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Key Points

India’s coffee exports have more than doubled in the last 11 years, reaching $1.8 billion, making it the fifth-largest exporter globally. Top buyers include Italy, Germany, and the US, with demand driven by unique flavors and a global supply crunch. Karnataka dominates production, while domestic consumption rises due to growing cafe culture. The Coffee Board’s initiatives aim to boost yields and expand cultivation to sustain this growth.

Key Points: India’s Coffee Exports Double to $1.8B in 11 Years

  • India’s coffee exports surged from $800M in 2014 to $1.8B in 2023
  • Karnataka leads production with 248K MT, followed by Kerala and Tamil Nadu
  • Global demand fuels growth for Arabica and Robusta beans
  • Domestic consumption rises as cafe culture spreads in urban and rural areas
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India's coffee exports more than double in last 11 years

India becomes the 5th largest coffee exporter, shipping $1.8B worth of beans, with Italy, Germany, and the US as top buyers amid global supply crunch.

"Prices of coffee are ruling at record levels following an adverse weather-induced supply crunch in Brazil and Vietnam. – Government Report"

New Delhi, June 22

India's coffee exports have more than doubled to $1.8 billion in the last 11 years, with the country becoming the 5th largest exporter, according to the government data.

India’s coffee exports stood at $800 million in 2014-15 and have been rising steadily since then.

The top export markets for Indian coffee are Italy, Germany, Russia, Belgium, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the US.

India is the seventh largest producer and the fifth largest exporter of coffee in the world. Prices of coffee are ruling at record levels following an adverse weather-induced supply crunch in the largest producing countries of Brazil and Vietnam. India exports over two-thirds of the over 3.5 lakh tonnes produced in the country.

The country’s coffee exports have grown significantly due to the increasing global demand for its rich and unique flavours. Approximately three-fourths of India’s coffee production consists of Arabica and Robusta beans. These are primarily exported as unroasted beans. However, there is a growing demand for value-added products like roasted and instant coffee, further fuelling the export boom.

India’s coffee is primarily grown in the ecologically rich Western and Eastern Ghats, areas famous for their biodiversity. Karnataka leads in production, contributing 248,020 MT in 2022-23, followed by Kerala and Tamil Nadu. These areas are home to shaded plantations that not only support the coffee industry but also play a vital role in preserving the natural environment, helping to maintain the ecological balance of these biodiversity hotspots.

Meanwhile, due to the rise of the cafe culture, higher disposable incomes and a growing preference for coffee over tea, coffee consumption in India is also steadily increasing. This trend has been observed particularly in both urban and rural areas. Domestic consumption has increased from 84,000 tonnes in 2012 to 91,000 tonnes in 2023.

To enhance coffee production and meet growing domestic and international demand, the Coffee Board of India has launched several important initiatives. Through the Integrated Coffee Development Project (ICDP), the focus is on improving yields, expanding cultivation in non-traditional regions and ensuring the sustainability of coffee farming. These measures are part of a comprehensive strategy to strengthen India's coffee industry, increase productivity and improve its global competitiveness.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
This is fantastic news! Our coffee quality is world-class but often overshadowed by South American brands. Time the world recognized Indian coffee's unique flavors from the Western Ghats. Hope farmers are getting fair prices though with this export boom. ☕
P
Priya M.
Interesting how cafe culture is growing here while we export most of our production. I remember when only South Indians drank coffee - now my Punjabi friends can't start their day without cold brew! India's changing tastes reflect in these numbers.
A
Arjun S.
The ecological angle is most impressive - shaded plantations preserving biodiversity while being economically productive. This is sustainable development done right! More power to our coffee growers maintaining this balance.
S
Sunita D.
While exports are great, I hope the Coffee Board focuses equally on domestic quality. Many local cafes serve stale or overpriced coffee. We deserve to enjoy our own premium products too!
V
Vikram J.
₹15,000 crore exports is no small achievement! But why are we still exporting mostly raw beans? Need more investment in roasting/packaging units here to capture higher value. Make in India should apply to coffee too.
N
Neha R.
As someone from Coorg, I'm proud but not surprised! Our coffee estates have been producing magic for generations. The world is finally catching up to what we've known all along. Next step - build global Indian coffee brands! 🇮🇳

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