India’s coffee story began in the 1600s when the revered Baba Budan introduced seven Mocha seeds to the hills of Karnataka. From these humble beginnings, India has risen to become the seventh-largest coffee producer globally, with exports reaching $1.29 billion in FY 2023-24, nearly double the $719 million recorded in FY 2020-21.
In January 2025 alone, India exported over 9,300 tons of coffee, with Italy, Belgium, and Russia emerging as top buyers. While the majority of exports consist of unroasted Arabica and Robusta beans, there is a notable surge in demand for value-added products like roasted and instant coffee. This shift highlights India’s growing footprint in the global coffee market.
Domestic coffee consumption has also seen a steady rise, increasing from 84,000 tons in 2012 to 91,000 tons in 2023. The expansion of café culture, coupled with rising disposable incomes, has transformed coffee into a staple beverage across urban and rural India.
India’s coffee cultivation is concentrated in the ecologically rich Western and Eastern Ghats, renowned for their biodiversity. Karnataka leads the nation’s production with 248,020 metric tons in 2022-23, followed by Kerala and Tamil Nadu. These shaded plantations not only boost production but also play a critical role in preserving the region’s ecological balance.
The Coffee Board of India is driving innovation and sustainability through the Integrated Coffee Development Project. This initiative focuses on improving yields, expanding cultivation to non-traditional areas, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of coffee farming. Araku Valley exemplifies the success of these efforts, where nearly 150,000 tribal families have increased production by 20%, supported by the Integrated Tribal Development Agency and loans from the Girijan Co-Operative Corporation.
With robust export incentives and enhanced logistical support, India’s coffee industry is on a trajectory of sustained growth. These efforts align with the broader vision of a self-reliant India, empowering communities, and ensuring environmental sustainability while reinforcing the nation’s position as a major global coffee player.
