India’s coffee industry is on the cusp of a significant transformation, driven by the Coffee Board of India’s initiative to introduce new national certification standards. This move aims to enhance the quality and global competitiveness of Indian coffee, thereby boosting its export potential.

The Current Landscape of Indian Coffee

India stands as the world’s seventh-largest coffee producer, with an annual production of approximately 374,200 metric tons in the 2023/24 farming season. The majority of this production is concentrated in the southern states, with Karnataka accounting for 71%, followed by Kerala at 21%, and Tamil Nadu at 5%. Robusta beans dominate the production landscape, constituting about 72% of the total output, while Arabica beans make up the remaining 28%.

A significant portion of India’s coffee—nearly 80%—is exported to international markets. Between April and November of FY24, Indian coffee exports reached a record high of $1,146.9 million, marking a 29% increase from $803.8 million during the same period in the previous year. The European Union remains a primary destination, with Italy, Germany, and Belgium being major importers.

Challenges in Certification

Despite the impressive export figures, approximately 85% of Indian coffee remains uncertified. The high costs associated with international certifications, such as Fair Trade, USDA Organic, and Rainforest Alliance, have been prohibitive for many farmers. For instance, certifying a small five-acre estate can cost between Rs 3-4 lakh, making it financially unfeasible for numerous small-scale growers.

Introducing India’s Own Certification Standards

In response to these challenges, the Coffee Board of India is set to launch its own national coffee standards and certification process. This initiative aims to recognize and highlight the unique conditions under which Indian coffee is cultivated, such as growth under dense tree shade, which preserves biodiversity and enhances bean quality.

Dr. K.G. Jagadeesha, Secretary and CEO of the Coffee Board of India, emphasized the significance of this move: Until now, most coffee varieties have been certified under international standards, which group all types of coffee together under the same conditions. However, Indian coffee is grown in special conditions. This certification process will recognize and highlight these unique growing conditions, helping Indian coffee stand out and gain its own global recognition.”

Notably, this certification will be offered free of charge to Indian coffee farmers, eliminating the financial barriers that have previously hindered certification efforts.

Anticipated Benefits

The introduction of national certification standards is expected to yield several benefits:

1. Enhanced Quality Assurance: Standardized practices will ensure consistency in cultivation, processing, and packaging, leading to a superior product.

2. Increased Market Access: Certified coffee is more likely to meet international buyers’ quality and sustainability criteria, opening doors to new markets.

3. Premium Pricing: Certified products often command higher prices, potentially increasing income for farmers.

4. Sustainable Practices: The certification process will encourage environmentally friendly and socially responsible farming practices.

Implementation Timeline

The Coffee Board has outlined a clear timeline for this initiative. Implementation modules for the new certification processes are slated for completion by June 2025. Following this, consultations will be held with stakeholders to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of the procedures.

How Altus Exports Can Facilitate Indian Coffee Exports

As Indian coffee producers prepare to embrace these new certification standards, partnering with experienced export facilitators becomes crucial. Altus Exports offers comprehensive services to assist Indian manufacturers in navigating the complexities of international trade.

Services Offered by Altus Exports:

• Market Analysis: Providing insights into global market trends to identify lucrative opportunities.

• Regulatory Compliance: Assisting in adhering to international standards and certifications, including the new Coffee Board certifications.

• Logistics Management: Streamlining the supply chain to ensure timely and efficient delivery of products.

• Networking Opportunities: Connecting producers with potential buyers and distributors worldwide.

By collaborating with Altus Exports, Indian coffee manufacturers can effectively position their certified products in the global market, maximizing their export potential.

To explore partnership opportunities, visit Altus Exports’ Manufacturer Partnership Program.

Conclusion

The Coffee Board of India’s introduction of national certification standards marks a pivotal moment for the country’s coffee industry. By embracing these standards and leveraging the expertise of export facilitators like Altus Exports, Indian coffee producers are well-positioned to enhance quality, expand their global footprint, and achieve greater economic success.

Future Prospects: The Coffee Board’s Vision for Indian Coffee Exports

Success Stories: Exporters Thriving with the Coffee Board’s Support

Integrated Coffee Development Project: Boosting Production for Export Growth

Training and Capacity Building: Empowering Exporters Through the Coffee Board’s Programs

Sustainability Initiatives: The Coffee Board’s Approach to Sustainable Coffee Production

Research and Development: The Coffee Board’s Contribution to Coffee Quality

Market Expansion: The Coffee Board’s Efforts in Promoting Indian Coffee Globally

Financial Incentives: How the Coffee Board Supports Exporters

Enhancing Quality: The Coffee Board’s New Certification Standards

Streamlining Export Processes: The Coffee Board’s Role in Facilitating Coffee Exports