Indian Coffee Giant Takes Sustainable Brewing To Global Stage
Global attention turns to the aromatic blends of India this week as Kelachandra Coffee, the nation’s largest privately held plantation group, prepares for a major showcase. The historic brand is set to present its premium, shade-grown speciality coffees at the prestigious World of Coffee Dubai 2026. This significant industry event is scheduled from January 18 to 20 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.
With a legacy dating back to 1786, the group is not just bringing beans to the desert; they are bringing a philosophy of sustainable luxury. Operating across 15 sprawling estates in Wayanad, Kerala, and Chikmagalur, Karnataka, the company manages nearly 6,500 acres of prime land. These regions are the heart of India’s coffee belt, with Chikmagalur famously known as the birthplace of Indian coffee cultivation.
Visitors at the Dubai expo will witness how Kelachandra Coffee combines tradition with cutting-edge technology. The company has integrated advanced processing machinery from Colombia’s Penagos and Brazil’s Pinhalense. This modernization helps reduce waste and supports vital conservation efforts, including energy and water saving.
In an era where international regulations are tightening, the group stands out for being fully compliant with the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). Their agricultural practices are deeply rooted in science, utilizing soil analysis and carbon sequestration methods. Consequently, several of their estates are now considered carbon negative, a rare feat in large-scale agriculture.
Rishina Kuruvilla, Head of Sustainability and CSR, emphasized that their green practices are not just for show. She stated that sustainability acts as their core operating system, linking soil health directly to buyer demands for traceability.
Beyond the popular Arabica and Robusta varieties, the group is now exploring Liberica, a resilient variety known for its unique taste profile. Neleema Rana George, Head of Technology and Coffee Works, highlighted that Dubai serves as a strategic gateway. She noted that the goal is to establish Indian speciality coffee as a serious, traceable origin for global roasters.
Furthermore, the brand maintains a strong "people-first" approach. Workers operate in safe environments with access to upgraded housing, free utilities, and healthcare, ensuring that the coffee is ethically produced from the soil up.
With Inputs from Rural Voice
