Category Archives: World Opinion

Sunny days brewing for Indian coffee exports

Agriculture, Business & Economy, Coffee News, World Opinion

New Delhi:

 As COVID-19 raged across the globe, leading to lockdowns in key markets such as the European Union, coffee exports from the subcontinent were stymied. A smaller crop made it a double whammy.

TREND

Expectations of a larger crop in 2020-21 (Oct-Sep) and rising at-home consumption have, however, led to hope of a resurgence.

“Coffee exports are slowly returning to normal… exports were affected because during the lockdown, due to logistic constraints, we were unable to move coffee beans from estates to curing works as only cured coffee is exported,” said Karnataka Planters’ Association Secretary Anil Savor.

According to Cogencis data, India’s coffee exports since the beginning of this year are down 11% on year at 257,107 tn. But with favourable weather conditions ahead of the beginning of harvesting next month, exporters and planters expect a bigger crop and, in turn, higher overseas sales.

“It (exports) will improve from January… Pent-up demand is not visible yet, but there should be a 5-10% improvement during Jan-Mar… given the low prices that farmers are getting, there will be rush to sell since they need cash flow requirement,” said Coffee Exporters Association President Ramesh Rajah.

India’s coffee year begins in October and growers start harvesting during Nov-Dec. According to India Meteorological Department data, the country received 9% above-normal rainfall during Jun-Sep, a positive for coffee plantations.

“In coffee production, one year you have less output, then the next year you have a bigger one, as coffee is basically cyclic. So, going by that, we think this year we have a good output,” Bengaluru-based exporter Prashanth Nagaraj said. 

The market estimates coffee output in the 2020-21 season at 300,000-320,000 tn, sharply higher than an estimated 270,000-280,000 tn in 2019-20. The Coffee Board of India’s final production estimate of 298,000 tn for 2019-20 is well above market estimates.

The pandemic has completely changed the trend of coffee consumption across the globe, with a shift away from consumption in cafes. 

“The overall market is dull… but it will improve because during the pandemic, there was a sharp drop in offtake but now, we are seeing at-home-consumption is increasing, so a large part of out-of-home consumption is being taken over by at-home consumption,” Rajah said.

“…Italians (demand from Italy) will come back to us. Jan-Mar, we don’t see a very big increase but in Apr-Jun, we see much more improvement… Also, West Asia, Germany, and other traditional markets will also buy from India.”

India may, however, face some competition as it sells the standard arabica variety at a premium of 30 cents per pound in international markets because of its superior quality compared to coffee from other parts of the globe.

Brazilians sell their produce at a discount of 20 cents per pound, former Coffee Board of India member Jaya Prasad H.B. said. 

Brazil is the world’s top producer and exporter of coffee, while India is the seventh-largest grower.

With several positives on the horizon, Indian coffee exporters are hoping for sunny days ahead.  End

US$1 = 73.36 rupees

Edited by Subham Mitra

source: http://www.cogencis.com / Cogencis / by S. Anirudh Iyer and Preeti Bhagat / October 13th, 2020

The Tamara Coorg bags Skål International Sustainable Tourism award 2020 in the Rural Accommodation category

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, Nature, Records, All, World Opinion

The Tamara Coorg has been announced the winner in the “Rural Accommodation Category” at the recent Skål International Sustainable Tourism award 2020. The prestigious award function was part of the 19th Edition, with 23 countries competing where winners were chosen from 9 different categories at the virtual General Assembly of Skål Clubs Delegates held through Zoom.

The Skål International Sustainable Tourism Awards are geared towards enhancing the visibility and grant recognition to entities from the Travel and Tourism industry. The selection has been made based on the pillars of sustainability of the Responsible Tourism Institute and the winner offered a one-year free Biosphere Certification in one of their available categories.

Shruti Shibulal, CEO and Director, Tamara Leisure Experiences Pvt. Ltd, said “At Tamara Leisure Experiences, our core ethos has always been based on a foundation of workplace ethics and sustainable business practices. To that end, every Tamara property is designed, built and operated with a conscious emphasis on environment and community. This award is an encouraging recognition of our effort and strengthen even more our commitment to responsible hospitality.”

Tamara is deeply committed to responsible tourism, respecting and supporting local culture and practices and intruding on the surrounding natural environment as little as possible. To this end, all Tamara properties are constructed with care and respect for the environment, aiming to create the experience of a Sustainable Good Life for every guest

The Tamara Coorg is a luxury experience nestled in the heart of the hills, where you can rediscover the joy of being in nature; where your quest for serenity ends. The Tamara Coorg spans 180 acres where you will experience nature and luxury at its best as you wake up to the breath-taking view and the calming silence of the hills, disturbed only by the chirping birds and the rustle of leaves. The unique nature-based experiences at The Tamara Coorg includes Forest Therapy, Trekking, Plantation Tours, Blossom to Brew, Bird Watching amongst others.

The exquisite cottages at The Tamara Coorg are designed to provide guests with a rustic, luxurious space to unwind, and enjoy an unmatched view of the hills in the distance, while suspended in nature. Relaxation gets even better at the award-winning spa and wellness centre, The Elevation Spa. It offers signature spa treatments, while the fitness centre includes a steam & sauna, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and a Yoga Temple.

source: http://www.voyagerworld.in / Voyager World / Home> Hospitality / by VW Bureau / October 28th, 2020

Bopanna-Middelkoop finish runners up at European Open in Antwerp

Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Records, All, Sports, World Opinion

Rohan Bopanna and Matwe Middelkoop finished runners up at the European Open in Antwerp, losing to second seeds John Peers and Michael Venus in the final.

Rohan Bopanna and Matwe Middelkoop pose with their runners up titles.   –  EUROPEAN OPEN WEBSITE (HTTPS://EUROPEANOPEN.BE)

The Indian-Dutch team of Rohan Bopanna and Matwe Middelkoop was beaten 6-3, 6-4 by second seeds John Peers and Michael Venus in the doubles final of the European Open in Antwerp, Belgium.

It was the first time the Indian-Dutch duo has reached a final. Bopanna and Middelkoop had earlier beaten Sander Gille and Joran Vliegen 4-6, 6-3, 10-8 in the semifinal.

Elsewhere in the Wolffkran Open challenger in Germany, seventh seed Prajnesh Gunneswaran lost 7-6 (6), 6-1 to Botic van de Zandschulp in the semifinal.

The results:

European Open in Antwerp, Belgium

Doubles (final): John Peers (Aus) & Michael Venus (Nzl) bt Matwe Middelkoop (Ned) & Rohan Bopanna 6-3, 6-4;

Semifinals: Matwe Middelkoop & Rohan Bopanna bt Sander Gille & Joran Vliegen (Bel) 4-6, 6-3, [10-8].

Wolffkran Open, Ismaning, Germany

Singles (semifinals): Botic van de Zandschulp (Ned) bt Prajnesh Gunneswaran 7-6(6), 6-1.

source: http://www.sportstar.thehindu.com / Sportstar / Home> Tennis / by Team Sportstar / New Delhi – October 26th, 2020

Saudi woman sets Guinness record for making the world’s largest coffee painting

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Coffee News, World Opinion

‘It took me 45 days of continuous work to complete’

The world’s largest coffee painting by Saudi artist Ohud Abdullah Almalki depicting founding fathers of Saudi Arabia and the UAE, the late King Abdulaziz bin Abdul Rahman (R) and the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, in Jeddah | AFP /GUINESS WORLD RECORDS

A Saudi artist became the country’s first woman to enter the Guinness Book of World Records by making the world’s “largest coffee painting”. Ohud Abdullah Almalki used expired coffee to illustrate renowned leaders from the country and the neighbouring UAE in a 220 square metre piece.

“It took me 45 days of continuous work to complete, under the watchful eyes of two witnesses, video recording and drone footage,” Almalki said.

The artwork created on a canvas of seven connected cloths is called Naseej and was created in the Saudi city of Jeddah. Approximately 4.5 kg of expired coffee powder mixed with water was used to create the painting. The edge is done in a traditional Bedouin decoration style known as ‘Al-Sadu’.

“My aim is to remind the world of the centuries-old entente between the two nations,” Almalki said. The painting features the founding fathers of Saudi Arabia and the UAE — the late King Abdul Aziz bin Saud and the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al-Nahyan.  

In 2015, 8,264 women joined together in Saudi’s Riyadh to form the largest “human awareness ribbon”, to create awareness for breast cancer.

source: http://www.theweek.in / The Week / Home> News> World / by Web Desk / October 19th, 2020

Kodagu farmer producer company exports first direct shipment of coffee to Europe

Agriculture, Business & Economy, Coffee, Kodagu (Coorg), Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Leaders, Records, All, World Opinion

For the first time Kodagu coffee growers, who formed a farmer producer company, Biota Coorg FPC, have exported their crop directly to a roaster in Europe.

IB Bopanna, one of the founding directors of Biota Coorg

After suffering 50-70 per cent crop loss due to excessive rainfall and landslides over the last three years, small, mid-sized and large coffee growers in Kodagu district of Karnataka, who pooled in their coffees under Biota Coorg, are set to receive a 15-20 per cent premium, on an average.

Incorporated in January, Biota Coorg made its first direct export shipment of bulk branded coffees to a large roaster in Europe last week. A container consisting of 320 bags (60 kgs/per bag) of Robusta Cherry AB sourced from 75 of its members was shipped from Mangaluru port on September 30. The company plans to ship 10 more containers to different roasters across Europe, of which two containers are scheduled to be shipped in October and the rest by December. In addition, since its inception, Biota Coorg has directly sold Arabica coffees to local roasters and local cafes at a premium. The 10 founding directors of Biota Coorg, collectively have over 100 years of domain expertise in coffee growing and allied areas including exports of agri commodities, global marketing of coffees, agro-forestry, plantation management, organisation development and coffee quality enhancement through cupping.

Unique flavour

Grown under the shade of multiple species of endemic rainforest trees at an elevation of 3,000– 4,000 feet above sea level, Coorg coffees have distinct fruity notes because of the wild figs, citrus fruits that grow in the rainforests and caramel notes from the leaf litter-enriched soil. Because of the higher elevation, Robusta coffees from Kodagu take a longer time to mature and ripen, thereby resulting in a softer cup.

“The objective of incorporating Biota is to market and put Coorg Coffee on the world map by elevating its quality based on the region’s ecology and biodiversity,” IB Bopanna, one of the founding directors of Biota Coorg and former Senior Global Director- Coffee, The Coca-Cola Company, Atlanta, USA, told BusinessLine.

“Earlier growers were selling their coffee in bulk with little differentiation to local traders, at prevailing market prices. We are a cohort of 75 members (in our first year of operation) who have committed to superior on-farm harvesting and post harvesting standards that will command a premium in the international and domestic markets. We are committed to uphold the legacy of the region’s biodiversity by adhering to an audited standard in addition to RFA (Rainforest Alliance) certification, which we have applied for. All the coffee we procure is 100 per cent traceable. Every grower’s coffee is segregated, processed at the Tata Coffee facility in Kodagu, cupped and prepared specially to fit the requirement of high quality roasts, blends and brands.”

Community initiative

MB Ganapathy, former Chairman of KPA, said: “There are many large coffee growers who export their coffees in their individual capacities however, the majority who are small growers are dependent on the local traders to sell their coffee. Biota Coorg is a great community initiative that will benefit small coffee growers who can join hands and realise better prices for their produce by following quality practices set by Biota that will adhere to international standards of roasters.”

Bose Mandanna, a large grower and Biota member, said: “The advantage for international roasters is that they are ensured of a consistent supply of quality coffees from Biota. We have received a standard of good agricultural practices from Biota which we strictly follow including the use of chemicals and labour. We harvest the coffee at the right time, pulp it on the same day, wash it clean and dry it to the correct moisture levels, after which it is inspected by a Biota representative, who then further processes it in the curing works.”

source: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com / Business Line / Home> AgriBusiness / by Sangeetha Chengappa / Bengaluru / October 05th, 2020

Coffee Board to promote five coffee varieties with GI tag

Business & Economy, Coffee News, Coffee, Kodagu (Coorg), Records, All, World Opinion
Representative image. Credit: AFP.

The Coffee Board of India has released geographical indication (GI) tag for five coffee varieties grown in the country. Of this, three are from Karnataka and one each from Kerala and Andhra Pradesh. The GI tag will help all the five coffee brands get maximum market and price for their premium produce across the world. These varieties are Coorg, Bababudangiri, Chikmagalur, Araku Valley and Wayanad coffees.

The Board had obtained GI registration for unique regional coffees grown in these regions during March 2019. Previously, GI registration was obtained for two specialty coffees such as Monsooned Malabar Arabica and Monsooned Malabar Robusta in 2008.

The region-specific GI tags will increase the credibility and visibility of Indian coffees in the international market which will further boost export earnings, the Coffee Board said in a statement.

Further to the registration, the GI tagged coffees are promoted in various national and international forums, it said.

The board has also invited coffee growers to register their coffees with the board so that they can brand their product before selling in the domestic and international markets.

The Coffee Board has also collaborated with Indian Missions in key destinations such as Berlin, Helsinki, Tallinn, Burssels, Shanghai, Moscow and Sao Paulo for an effective overseas promotion of Indian coffee.

As part of its efforts to promote the consumption of coffee in the domestic market, the Board is taking up a year-long, nationwide programme with the help of a special grant of $90,000 from International Coffee Organisation (ICO) for building capacity of nearly 200 entrepreneurs in coffee business, a Coffee Board official said.

This is expected to help in bridging the gap in coffee value chain in the domestic market, especially in non-southern regions of the country. Apart from the capacity building programmes for budding entrepreneurs, the Board proposes to conduct awareness programmes for promotion of coffee consumption in India, the Board said in a statement.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> Business> Business News / by Mahesh Kulkarni / DHNS, Bengaluru / October 01st, 2020

Appointed As Mysore University Syndicate Member

Agriculture, Business & Economy, Green Initiatives / Environment, Records, All, Science & Technology, World Opinion

Mysore/Mysuru:

Dr. Chaitra Narayan, an entrepreneur, has been appointed as the Syndicate Member of University of Mysore. 

As per the notification issued from the Office of the Governor, the term of office shall be for a period of three years with effect from Sept. 22, 2020. 

Dr. Chaitra, Founder of Codagu Agritech and Shivam Distillations, holds a Ph.D and MSc in Microbiology from the University of Mysore. 

She was selected by Rashtrapathi Bhavan, New Delhi, for the Festival of Innovation and Entrepreneurship in 2018 to present her ideas before President Ram Nath Kovind. She also presented the Biocapsule technology, which is a ‘Make in India’ initiative before Prime Minister Narendra Modi. 

Currently working for the farmers of Kodagu, Hunsur and Periyapatna regions since 2016 towards alternative farming which involves cultivation of medicinal and aromatic plants, it has successfully led to an increase in revenue generation of farmers along with an assured buy-back market. 

Codagu Agritech is a Biocapsule Manufacturing Company which helps farmers go for safe and sustainable farming while Shivam Distillations focuses on providing farmers of Hunsur and Periyapatna regions to cultivate aromatic crops as an alternative to tobacco cultivation.

An aromatic plant processing and distillation unit has been set up in the region to provide the farmers with the market at their doorstep.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / September 29th, 2020

Rohan Bopanna, 40, on how he and Denis Shapovalov, 21, started doubles partnership

Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Sports, World Opinion

Indian doubles star Rohan Bopanna, 40, was desperate for a partner at the Indian Wells Masters last year, and when he saw that Denis Shapovalov was available to play, he hit him up. Bopanna, a 19-time doubles champion, was positively surprised by the quick response from rising Canadian star Shapovalov, who accepted to play.

Since then, Bopanna and 21-year-old Shapovalov have played together at 14 more events. Shapovalov, who is enjoying a career-high ranking of No. 10, is focused on his singled career but he occasionally plays doubles with Bopanna since the two have a good connection.

“My partnership with Denis is truly unique, given he is almost 20 years younger than me(laughs),” Bopanna told the Indian Tennis Daily. “It all started at Indian Wells last year when I was looking for a partner and you need to combine rankings to get into the doubles draw.

All the doubles specialists already had partners so I was checking on as to which singles players I can play with. I saw Denis’ name and decided to send him a text. And Indian Wells is an event where all singles players end up playing doubles as well.

So it was nice of him to say yes. Right away, from the first match, we enjoyed the camaraderie between us. “I think I bring in special experience into the doubles format. And his super-fast speed, power and flamboyance, helped my game tremendously as well.

So that combination worked for us. Slowly, we started committing to more events – be it 250, 500 or Grand Slams. Slowly, we started to enjoy each other’s company, and I got to know him a lot better. He’s a fantastic guy and he’s doing so much for tennis.

It has transformed into an honest friendship and as long as we enjoy playing together, that is what gives us success at the end of the day.

source: http://www.tennisworld.org / Tennis World / Home> Tennis News> Tennis Interviews / by Dzevad Mesic / September 29th, 2020

Charles II silver sugar box stars in our pick of five auction highlights this week

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Historical Links / Pre-Independence, Records, All, World Opinion

ATG’s weekly selection of items that caught bidders’ eyes includes a rare Charles II silver sugar box described as “in an exceptional state of preservation” that sold above estimate in Nottingham.

Charles II silver sugar box – £19,000 at Mellors & Kirk.

1. Prattware coiled pipe – £880

Prattware coiled pipe – £880 at Sworders.

Sworders in Essex is dispersing one of the world’s finest collections of pipes and smoking accoutrements across a number of sales this year. The Trevor Barton (1920-2008) collection represents more than 50 years of acquisition and study by a Hertfordshire pipe collector known to many in the antiques trade as ‘The Pipe Man’.

Barton began collecting pipes and other tobacco-related items in 1947, shortly after he was demobbed. In addition to regular visits to Bermondsey market, he travelled widely during a sales and marketing career which helped him to grow his collection.

Selected items from the Barton collection were sold at Christie’s in 2010, but the remainder were kept by the family. The first tranche of the collection formed part of Sworders’ Fine Interiors auction on September 22.

Every lot (many of them multiples) sold above top estimate including this Prattware coiled pipe c.1820, elaborately coiled and painted in ochre and blue dashes. Expected to bring £400-600, it made £880.

2. Coorg War knife – £8000

This 19th century Indian knife with a shaped and carved horn handle comes in its original morocco case. A handwritten label says it was gift from the Raja of Coorg to Colonel George Mackenzie Stuart, the commander of a column of the Madras Army at the taking of Coorg and commandant at the fortress of Vallore where the Raja was later held.

This appears to reference the Coorg War fought between the British East India Company and the small south Indian state in February-April 1834. British losses during the campaign were 93 killed before the British ensign was raised and Chikavira Rajendra, the last ruler of the Coorg kingdom, was sent into exile.

Coupled with this provenance, this fine knife sold for £8000 (estimate £400-600) at Gildings of Market Harborough on September 22.

3. Harry Rountree illustration – £2600

An illustration for ‘The Lost World’ by Harry Rountree – £2600 at David Lay’s in Penzance.

It was estimated at £40-60 but this 14 x 10in (35 x 25cm) pen and ink by New-Zealand-born artist Harry Rountree (1878-1950) sold for £2600 at David Lay in Penzance on September 17.

Fully signed, is one of the original grisaille illustrations created for Conan Doyle’s sci-fi classic The Lost World. The story of an expedition to a plateau in the Amazon basin where prehistoric beasts still survive has spawned many films (the first in 1925). However, it was originally published serially in the Strand Magazine during the months of April-November 1912 with Rountree supplying the illustrations.

4. Charles II silver sugar box – £19,000

Charles II silver sugar box – £19,000 at Mellors & Kirk.

In family ownership for several generations, this 27oz Charles II sugar box was described by Nottingham auctioneers Mellors & Kirk as “in an exceptional state of preservation, with hardly any sign of wear and no damage or repair worthy of note”.

Probably last on the market a century ago, it is engraved with an armorial crest and fully marked to the rim, lid and hasp for London 1681 and the maker’s mark AR with a mullet and two pellets below.

Estimated at £10,000-15,000 on September 16, it took £19,000.

5. Portrait of WH Auden – £28,000

Portrait of WH Auden by Maurice Feild – £28,000 at Bonhams.

This oil on canvas portrait of WH Auden (1907-73), offered for sale at the Bonhams Modern British and Irish Art sale on September 16 is by Maurice Feild (1905-1988). It came by descent from the artist to a private collection in the UK.

Feild and Auden were colleagues and friends during their time teaching at the Downs School, Colwall during the early 1930s with this informal 22 x 15in (56 x 38cm) portrait signed titled and dated verso 1937. It was a key year for Auden: his visit to Spain where he experienced first-hand the horrors of civil war, provided the inspiration for his poem Spain.

Feild, an associate of the Euston Road School of painters, later went on to teach at the Slade in 1954.

A picture of obvious literary interest, it was pitched at an appealing £800-1200 but found sufficient admirers to bring £28,000.

source: http://www.antiquestradegazette.com / Antiques Trade Gazette / Home> News> 2020 / by Roland Arkell / September 25th, 2020

Levista: Made in India, savoured globally

Business & Economy, Coffee News, Coffee, Kodagu (Coorg), Records, All, Sports, World Opinion

Its distinct taste can be traced to the geographical speciality of its plantation in Coorg

Image Credit: Supplied / gulfnews.com

You experience the flavour of Levista, right from the beans to the coffee you drink. The beaming spirit of SLN Group is like a perfect cup of coffee — fulfilling, hearty, crisp, wholesome and so gratifying since 1956.

Levista’s distinct taste can be traced to the geographical speciality of its plantation, which is rooted in Coorg, the coffee capital of India. It is born from the rich expertise of a company that supplies coffee to leading Indian and global coffee companies, and is among the top ten coffee exporters of India. Millions of coffee drinkers wake up to Levista every morning. It is the coffee for coffee lovers, and across the world, people have placed their trust in the timeless flavour of its legacy.

Wafting across the world

Levista has definitive plans in place to spread its aroma across 10 countries, and has undertaken brand building associations with leading entities.

It also has Café Levista, located strategically across cities for discerning coffee lovers, to enjoy a wholesome experience with friends and loved ones. By 2025, 500 such outlets will be operational in India and overseas to deliver its rich taste and heritage. Levista pours the best quality brew made from handpicked beans, with offerings across instant, filter, and artisanal range of coffees.

An association befitting Kings

Recently, Levista has proudly associated with the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) as their official licensed coffee partner.

It’s a distinctive milestone for two big brands to come together during the Indian Premier League, as the action shifts to the UAE this season.

To make it truly memorable, there will be CSK combo packs which will be retailed as a limited edition, along with the team’s memorabilia.

It will indeed be an unbeatable mix for coffee and cricket fans, when the world is watching. The quality and flavour of Levista resonates with the vivacity and passion of CSK.

source: http://www.gulfnews.com / Gulf News / Home> Lifestyle> GN Focus Report / September 13th, 2020