New Delhi, Aug 7: India’s coffee sector is expanding its global presence, with Indian coffee now reaching more than 140 countries, opening new avenues for farmers, exporters, and the country’s agricultural economy.
Pic Credit: Pexel
The government said that growing demand for Indian coffee in international markets has strengthened the position of Indian growers, particularly those producing premium and Geographical Indication (GI)-tagged coffee varieties. Rising exports are also helping improve income opportunities for coffee farmers and enhancing India's reputation as a producer of high-quality specialty coffee.
The growth in coffee exports has been driven by increasing demand from markets such as the United Arab Emirates, Australia, South Korea, Egypt, Kuwait, the United Kingdom, and several emerging destinations. This wider market reach is helping Indian coffee producers diversify their customer base and reduce dependence on traditional markets.
The Coffee Board of India has been implementing several initiatives to promote GI-registered coffees and support growers through awareness programmes, market linkages, training, and export promotion activities. Varieties such as Wayanad Robusta Coffee, which has received GI recognition, are being promoted globally to highlight India's unique coffee-growing regions and traditional cultivation practices.
To improve global visibility, the Coffee Board regularly conducts coffee tasting programmes, buyer-seller meetings, and participates in international trade fairs. These efforts help connect Indian farmers and exporters with global buyers while creating opportunities for premium pricing and value-added coffee products.
The government highlighted that premium Indian coffee varieties have gained better value in global markets. During FY2025-26, the average export value of GI-registered Arabica coffee increased by 34.36 per cent, while Robusta coffee recorded a 29.73 per cent rise compared with the previous year.
The expansion of India's coffee exports is expected to benefit the agricultural sector in several ways. Increased demand can encourage farmers to adopt better cultivation practices, improve quality standards, and invest in sustainable farming methods. It can also generate employment in rural areas, support small and tribal farmers, and strengthen the overall coffee value chain.
Under the Integrated Coffee Development Project (ICDP), the Coffee Board is providing support through capacity-building programmes, entrepreneurship development initiatives, skill training, and promotion of value-added coffee products under the "Coffees of India" brand.
The government is also focusing on strengthening India's coffee identity in international markets through participation in global exhibitions, promotion of GI-tagged products, and collaborations with Indian missions abroad.
With global consumers increasingly seeking specialty, sustainable, and origin-specific coffee, India's expanding coffee sector presents a significant opportunity to boost agricultural exports, improve farmer incomes, and establish Indian coffee as a premium product in the global marketplace.