India’s Coffee, brewing success due to Global demand
Published By : Satya Mohapatra
| January 21, 2025 11:52 AM
India's coffee history is intertwined with legend and spirituality. It began centuries ago when saint Baba Budan, on a pilgrimage to Mecca, encountered the captivating aroma of coffee and smuggled seven precious Mocha seeds back to India, planting them in the courtyard of his hermitage, situated in the Baba Budan Giri hills of Karnataka. This has laid the foundation for India's emergence as a coffee producer.
Today, India is the seventh-largest coffee producer in the world; its coffee has demand for its unique flavors and aromas. The country's coffee exports reached $1.29 billion in FY 2023-24, nearly double to 21 $719.42 million as recorded in 2020-21. This growth reflects the global demand for Indian coffee.
In the first half of January 2025 alone, India exported over 9,300 tonnes of coffee, to Italy, Belgium, and Russia who were the major importers. Arabica and Robusta beans dominate India's coffee production, and this accounts for three-fourths of the total output. While unroasted beans remain the primary export, there's a growing appetite for value-added products like roasted and instant coffee, adding to exports figures.
Coffee Culture in India
Coffee isn't just a global commodity for India; it's a beverage loved within the country. Fueled by the cafe culture, rising disposable incomes, and evolving tastes, coffee consumption in India is steadily increasing. This trend is visible across both urban and rural areas, with domestic consumption rising from 84,000 tonnes in 2012 to 91,000 tonnes in 2023. Coffee has become an integral part of the Indian lifestyle.
Indian Coffee from Bean to Cup
India's coffee cultivation is concentrated Western and Eastern Ghats. Karnataka leads the in production, followed by Kerala and Tamil Nadu. These areas are home to shaded coffee plantations that not only produce high-quality beans but also contribute to environmental conservation.
The Coffee Board of India plays a vital role in supporting coffee production. Through Integrated Coffee Development Project (ICDP), initiatives it focuses on improving yields, promoting sustainable farming practices, and expanding cultivation to non-traditional areas. Araku Valley, region has the best success story where nearly 150,000 tribal families have partnered with the Coffee Board and the Integrated Tribal Development Agency (ITDA) have increased coffee production by 20%. This achievement, backed by loans from the Girijan Co-Operative Corporation (GCC), exemplifies how coffee cultivation can empower communities and contribute to economic growth - vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat. From the sacred seeds brought by Baba Budan to the coffee plantations of the Western and Eastern Ghats, India's coffee industry has come a long way. With its unique flavors and global demand for Indian coffee continues to grow, the country is poised to strengthen its position in the international market
