While India has long been labelled a tea-drinking nation, many aren’t aware that coffee has been cultivated here for centuries. Most of these plantations are in southern states like Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu, where the soil and climate support shade-grown coffee.
Quality awareness
Earlier, Indian coffee was largely grown for export—so it’s no surprise that farmers focused more on quantity than quality. Things have changed now, with greater awareness around quality, traceability, and sustainability. Farmers are willing to learn and experiment with new ways to grow, harvest, and process coffee.
While it may seem insignificant, every step from bean to cup matters—from the type of coffee plant to how the cherries are picked and dried. Some farms are also exploring natural and honey processing methods to bring out unique flavour profiles.
A key selling point of Indian coffee is its shade-grown nature. The coffee plants flourish under a canopy, shielded from the sun’s harshness. This also encourages biodiversity, helping birds, insects, and other plant life to find a home here.
Farmers are also beginning to learn the impact of these processes on the flavour of coffee. In fact, even the altitude of the farm, soil and weather conditions can influence how the coffee is. For example, coffee grown in the Chikmagalur hills is usually more acidic while the one in Coorg has undertones of chocolate.
Fair play for farmers
It’s also significant to note the growing relationship between farmers and roasters. Earlier, coffee went through middlemen before finding its way to the market. Today, many roasters work directly with farmers, building more transparent supply chains. This doesn’t just help improve the quality of produce but also ensures farmers get a fair pay.
The rise of specialty cafés across India has led to more interest in coffee and its journey. More people are now interested in knowing where the beans come from and what goes into making their favourite brew.
Cities like Bengaluru, Mumbai, and even Jaipur are witnessing a growing coffee culture—showing that coffee is no longer just a beverage, but a craft.
In a nutshell, the specialty coffee movement in India is rooted in respecting the land, valuing farmers, and understanding the journey from farm to cup.
As the industry continues to grow, the future of Indian specialty coffee isn’t dependent on skilled roasters and baristas. It also puts the farmers at the centre, ensuring they nurture the beans before they reach our cups.
(The author is Founder, Coffee Sutra)
Published on March 29, 2026