Coffee Export Surge

Source: TOI

Context: India’s coffee exports surged over 25% in FY2025-26, continuing a record-breaking trend after 40% growth last year, according to the Coffee Board of India.

About Coffee Export Surge:

• What it is? India has recorded 25%+ export growth so far this year, after achieving US$1803 million in coffee exports in FY2024-25, up from US$1286 million in FY2023-24.

• India has recorded 25%+ export growth so far this year, after achieving US$1803 million in coffee exports in FY2024-25, up from US$1286 million in FY2023-24.

• Factors leading:

• Global demand for premium shade-grown Arabica and Robusta. Branding & promotion via GI tags and digital campaigns by Coffee Board. Favourable climate & yield cycles post-pandemic disruptions.

• Global demand for premium shade-grown Arabica and Robusta.

• Branding & promotion via GI tags and digital campaigns by Coffee Board.

• Favourable climate & yield cycles post-pandemic disruptions.

Coffee Production in India

• What it is? India is the 7th largest coffee producer globally, contributing 3.5% to world production, and 5th largest exporter globally (5% of world exports).

• India is the 7th largest coffee producer globally, contributing 3.5% to world production, and 5th largest exporter globally (5% of world exports).

• Varieties grown:

• Arabica: Kents, S.795, Cauvery (Catimor), Selection 9 (Sln.9). Robusta: Various high-yielding selections.

• Arabica: Kents, S.795, Cauvery (Catimor), Selection 9 (Sln.9).

• Robusta: Various high-yielding selections.

• Production data:

• India produces around 3.5–4 lakh tonnes annually, with Karnataka contributing ~70%, followed by Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

• Climatic conditions:

• Cultivated under two-tier shade canopies with 50+ tree species. Arabica grown at 1000-1500m and Robusta at 500-1000m. Requires 1600-2500 mm rainfall and cool-humid climate (15°C–25°C for Arabica).

• Cultivated under two-tier shade canopies with 50+ tree species.

• Arabica grown at 1000-1500m and Robusta at 500-1000m.

• Requires 1600-2500 mm rainfall and cool-humid climate (15°C–25°C for Arabica).

• Uniqueness of Indian Coffee:

• India is the only country that grows 100% shade-grown coffee, known for mild acidity, full-bodied flavour, and fine aroma. Indian plantations are bio-diverse—spices like pepper, cardamom, and vanilla are grown alongside coffee. Geographical Indication (GI) tagged coffees: five regional & two specialty varieties. Historic origins trace back 400 years to Baba Budan’s planting in Karnataka.

• India is the only country that grows 100% shade-grown coffee, known for mild acidity, full-bodied flavour, and fine aroma.

• Indian plantations are bio-diverse—spices like pepper, cardamom, and vanilla are grown alongside coffee.

• Geographical Indication (GI) tagged coffees: five regional & two specialty varieties.

• Historic origins trace back 400 years to Baba Budan’s planting in Karnataka.