Indian Coffee’s Global Ascent

Early Roots and Expansion

Indian Coffee’s Global Ascent: India’s coffee story began when Baba Budan brought seven seeds from Yemen in the 1600s, planting them in the Baba Budan Giri hills. This small experiment transformed into a shade-grown ecosystem that today sustains over two million livelihoods. Coffee cultivation now spans nearly 4.91 lakh hectares, mostly across the Western and Eastern Ghats. Static GK fact: India is the 7th largest coffee producer globally, contributing about 3.5% of world output.

Major Producing Regions

Coffee production in India is dominated by Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu, which together contribute almost 96% of annual output. Karnataka alone contributes more than 2.8 lakh metric tonnes, making it the top coffee state. Non-traditional regions such as Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and parts of Northeast India have emerged as new centres for tribal livelihood and ecological restoration. Static GK fact: Karnataka’s Chikkamagaluru district is historically linked with India’s earliest coffee plantations.

Diversity of Indian Coffee

India’s varied geography enables the cultivation of both Arabica and Robusta. Arabica thrives in cooler highlands, while Robusta adapts to warmer and more humid belts. Robusta from India often receives global premiums due to its uniform beans and strong flavour profile. Static GK Tip: India is among the few countries producing shade-grown coffee, known for its environmental benefits.

Specialty Coffees and GI Recognition

India’s growing global reputation is driven by its GI-tagged coffees, which include Coorg Arabica, Chikmagalur Arabica, Bababudangiris Arabica, Wayanad Robusta, and Araku Valley Arabica. Specialty varieties such as Monsooned Malabar, Mysore Nuggets Extra Bold, and Robusta Kaapi Royale command premium prices for their aroma, low acidity, and unique aging processes. These coffees strengthen India’s identity in the global specialty segment.

Role of the Coffee Board

The Coffee Board of India, established in 1942, acts as the backbone of the sector by promoting research, quality improvement, and export growth. Its Integrated Coffee Development Project supports smallholders, facilitates global trade fairs, and extends freight subsidies under export promotion schemes. The Board’s research arm, CCRI, develops pest-resistant and high-yield varieties, while the Promotion Department works on boosting domestic and global visibility.

Rising Export Momentum

India ranks among the top five coffee-exporting nations with nearly 5% of global export share. In FY 2024–25, exports touched USD 1.8 billion, driven by rising demand for instant coffee, which accounts for 38% of shipments. Major destinations include Italy, Germany, Belgium, Russia, and the UAE. Static GK fact: Italy is consistently the largest importer of Indian coffee.

Impact of Trade Agreements

Recent trade reforms have strengthened India’s position in global markets. The GST reduction from 18% to 5% on instant coffee has cut retail prices and boosted competitiveness. Agreements such as the India–UK CETA and India–EFTA TEPA have opened duty-free access to high-value markets, especially in Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and the UK.

Tribal-Led Coffee Success

Odisha’s Koraput district has become a national model for tribal empowerment through coffee. Supported by TDCCOL, farmers receive doorstep procurement, fair pricing, and branding assistance under the “Koraput Coffee” label. The region’s Arabica has earned Fine Cup Awards, reinforcing how coffee can uplift rural communities and curb migration.

India’s Future Coffee Outlook

India’s coffee market is expected to grow at a CAGR of nearly 9% by 2028, with the out-of-home segment expanding rapidly. The Coffee Board has set an ambitious target of tripling production to 9 lakh tonnes by 2047, signalling a future focused on sustainability, premium quality, and global visibility.

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Indian Coffee’s Global Ascent: