Have India’s coffee exports really more than doubled in the last 11 years?
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Synopsis
Discover how India's coffee exports have more than doubled over the past 11 years, reaching $1.8 billion. This remarkable growth positions India as a major player in the global coffee market, driven by rising demand for its unique flavors and strategic initiatives to enhance production.
Key Takeaways
- India's coffee exports have surged to $1.8 billion in 11 years.
- India is the fifth largest exporter of coffee globally.
- Top markets include Italy, Germany, and the US.
- Domestic consumption has risen from 84,000 to 91,000 tonnes.
- Key initiatives focus on sustainability and productivity.
New Delhi, June 22 (NationPress) India's coffee exports have surged to $1.8 billion over the past 11 years, marking a significant increase, making the country the fifth largest exporter globally, as per government statistics.
In the fiscal year 2014-15, India’s coffee exports were valued at $800 million and have shown a consistent upward trend since.
The primary destinations for Indian coffee include Italy, Germany, Russia, Belgium, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and the United States.
India ranks as the seventh largest producer and the fifth largest exporter of coffee worldwide. Current coffee prices have reached record highs due to adverse weather conditions affecting major producers like Brazil and Vietnam. India exports more than two-thirds of the over 350,000 tonnes produced annually.
The remarkable growth in India’s coffee exports can be attributed to the rising global appetite for its distinctive and rich flavors. Approximately three-quarters of India's coffee output consists of Arabica and Robusta beans, mainly shipped as unroasted beans. However, there is an increasing demand for value-added products, such as roasted and instant coffee, which is driving the export boom.
India's coffee is predominantly cultivated in the ecologically diverse Western and Eastern Ghats, regions acclaimed for their biodiversity. Karnataka is the leading producer, contributing 248,020 MT in 2022-23, followed by Kerala and Tamil Nadu. These regions host shaded plantations that not only support the coffee sector but also play a crucial role in preserving the natural environment and maintaining ecological balance.
Simultaneously, as cafe culture gains traction, disposable incomes rise, and coffee becomes more popular than tea, coffee consumption in India is on the rise. This trend is evident in both urban and rural settings, with domestic consumption escalating from 84,000 tonnes in 2012 to 91,000 tonnes in 2023.
To boost coffee production and satisfy escalating domestic and international demand, the Coffee Board of India has implemented several strategic initiatives. Through the Integrated Coffee Development Project (ICDP), the aim is to enhance yields, extend cultivation into non-traditional areas, and ensure sustainability in coffee farming. These strategies are part of a broader framework to fortify India's coffee industry, elevate productivity, and enhance global competitiveness.
Point of View
It is imperative to recognize the transformative impact of India's coffee export growth on the economy. This remarkable rise not only showcases India's agricultural capabilities but also highlights the importance of sustainable practices in the coffee sector. The Coffee Board's initiatives signify a commitment to both domestic consumption and international competitiveness, ensuring that India remains a key player in the global coffee market.
NationPress
22/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What has contributed to the rise in India's coffee exports?
The increase in India's coffee exports can be attributed to rising global demand for its rich flavors, strategic initiatives by the Coffee Board, and high coffee prices due to supply chain disruptions in major producing countries.
Which countries are the main export markets for Indian coffee?
The top export markets for Indian coffee include Italy, Germany, Russia, Belgium, the UAE, and the US.
How has domestic coffee consumption changed in recent years?
Domestic coffee consumption in India has increased from 84,000 tonnes in 2012 to 91,000 tonnes in 2023, reflecting a growing preference for coffee over tea.
What initiatives has the Coffee Board of India launched?
The Coffee Board has launched the Integrated Coffee Development Project (ICDP) to improve yields, expand cultivation, and ensure sustainable practices in coffee farming.
Where is coffee primarily grown in India?
Coffee in India is primarily cultivated in the ecologically rich Western and Eastern Ghats, with Karnataka being the leading producer.
