Tea, Coffee, Rubber and Spices
India's Coffee Story
How India grows coffee under shade in the Western Ghats, why most is exported, and how coffee culture is growing at home.
India is among the world’s top coffee producers, usually around sixth or seventh.
Where it’s grown
- Karnataka produces around 70 percent of India’s coffee, especially in Kodagu (Coorg) and Chikmagalur.
- Kerala and Tamil Nadu grow the rest, with some in the Northeast and Andhra Pradesh’s Araku valley.
Arabica and robusta
- Robusta: hardier, stronger, used in instant coffee; the majority of India’s output.
- Arabica: milder, higher-priced, grown at higher altitudes.
Shade-grown
Indian coffee is grown under shade trees, often with pepper vines climbing the trees, supporting biodiversity.
Exports
Around 70 percent of India’s coffee is exported, mainly to Italy, Germany, Russia and Belgium.
Domestic consumption
- South Indian filter coffee is a tradition.
- Café chains and specialty coffee brands are expanding coffee drinking in cities.
Araku coffee
Coffee grown by tribal farmers in Araku, Andhra Pradesh, has won international awards, adding value for small growers.
A coffee estate in Coorg also grows pepper on its shade trees. When coffee prices fall, pepper income helps the estate survive.
Around 70 percent of India's coffee is exported.
- Karnataka produces around 70 percent of India's coffee.
- Robusta dominates; arabica fetches higher prices.
- Indian coffee is shade-grown, often with pepper.
- Around 70 percent is exported, while domestic coffee culture grows.
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