India's coffee export industry is experiencing a remarkable growth surge, with the country’s coffee exports reaching over 9,300 tonnes in the first half of January 2025 alone. The key markets driving this growth include Italy, Belgium, and Russia. Over the last four years, India’s coffee exports have nearly doubled, touching a staggering $1.29 billion in the fiscal year 2023-24, up from $719.42 million in 2020-21. This shift underscores India’s rise as the seventh-largest coffee producer globally.

Approximately 75% of India’s coffee production is made up of Arabica and Robusta beans, which are predominantly exported as unroasted beans. However, there is a growing demand for roasted and instant coffee, which is helping drive further growth in the export market. This boom is being fueled by the rise in global coffee culture and the increasing preference for coffee over tea.

Domestically, India’s coffee consumption has also grown steadily, increasing from 84,000 tonnes in 2012 to 91,000 tonnes in 2023. This surge indicates a cultural shift toward coffee becoming a staple drink for both urban and rural populations.

The coffee is primarily grown in the ecologically rich Western and Eastern Ghats, areas known for their biodiversity. Karnataka is the largest contributor, with 248,020 MT of coffee production in 2022-23, followed by Kerala and Tamil Nadu. These regions, with shaded plantations, not only support the coffee industry but also help preserve the environment and biodiversity.

In order to meet both domestic and international demand, the Coffee Board of India has implemented several initiatives aimed at increasing yields, expanding coffee cultivation in non-traditional regions, and ensuring the sustainability of coffee farming. One successful example is Araku Valley, where 150,000 tribal families, with the support of the Coffee Board and Integrated Tribal Development Agency (ITDA), have managed to boost production by 20%.

With additional support in the form of loans from the Girijan Co-Operative Corporation (GCC), these efforts are empowering local communities while contributing to India’s overall coffee industry growth. This, combined with export incentives and logistical improvements, is helping India solidify its position as a global coffee leader.

India’s coffee journey began centuries ago when Baba Budan, a holy saint, brought seven Mocha seeds to Karnataka in the 1600s. This simple act sparked the rise of coffee cultivation in India, setting the stage for the country’s current position as a key player in the global coffee market.