assets, wind down operations, and execute a liquidation plan.

The company is also seeking a substantial $40 million debtor-in-possession financing, a critical move to sustain operations during the bankruptcy process. This funding is essential for Mercon to cover operating expenses and navigate the complexities of its Chapter 11 case.

Mercon’s journey to bankruptcy was fueled by various challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic’s global impact. The pandemic led to labor shortages and supply chain disruptions, causing volatility in coffee prices, increased transportation costs, and significant delays in orders. To combat these challenges, Mercon increased its coffee inventory, which unfortunately led to more debt and an imbalance in market pricing.

The company’s situation worsened with a dramatic drop in global coffee prices in October 2022, marking a challenging period for the coffee futures market. This decline, combined with rising interest rates and excess inventory sold at a loss, severely impacted Mercon’s financial stability.

With a legacy stretching back 150 years, Mercon has been a significant player in the coffee industry, involved in various aspects of the supply chain from farming to exporting. Their decision to exit the coffee business and sell their assets marks a significant shift in the global coffee landscape, reflecting the ongoing challenges and transformations within the industry.