Araku Coffee: Chandrababu Naidu pledges to make it a global destination
Synopsis
On International Coffee Day, both Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan championed Araku Coffee — not just as a beverage but as a symbol of tribal heritage, forest ecology, and global ambition. With PM Modi's prior endorsement and Parliament showcases already on record, the state is betting that a valley-grown tribal product can become India's next big soft-power export.
Key Takeaways
Chandrababu Naidu on 1 October 2026 reaffirmed Andhra Pradesh's investment in making Araku Coffee a premier global destination.
Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan described Araku Coffee as 'a distinctive treasure of Andhra Pradesh,' crediting tribal farmers of the Eastern Ghats .
Pawan Kalyan noted that Araku Coffee has been showcased at dedicated stalls in Parliament, New Delhi , boosting its national profile.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has previously highlighted Araku Coffee and the role of tribal families in its cultivation.
Araku Coffee is grown organically in the Araku Valley, Visakhapatnam district , and already has a presence in premium international markets including Europe .
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Thursday, 1 October 2026, reaffirmed the state government's commitment to transforming Araku Coffee into a premier global coffee brand, speaking on the occasion of International Coffee Day. Naidu said the administration is actively investing in infrastructure and farmer empowerment to place Andhra Pradesh firmly on the world coffee map.
What the Chief Minister Said
Naidu, sharing his remarks in a post on X, described Araku Coffee as a personal and cultural touchstone. 'For me, it starts with Araku — a taste of Andhra Pradesh's rich heritage. This International Coffee Day, we celebrate the incredible journey of Araku Coffee from the vibrant hills of our state to coffee cups across the globe,' he said.
He added that the government is 'actively investing in building Araku into a premier global coffee destination — empowering our local growers and ensuring Andhra Pradesh takes its rightful place on the world coffee map.'
Pawan Kalyan's Tribute to Tribal Farmers
Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan also greeted citizens on the occasion, offering a more personal reflection on the coffee's significance. He described Araku Coffee as 'a distinctive treasure of Andhra Pradesh, grown amidst the magnificent landscapes of the Eastern Ghats.'
'Every cup of Araku coffee carries the fragrance of the Eastern Ghats, the richness of its soil and the hard work of our tribal farmers,' the actor-politician said. He drew attention to the bond between the forests, tribal communities, and their traditional cultivation knowledge as central to the coffee's identity.
Pawan Kalyan further noted that Araku Coffee has been showcased through dedicated stalls in Parliament in New Delhi, calling it a demonstration of how a community-rooted local product can carry a national story to a wider audience.
PM Modi's Endorsement and National Visibility
Pawan Kalyan also pointed out that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has previously highlighted Araku Coffee and acknowledged the contribution of tribal families associated with its cultivation — a signal of the brand's growing national and political visibility.
Araku Coffee: Background and Significance
Araku Coffee is grown in the tribal belt of the Araku Valley in the Visakhapatnam district of Andhra Pradesh, nestled in the Eastern Ghats. The coffee has gained recognition for its shade-grown, organic cultivation methods, practised by tribal farming communities over generations. It has won international acclaim and is sold in premium markets in Europe and beyond, making it one of India's few coffees with a recognised global footprint.
The state government's renewed push on International Coffee Day signals intent to scale that recognition further through targeted investment, branding, and farmer support. How quickly that translates into measurable export growth and grower income will be the real metric to watch in the months ahead.
Point of View
But enthusiasm alone does not build a global brand. The hard questions are about supply-chain investment, price realisation at the farmer level, and whether the state can sustain quality controls as it scales. Araku has the story; what it still needs is the institutional architecture to deliver consistent volumes to premium markets without eroding the organic, tribal-community identity that is its entire value proposition.
NationPress
1 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Araku Coffee and why is it significant?
Araku Coffee is an organically grown coffee from the tribal farming communities of Araku Valley in the Visakhapatnam district of Andhra Pradesh, cultivated in the shade of the Eastern Ghats. It has gained international recognition for its distinctive flavour profile and sustainable, community-based farming practices, and is sold in premium markets including Europe.
What did Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu say about Araku Coffee on International Coffee Day?
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu said the Andhra Pradesh government is 'actively investing in building Araku into a premier global coffee destination,' focused on empowering local growers. He made the remarks in a post on X on 1 October 2026, marking International Coffee Day.
What role did Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan play in the International Coffee Day celebrations?
Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan greeted citizens on International Coffee Day and paid tribute to tribal farmers of the Eastern Ghats, calling Araku Coffee 'a distinctive treasure of Andhra Pradesh.' He also noted that the coffee has been showcased at dedicated stalls in Parliament in New Delhi.
Has Prime Minister Modi endorsed Araku Coffee?
Yes, according to Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has previously highlighted Araku Coffee and acknowledged the contribution of tribal families associated with its cultivation, lending the brand significant national visibility.
What is the Andhra Pradesh government's plan for Araku Coffee?
The state government is investing in infrastructure and farmer empowerment to position Araku as a top global coffee brand. While specific financial outlay details were not announced on International Coffee Day, the push includes international branding, parliamentary showcases, and support for tribal growers in the Eastern Ghats.
