The move will see many Indian coffee farmers adopt state-backed quality and sustainability checks in drive to raise the profile of Indian-grown coffee internationally
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Approximately 85% of Indian coffee is not currently certified | Photo credit: Nischal Masand
The Coffee Board of India is set to introduce new national coffee standards and certification processes to create greater export potential for opportunities Indian coffee in international markets.
In a press release, the government-backed organisation said new standards will ensure that coffee is grown, processed and sold in a way that is consistent and ‘of good quality’.
According to the Coffee Board of India, approximately 85% of Indian coffee is not certified due to the high cost of attaining accreditation by major organisations, such as Fair Trade, USDA Organic and Rainforest Alliance, which hinders access to global markets.
In a bid to boost exports, the new quality seal will be offered free-of-charge to Indian coffee farmers.
“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 recognise and highlight these unique growing conditions, helping Indian coffee stand out and gain its own global recognition,” said KG Jagadeesha, CEO, Coffee Board of India.
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India is currently the eighth largest coffee producer globally with robusta currently accounting for 72% of the country’s total coffee production. Over 70% of India’s coffee is produced in the southwestern state of Karnataka, with the more southernly Kerala contributing 20%.
While up to 80% of Indian-grown coffee is typically destined for commodity export markets, domestic brands such as Blue Tokai Coffee Roasters, abCoffee and Subko Coffee Roasters have more recently championed single estate and specialty Indian arabica coffee both domestically and internationally.
The Coffee Board of India said implementation modules for the new certification processes will be completed by June 2025, after which consultations will be held with stakeholders to assess whether the procedures are feasible.
Established by the Government of India in 1942, the Coffee Board of India is primarily focused on the promotion, sale and consumption of coffee in India and abroad. Part of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the Coffee Board of India also conducts coffee research and provides financial assistance to small coffee growers.