Category Archives: Business & Economy

Speciality Coffee Association Seeks To Carve Niche For Indian Coffee

Business & Economy, Coffee News

Bangalore, September 8::

‘When the going gets tough, the tough gets going’ is a much abused cliche. But in the context of the present situation in the global coffee scene, there is no other way to describe the slew of initiatives launched by Speciality Coffee Association of India (SCAI) to create a niche brand identity for the Indian coffee.

An All India Barista Championship on the lines of International Barista Championship and SCAI-certified speciality coffee auction through Internet, revamping the SCAI website are some of major programmes planned by SCAI in the next one year. This is the first time such an event being held in the country.

Speaking to FE, SCAI chairman Ashok Kuriyan said, “We are working on the modalities of organising this event and also plans to promote the cafe culture in India through trained baristas.” As members of SCAI our vision is to promote varietal, organic, sustainable, geographic and estate-brand coffees, he added.

The association has also chalked out a detailed project to start SCAI- certified internet auction of speciality coffee for its members. “We plan to set up this by March 2003,” Mr Ashok Kuriyan added. Earlier, each member used to participate in the general auction on his own.

This initiative is expected to further strengthen the speciality coffee segment in the country.

Measures are already underway to revamp SCAI website. The new website will be activated with important information on a monthly basis, Mr Kuriyan said. SCAI members who lack own website will be allowed to put up a web page on their plantation coffee profile at a fees of Rs 1,000 per annum, he added.

SCAI also plans to participate in the speciality coffee association convention to be held in April 2003 in Boston, where it will showcase the Indian speciality coffee. SCAI also plans to extend its membership to foreign buyers, roasters and similar associations from other countries, said SCAI co-ordinator S Venkatesh. The membership will be further extended to roasters, brokers, retailers, traders, exporters, coffee shops, machinery manufacturers, curers, auctioneers and agri input suppliers in the future, he said. However, the association is taking a cautious step regarding this, he added. At present, the membership was open only to coffee growers and producers of monsooned coffee.

The association started with the purpose to promote the concept of special and speciality coffee in India in 2000 has around 17 members now. The association had recently held its AGM presided over by European Speciality Coffee Association president Trygve Klingenberg.

source: http://www.financialexpress.com / The Financial Express / Bangalore, September 08,09th, 2012

AGM of Coorg Home Stays Association held

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy


Mysore, Dec.1:
The 7th Annual General Body Meeting (AGM) of Coorg Home Stays Association was held at Capitol Village in Madikeri on Nov. 27.

Association President K.M. Karumbaiah welcomed and briefed the gathering. Secretary P.U. Preetham presented a detailed report on the activities of the Association. Briefing the gathering about the new ‘Karnataka Tourism Trade Act-2012’ proposed by the Department of Tourism and to be passed during the winter session of the Assembly, he said as per the policy registration of Home Stays with the Tourism Department was a must. Treasurer Dambecodi Prem also presented a report.

Past Presidents of the Association Micky Kalappa and Dilip Chengappa briefed about various tax problems and policy matters.

On the occasion, an official directory of registered Home Stays was released by Dilip Chengappa. In all, 110 members attended. Secretary P.U. Preetham proposed a vote of thanks.

source: http://www.StarofMysore.com / Home> General News / November 01st, 2012

‘CDP was not prepared to set up industries’

Business & Economy, Uncategorized

More resorts, hotels have come up outside MUDA limits.

A large number of industrialists will come forward to set up industries, outside the purview of Madikeri Urban Development Authority (MUDA). The opening of hotels and resorts on the outskirts of Madikeri is the finest example for it, said MUDA President Sajjeel Krishnan.

Speaking to presspersons here on Tuesday, he said the Comprehensive Development Plan (CDP) for Madikeri town was prepared in 1997. The proposal was not prepared recently. The CDP was not prepared for setting up of industries, he clarified.

“A few organisation had alleged that the expansion of town was made to facilitate setting up of industries and accommodate more population. At present, more number of resorts and hotels have come up outside the MUDA limits,” he said. The MUDA will issue NOC for converting the land for commercial purpose in Madikeri town. “We only issue NOC and not engage in forcible acquisition of land,” he said.

The proposal for the expansion of City has not received any objections so far. As many as 123 applications have been received seeking NOC for converting the land for commercial purpose.

The CDP is people friendly and prepared for the development. ‘“The suggestions and directions from the public will be placed before the MUDA meeting before sending the CDP to the government for approval.”

Town Planning engineer Ashok Kumar and MUDA Commissioner Ashad Ur Rehman Shariff was present.

source: http://www.DeccanHerald.com / Home> District / Madikeri, DHNS / November 20th, 2012

Jamma Baane comes under forest : Governor

About Kodagu / Coorg, Agriculture, Business & Economy, Historical Links / Pre-Independence, Nature

‘It is not a revenue land’

Governor H R Bharadwaj has opined that Jamma Baane land comes under forest limits in Kodagu district.

Speaking to Deccan Herald, during his private visit in Madikeri on Monday, he said that Jamma Baane land comes under forest. “People were given the right to use the land. However, it is not a revenue land,” he said.

The Assembly had passed Karnataka Land Revenue (Amendment) Act, with regard to Jamma Baane. However, the Governor had not given assent to the Act.

“As Jamma Baane comes under forest limits, I had sent the Act to the Central government for approval.”

Kodagu district is surrounded by Western Ghats, which is known for its flora and fauna. It is one of the hotspots of the world. There is a need conserve the bio diversity, he said.

Kodagu is a tourists paradise. Several tourists visit the district to enjoy the beauty of nature. There is a need to promote eco-friendly tourism, without harming the nature.

‘Provide facilities’

The Governor said that the government can solve the problems related to Maoists by responding to the needs of the people.

“There is a need to provide basic facilities in the villages. The villagers should be provided with better health care and education. To check the eviction of the forest dwellers, Forest Rights Act has been implemented. MGNREGS and others schemes of the government should be implemented effectively.

Intervention

The Governor said that he has been watching closely into the political development in the State. “I will intervene, if there was any constitutional crisis in the State.

The development is internal issue of the BJP. I can not intervene now,” he said and added “the government should function as per the constitution.”

Deputy Commissioner Dr N V Prasad, SP Manjunath Annigeri, Additional DC N Shivashankar, CMC Commissioner N M Shashikumar and others were present.

source: http://www.DeccanHerald.com / Home> District / Madikeri, DHNS / November 13th, 2012

Teppadakandi gets hanging bridge connecting Mysore, Kodagu

Business & Economy, Nature

Teppadakandi, a small village in Guddehosur connecting Mysore and Kodagu districts, has witnessed several causalities of those trying to cross the river Cauvery. Residents, including students, cross the river to reach Rani Gate, Maroor, Doddaharave and Tomabathu Acre villages as it is the shortest route.

Now, with the hanging bridge that was inaugurated on October 30, the distance which was 18 kilometres earlier, has been cut down to three. The concept of a hanging bridge was first conceived by Guddemane Vishu Kumar, a photographer from Guddehosur who is also the brother-in-law of former chief minister D V Sadananda Gowda. When Gowda became the chief minister, Vishu Kumar generated publicity about the subject and took it to Vidhana Souda with the help of then member of Legislative Assembly M P Appachu Ranjan.

Through the Malnad Area Development Board, `83.75 lakh was sanctioned and Girish Bharadhwaj took up construction. It was finally inaugurated on October 30 by Sadananda Gowda in the presence of District In-cahrge Minister Appachu Ranjan and others who strived to make this dream a reality. Gowda said the state government had managed to reach rural areas by providing basic facilities.

Ranjan told Express that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government was committed to the overall development of the district, the hanging bridge being one such example.

Vishu Kumar told Express that after the inauguration, an average of 500 to 600 people had crossed the bridge, some even on motorbikes.

Earlier, people used rafts made of bamboo to reach their destinations, which took several hours to cross the river. During the rainy season, it was very risky and sometimes people were marooned for months together, he added.

Vincent M B from Sunticoppa, who worked with Vishu Kumar, said that a six decade-long dream had finally come true.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / Home> States> Karnataka / by B C Dinesh, Madikeri / November 05th, 2012

Tata Coffee to close ranks with Starbucks

Business & Economy, Coffee News, Coffee, Kodagu (Coorg)

To have one among the seven highly specialised global coffee roasteries.
Tata Coffee, the Bangalore-based publicly-held coffee bean supplier, is set to storm into the closely-knit roasteries group of Starbucks. The latter has just six roasteries (five in the US, one in Amsterdam) that supply to 17,000 Starbucks cafes across the world, and the roastery set up by Tata Coffee, at Coorg in the pristine Western Ghats in Karnataka, would be the next in line.

“The technology used in the roasteries for Starbucks is closely guarded and our roastery has been set up directly under Starbucks’ technical overview. The 375-tonne roastery was set up with an investment of Rs 4 crore, and will supply to the Starbucks cafes in India. Next on the agenda is to gradually start supplying to the cafes in South Asia, and eventually various other global cafes for Starbucks,” a senior management official of Tata Coffee told Business Standard. This is in line with the stated agenda that the Indian Espresso Roast will be the hallmark feature of all Starbucks stores in the market. As part of the agreement, Starbucks and Tata Coffee will work towards developing and improving the the profile of Indian-grown arabica coffees round the world by elevating the stature of Indian coffee. “However, it will be a while before Tata Coffee gets its place in mature global markets where Starbucks is present, as the processes are being fine-tuned to match the exacting standards,” the official added.

According to information available, Starbucks decided on the roastery with Tata Coffee after a series of rigorous checks on the various parameters at the Kushalnagar plant in Coorg.

An indication on the kind of ground work Starbucks does is visible in this fact when it scouted for its first roastery outside of the United States in Europe. “In the late 90s, when Starbucks considered its ambitious expansion plans for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, the company spent close to three years looking at various sites across Europe before they chose Amsterdam in the Netherlands for their first roastery outside the United States,” a Netherlands Government statement highlighted.

Ever since, Starbucks and Tata Coffee announced the pact during late January 2012, the stock of Tata Coffee has so far gained 23 per cent on the hope that there will be substantial uptake in volumes from Starbucks. The global major in coffee retailing bought over 428 million pounds of coffee in fiscal 2011 and it paid an average price of $2.38 per pound for premium green (unroasted) coffee in 2011 – up from $1.56 per pound in 2010.

Tata Coffee, a subsidiary of Tata Global Beverages, has been betting big on instant and specialty coffee to differentiate in the marketplace and is also the third largest exporter of instant coffee from India. Tata Coffee produces more than 10,000 metric tonnes of shade grown Arabica and Robusta coffees at its 19 estates in South India and its two Instant Coffee manufacturing facilities have a combined installed capacity of 6,000 metric tonnes. It exports green coffee to countries in Europe, Asia, Middle East and North America.

Tata Coffee for the second quarter of Fy13 has reported a healthy 109 per cent growth in its second quarter net profit to Rs 36.8 crore as compared to corresponding previous quarter riding on good growth in its instant coffee division and a sharp turnaround in its global subsidiary Eight O’ Clock Coffee. Total income at Rs 477 crore for the quarter was up 15 per cent.

source: http://www.afaqs.com / Home> News> / Category: Marketing / by Raghuvir Badrinath, Business Standard, Bangalore / October 25th, 2012

Work on Mysore-Madikeri rail line to start in 6 months

Business & Economy

Construction work on the Mysore-Madikeri broad gauge railway line will begin in the next six months, according to K.H. Muniyappa.

The Union Minister of State for Railways on Thursday said that the proposed line will be taken up on 50:50 cost-sharing basis with the Karnataka Government at an estimated cost of Rs 700 crore.

He said the 90-km Mysore-Kushalnagar stretch on this line is expected to be completed in five years. “It will be a proud moment for the people of Coorg as this project will put the district on the railway map of India for the first time,” he said.

The Railways has taken up several projects on cost-sharing basis in Karnataka to achieve the twin objectives of connectivity to hinterland and economic growth of backward areas.

The cost-sharing projects with an outlay of Rs 6,000 crore are in progress in the State. Of this, Rs 3,600 crore is being shared by the State Government, he said.

In order to improve railway infrastructure in Karnataka, Rs 15,623 crore has been sanctioned for new lines and track doubling in the last three years. This includes 356 km of new lines, and 568 km of track doubling, he said.

Emphasis is also given on the timely completion of these projects. In the last three years, projects worth Rs 1,213 crore have been completed. This includes 46 km of new lines, 97 km of gauge conversion, and 107 km of track doubling, he said.

Newly laid Kadur-Chikmagalur broad gauge line, a part of the Kadur-Chikmagalur-Belur-Sakleshpur project, is in its final stages of completion and will be commissioned later this year. The doubling work on Birur-Shivani is expected to be completed during the current fiscal, he said.

Other important projects such as Hassan-Bangalore (via Shravanabelagola), Tumkur-Rayadurg and Kolar-Chikballapur, and the track doubling work on Ramanagar-Mysore are being pushed on fast track to meet the deadline set for completion, Muniyappa added.

source: http://www.infrawindow.com / Home> News / Infrawindow News Bureau, Mangalore / October 20th, 2012

Tata Coffee: Standalone business is finding strength, accumulate

Business & Economy, Coffee News, Coffee, Kodagu (Coorg)

Investment rationale:

Standalone business is finding strength in rising commodity prices & instant coffee business.

– There is an increase in demand for Robusta bean globally. Demand for Robusta coffee is on a rise as demand from roasters globally increases in a bid to cut costs for blends. Demand from emerging markets as well as increasing demand for instant coffee are also key growth drivers for Robusta bean demand. ~ 75% of Tata Coffee’s produce is Robusta coffee which it exports globally. YTD Robusta prices are up by 6% vs. a 20% fall in Arabica prices. In India the current crop has suffered on account of weather and prices of Robusta have moved up by ~25-30%YTD.

– The company is taking initiatives to increase its Arabica production. The company has attained a series of quality certification and in turn increased sales focus of the same to command a premium in the market.

– Pepper & Tea, the other 2 major plantation crops for Tata coffee, are also witnessing higher realizations on the back of weather vagaries. Prices for orthodox tea are higher by 15% for the current fiscal while pepper prices are up ~40%.Tata coffee is the largest single producer of black & white pepper in India.

– Demand for soluble coffee is on a rise globally. Demand is stemming from emerging markets. Tata Coffee is investing Rs55 crs. in setting up a premium freeze dried plant with focus on new markets to drive growth.

– The tie-up with Starbucks to provide beans for their India operations to support growth in the future.

Eight o’ Clock( company’s branded whole bean brand in the US) business performance to improve on the back of launch of single serve cups & falling prices ofArabica Beans.

– The recent tie-up with Green Mountain Roasters to launch Eight o’ Clock coffee (also Good Earth & Tetley) in single serve K- cups to drive volumes.

– Cost savings on account of correction in international Arabica prices: Prices of Columbian Mild beans have corrected ~35% from the peak price and 21%YTD to 202 cents/lbs.

Valuation: The company’s coffee plantation business set to enjoy better realizations on the back of sustainable demand from new markets. Weather vagaries have reduced crop and increased realizations for other plantation crops – pepper & tea. Way2wealth beleives that there will be significant improvement in profitability of Eight o’ Clock coffee as Arabica prices correct substantially. The stock was significantly re-rated during the period of 2010 to 2012. At the CMP of Rs1012 the stock currently trades at 17 x its FY13 estimated EPS of Rs59.7. Accumulate

source: http://www.valuenotes.com / Article / Way2Wealth / October 12th, 2012

Vivanta by Taj – Madikeri, Coorg opens October 2012

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy

Vivanta by Taj – Hotels & Resorts is pleased to announce the opening of Vivanta by Taj – Madikeri, Coorg on 15th October 2012. Adding to the rapidly expanding Vivanta portfolio, this hotel will be the 25th property to open since the brand was launched in 2010. Situated at an altitude of 3,800 ft. within 180 acres of subtropical rainforest, the hotel is set to be the ultimate retreat for nature lovers. Located seven kilometres from the charming hillstation of Madikeri in South-Western India, the hotel offers panoramic vistas of the Western Ghats and imposing mountains that Coorg is famous for.

Vivanta by Taj – Madikeri, Coorg’s luxurious 63 rooms and villas have been built within an eco-conscious context to ensure the property is unobtrusive and respectful to the natural beauty of its location. Luxury abounds with spacious villas offering exquisite design, impressive views and memorable touches such as fireplaces in each room.

The hotel will house a 30,000 sq. ft. Jiva Grande Spa. The 30,000 sq ft Spa is located in the main lobby block, which delves down 3 levels of the rainforest. It offers stunning views of the landscape which lends a mystical aura from every treatment room. The expansive spa & wellness space sports private treatment suites with their own steam & showers; a relaxation deck; Dew – a wellness café and the signature Jiva experience – the wood fired Gudda bath that draws from the local ethos of Coorg and is found in traditional households of the region.

Discover Vivanta
Work hard and play hard. Relax and energize. Ideate and confer. Evolve and transform. Revel in a spirit that presents the normal with an unexpected twist. Stylish and sophisticated, Vivanta by Taj delivers premium hotel experiences with imagination, energy and efficiency. Currently comprised of 24 hotels and resorts in India and the Indian Ocean region, Vivanta by Taj is represented across key metropolitan capitals as well as popular holiday destinations like Goa, Kerala, Rajasthan, Sri Lanka and the Maldives. Vivanta by Taj offers an imaginative, vivacious and stylish take on ‘cool luxury’. With innovative cuisine, energetic spaces, unique motifs, the smart use of technology and experiences that seek to constantly engage, invigorate and relax, it appeals to the cosmopolitan world-traveler immersed in a sensory lifestyle.

Source = Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces

source: http://www.etravelblackboard.com / Home> Hospitality News / Wednesday, October 03rd, 2012

Government creates new buffer zones

Agriculture, Business & Economy, Coffee, Kodagu (Coorg), Green Initiatives / Environment, Nature

Madikeri:

The Karnataka government has declared 562.41 sq km area in Kodagu and Mysore districts as buffer zones. This was officially announced by the forest, ecology and environment department undersecretary Umadevi through a notification dated August 14, 2012.

Kodagu wildlife deputy conservator of forests K T Hanumanthappa said that there will be no restriction on villagers who live near buffer zones. This notification is mainly to protect tigers in the tiger zone. If it is an eco-sensitive zone, some restrictions will be imposed. The buffer zone allows wild animals to move in the limits of the buffer zone, he explained.

Planters fear that the creation of buffer zones will affect coffee and pepper cultivation. Nagarahole range forest officer Mandanna said that the safari has already been stopped following the Supreme Court order.

Hunsur wildlife A C F K D Belliappa has directed residents living around buffer zone areas not to graze their cattle in the restricted area and not to collect firewood as the wildlife act applies in these areas.

The declared buffer zone areas include 24.74 sqkm in Periayapatna taluk,109.09 sqkm of Hunsur thaluk, 228.01 sqkm of H D kote taluk in Mysore district covering a total area of 361.84 sqkm in Mysore district. The buffer zone coverage in Kodagu district is 200.57 sqkm.

source: http://www.articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / Home> City> Mangalore> Mysore / TNN, September 27th, 2012