India’s coffee exports declined in 2023, falling 5.4 per cent to 3.77 lakh tonne compared to 2022, data from the Coffee Board of India revealed. This dip was primarily driven by a 15 per cent decrease in Robusta shipments, which fell to 1.87 lakh tonne.
However, Arabica coffee shipments bucked the trend, registering a 5.79 per cent increase to 46,869 tonne.
Further, the board stated contrasting fortunes of Robusta and Arabica reflect their distinct characteristics. Arabica, known for its smooth and sweet taste, saw sustained demand while the harsher-tasting Robusta faced headwinds.
Additionally, a decline in export volumes to key markets like Europe and Russia impacted overall Robusta performance.
Despite the overall fall in volume, India’s coffee exports witnessed a healthy boost in value terms. Total export earnings hit Rs 9,580.58 crore in 2023, driven by a significant 22 per cent increase in unit value realisation to Rs 2,54,104 per tonne. This rise can be attributed to a combination of improved global coffee prices and a focus on premium Arabica exports.
Further, the board projects a better picture for the 2023-24 marketing year. They estimate total coffee production to reach 3,74,200 tonne, exceeding the previous year’s output. This, coupled with continued emphasis on high-value Arabica cultivation, could set the stage for India’s coffee exports to regain momentum in the coming year.
