In the first half of January 2025, India exported over 9,300 tonne of coffee with top buyers including Italy, Belgium, and Russia
Supported by the increasing global demand for its rich and unique flavours, India’s coffee exports have grown significantly over the past few years. Highlighting that the cultivation of coffee in India has evolved into a thriving industry, the Centre has stated that India has become the seventh-largest coffee producer globally.
Marking a healthy increase over the last four years, India’s coffee exports have surged from USD 719.42 million in 2020-21 to USD 1.29 billion in the financial year 2023-24, according to the data from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. In the first half of January 2025, India exported over 9,300 tonne of coffee with top buyers including Italy, Belgium, and Russia.
The official data added that 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 fueling the export boom.
“Due to rise of 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 tonne in 2012 to 91,000 tonne in 2023. This surge reflects a broader shift in drinking habits, as coffee becomes a staple in daily life,” the Ministry said in a release.
As far as the coffee production in the country is concerned, Karnataka leads in production, contributing 2,48,020 MT in 2022-23, followed by Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Aimed at enhancing coffee production, the Coffee Board of India has been running initiatives as well. 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.
