Indian Specialty Coffee’s stand in the Global Specialty Coffee market. Why it deserves much more ?

In my Coffee career, it won’t be wrong to admit and say that I’ve come across so many promising outstanding single origins and blends coming from various estates located not just in and around the birthplace of coffee (Chikamangalur) and estates situated in araku valley, Nilgiri hills, new coffee producing regions like northeast Himalayan coffee and many more. All of this coffee is carefully produced with care, following ethical and sustainable plantation measures and with a close focus on the produce as well as processing and roasting. In spite of all of this, it gets overshadowed by South American, African, and middle eastern Coffees.

I agree that these global coffee producers have been producing coffee for a longer time and the production technology’s enhancement and adaptation occurred way earlier than the Indian coffee production scene, Also, Indian producers adapting to experimental coffee processing techniques, shifting the focus from being a commercial coffee production yard to specialty coffee producing region, was delayed due to the limitations in the economical structure and Farming technology.

Ah, the mystical world of Indian specialty coffee, where flavors dance upon the taste buds and notes sing a melodious symphony. While Indian-produced specialty coffee possesses an undeniable quality that can rival its global counterparts, it often finds itself veiled in underappreciation, like a hidden treasure awaiting discovery.

Let us embark on a flavorful journey and explore the standing of Indian specialty coffee in the global coffee culture. Picture vast coffee plantations nestled amidst the lush hills and misty valleys of India, where the beans are nurtured with tender care. These lands, blessed with diverse microclimates, offer a unique canvas for coffee to express its rich character.

Indian specialty coffee, with its nuanced notes and exquisite flavors, holds its own amidst the international coffee community. From the captivating sweetness of honeyed aromas to the mesmerizing hints of spices that weave through the brew, Indian beans offer a sensory escapade like no other. They boast a delightful complexity that can rival the finest coffees from across the globe.

However, the underappreciation of Indian specialty coffee can be attributed to various factors. Firstly, the coffee landscape in India has traditionally been dominated by the production of commercial-grade coffee, destined for the mass market. As a result, the spotlight has often eluded the lesser-known gems of specialty coffee. But fear not, for winds of change are whispering through the coffee plantations.

Another contributing factor is the lack of widespread awareness and marketing efforts. The global coffee community, while eager to embrace new origins and flavors, may not yet be fully acquainted with the diverse offerings of Indian specialty coffee. Without adequate exposure, these beans remain hidden in plain sight, waiting to dazzle palates with their exceptional quality.

Moreover, the infrastructure and distribution channels supporting specialty coffee in India are still developing. It takes a robust network of passionate individuals, from farmers to roasters to baristas, to truly showcase the full potential of Indian beans. This growth journey takes time, but it is one filled with promise.

Yet, even in the face of these challenges, the true connoisseurs of coffee have started to recognize the hidden prowess of Indian specialty beans. As specialty coffee gains momentum worldwide, explorers of flavor are increasingly seeking out the distinct offerings from India’s fertile soils. The discerning palates are beginning to unravel the layers of complexity and appreciate the unique characteristics that Indian specialty coffee brings to the table.

In this whimsical tale of underappreciation, let us not forget that the journey of specialty coffee is a continuous evolution. Just as India’s rich cultural tapestry weaves tales of heritage and diversity, so too does its specialty coffee landscape hold the potential for greatness. As awareness grows, as marketing efforts flourish, and as appreciation expands, the world will surely come to acknowledge the brilliance that Indian-produced specialty coffee brings to the global coffee culture.

So, dear coffee enthusiast, do not overlook the hidden treasures that lie within the realm of Indian specialty coffee. Embrace the flavors, savor the notes, and join the quest to unveil the true splendor of this underappreciated gem. For in the world of coffee, as in any enchanting tale, every sip has the power to awaken the senses and ignite a passion for the extraordinary

Abhishek Saxena
Quality and Product Innovation Lead
May 26, 2023

OTHER BLOGS

Demystifying Specialty Coffee: Why it Needs to be Democratized and Approachable
Abhishek Saxena
Quality and Product Innovation Lead
Development Time Ratio? – A term used often by Coffee Connoisseurs.
Abhishek Saxena
Quality and Product Innovation Lead
Experimental Coffee Processing- You should know about.
Abhishek Saxena
Quality and Product Innovation Lead
Indian Specialty Coffee’s stand in the Global Specialty Coffee market. Why it deserves much more ?
Abhishek Saxena
Quality and Product Innovation Lead

READ MORE