For decades, Ricoffy and Frisco have stood as two of South Africa’s most loved and trusted household coffee staples. Their tins have been present in millions of kitchens, workplaces, taxi ranks, church halls, job sites, and homes. A cup of these blends has never been considered a luxury. It has always been a routine, a comfort, and part of our shared South African identity.

These brands became the go-to choice for several reasons:

• They were affordable.
• They provided reliable flavour.
• They suited the average household budget.
• They were accessible to everyone.

Ricoffy has consistently ranked as one of South Africa’s most popular hot beverages, enjoyed by more households than any other instant coffee brand. Frisco has long served as its everyday partner, relied upon across generations.

However, something has changed, and it has changed rapidly.

A Crisis of Price: What Was Once Affordable Has Become Unreachable
Between 2019 and 2025, the price of a 750 gram tin of Ricoffy or Frisco has doubled, and in some cases nearly tripled.

In 2019, many South Africans bought 750 gram tins for between R65 and R75. Today, in 2025, these same tins regularly appear on shelves for between R160 and R170. Some stores charge even more.

Independent journalism and consumer price analysis confirm this pattern:

• Instant coffee inflation reached 22.3 percent in a single year in August 2024.
• Instant coffee is more than 85 percent more expensive than it was in 2020.
• Instant coffee has shown some of the highest food-category inflation spikes between 2023 and 2025.
• A standard 250 gram price increased from R52.70 in 2023 to R75.34 in 2025.

When adjusting for normal inflation, fuel increases, logistics costs, and rand depreciation, a 750 gram tin should realistically cost around R110 to R120 today.

Instead, consumers are being forced to pay R160 to R170.

This is a 50 percent premium above what is economically reasonable. The increase cannot be explained by global coffee market conditions alone. It represents an unjustifiable and exploitative escalation.

A Crisis of Quality: The Coffee No Longer Tastes the Same
The public debate around quality has shifted significantly. The complaints appearing from 2021 onward are not related to the long-standing “coffee versus chicory” discussion. They are instead focused on a clear reduction in flavour, aroma, and strength.

Consumers report the following:

1. Smaller, dust-like granules
Granules now dissolve instantly and appear powdery. This is a known effect of several cost-cutting methods, including:

• Reduced agglomeration
• Altered drying conditions
• Higher chicory ratios
• Faster production cycles

These changes reduce aroma, body, and flavour intensity.

2. Noticeably weaker flavour
Long-time drinkers consistently report that:

• The coffee no longer smells the same.
• The taste is noticeably thinner.
• The colour in the cup is lighter.
• Two or more teaspoons are now required to achieve the same strength that one teaspoon previously provided.

These complaints are widespread and new. They were not common before 2021.

3. Changes in roast profile and blend strength
Global and local supply pressures between 2020 and 2023 created the conditions in which manufacturers typically lower roast depth, adjust drying processes, and increase fillers.
All of these changes directly lead to weaker coffee.

4. Declining packaging quality
Consumers report cracked lids, flimsy plastic, poorly sealed refill packs, increased dust inside packets, and reduced overall sturdiness.
Packaging is often the first place where companies cut costs during internal restructuring.

Everything points to internal cost reductions rather than improvements, while retail prices have continued to rise.

Corporate Response: Dismissive and Unacceptable
The most disappointing aspect of this issue is how Ricoffy and Frisco have chosen to respond. Consumers consistently receive generic replies such as:

• "We are sorry to hear about your experience."
• "Please send us your details in a private message."

There are no answers regarding recipe changes, no acknowledgement of weaker flavour, and no explanation of disproportionate price increases. Many complaints are ignored entirely.

Consumers deserve honesty, not dismissiveness. They deserve transparency, not avoidance.

1. We, the Consumers of South Africa, Demand the Following:
   Full transparency on pricing from 2015 to 2025, including ingredient costs, manufacturing changes, and yearly coffee-to-chicory ratios.
2. Full disclosure of current product composition, including the exact percentage of coffee versus chicory and other solids.
3. A public acknowledgement of consumer concerns, rather than generic customer service responses.
4. A commitment to restore value and quality or reduce price to reflect the present strength of the product.
5. A consumer-facing pledge that unjustifiable price increases and quiet quality reductions will not continue.

If These Concerns Are Not Addressed, We Will Act
This petition is not symbolic. If necessary, we will:

• Organise a nationwide boycott of Ricoffy and Frisco products.
• Redirect our purchases to alternative brands.
• Engage consumer-watch groups and inflation analysts.
• Publicly expose this issue until accountability is enforced.

We are done being ignored. We are done paying more for less.
We are done watching beloved South African staples decline in quality while prices increase at extreme and unjustified levels.

This petition will grow. It will reach the companies responsible.

The message is clear:

Respect your consumers.
Restore your quality.
Explain your prices.
South Africans deserve better.