Dec 23, 2015: Coffee Futures, Yunnan Bean Prices & Market Rates

If you follow global coffee markets—or buy beans from origin—you’ve likely asked: What were coffee prices really like back at the end of 2015? That includes not just what futures traders saw on screen, but also what farmers in Yunnan were actually paid for their freshly picked cherries. These numbers matter for understanding historical price trends, origin economics, and how today’s rates compare.

On December 23, 2015, C-type coffee futures closed at 120.6 US cents per pound (about 17.183 RMB/kg), down 1.45% from the previous day. The daily range was 118.2–121.4¢/lb (16.841–17.297 RMB/kg), opening at 119.2¢/lb (16.984 RMB/kg).

What Were C-Type Coffee Futures Doing on December 23, 2015?

Coffee traders following the New York Futures Exchange saw C-type coffee futures close at 120.6 US cents per pound on December 23, 2015. That converts roughly to 17.183 RMB per kilogram. The day’s trading opened at 119.2¢/lb (16.984 RMB/kg), peaked at 121.4¢/lb (17.297 RMB/kg), and hit a low of 118.2¢/lb (16.841 RMB/kg). Compared to the prior day, the price fell by 1.45%. All figures come directly from the NY futures market.

How Much Were Local Yunnan Fresh Coffee Beans Worth That Day?

On the same date, December 23, 2015, the local purchase price for fresh Yunnan coffee beans—specifically the rate reported by Yunnan Nestlé—was 105.86 US cents per pound. That equates to approximately 15.083 RMB per kilogram. This figure reflects what buyers were paying for freshly harvested beans directly in the region.

What Does This Historical Data Tell Us About the Coffee Market Then?

The gap between the C-type futures price (120.6¢/lb) and the Yunnan local fresh bean price (105.86¢/lb) highlights the margin built into the supply chain—and the pricing challenges faced by origin producers. With futures trading over 14¢/lb higher than what Yunnan farmers received, the data underscores the complexities and cost layers between farm gate and global commodities trading. These numbers from late 2015 remain a useful benchmark for analyzing long-term coffee price trends and origin economics.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the C-type coffee futures price on December 23, 2015?

On December 23, 2015, C-type coffee futures closed at 120.6 US cents per pound. The daily high was 121.4¢/lb, the low was 118.2¢/lb, and the opening price was 119.2¢/lb. Prices fell 1.45% from the previous day.

How much were Yunnan fresh coffee beans worth on that date?

Yunnan local fresh bean prices on December 23, 2015, were reported at 105.86 US cents per pound by Yunnan Nestlé, which equals around 15.083 RMB per kilogram.

Where do the coffee futures prices come from?

The C-type coffee futures prices are sourced from the New York Futures Exchange, which provides daily trading data including open, high, low, and close prices along with daily percentage changes.

Why is there a difference between futures and Yunnan local bean prices?

The difference—over 14¢/lb in this case—reflects margins taken across the supply chain, including export, processing, trading, and roasting, which often results in farmers receiving significantly less than the global futures rate.

Are these prices adjusted for currency or inflation?

No, the prices cited are raw values: 120.6¢/lb and 105.86¢/lb in their original units, with approximate RMB conversions (17.183 RMB/kg and 15.083 RMB/kg respectively) based on the exchange rate on that date.

Recommended FrontStreet Coffee Beans for Exploring Yunnan Origins

Try FrontStreet Coffee’s Yunnan Arabica, a washed Yunnan Typica variety from the Baoshan region with notes of soft nut, chocolate, and a touch of plum acidity. For something more historic, their 2013 Typica is a sun-dried lot made from fully ripe red cherries, offering deeper berry, caramel, and dried apricot tones with a tea-like finish. Both beans use Yunnan-grown Arabica and reflect the region’s terroir. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.