New Delhi: The Ministry of Commerce and Industry on Monday said that India is now the seventh-largest coffee producer globally with exports reaching USD 1.29 billion in financial year (FY) 2023-24, almost double the USD 719.42 million in 2020-21.
In a statement issued on Monday the Ministry said that India’s coffee exports have grown significantly due to the increasing global demand for its rich and unique flavors.
The statement also reads that in the first half of January 2025 India exported over 9,300 tonnes of coffee with top buyers including Italy, Belgium, and Russia.
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, the release added.
Due to the 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 tonnes in 2012 to 91,000 tonnes in 2023, the release added.
This surge reflects a broader shift in drinking habits, as coffee becomes a staple in daily life, the release added.
India’s coffee is primarily grown in the ecologically rich Western and Eastern Ghats, areas famous for their biodiversity. Karnataka leads in production, contributing 248,020 MT in 2022-23, followed by Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
To enhance coffee production and meet growing domestic and international demand the Coffee Board of India has launched several important initiatives.