The members of Hathur PACS arrived at the Office of the JD of Agriculture in Madikeri with bags of fertilizers and a weighing scale. Photo | Expre
In a dramatic display, the farmers and cooperative representatives weighed the bags on the premises of the Joint Director’s office, highlighting what they termed as “fraudulent practices” by fertiliser suppliers.
Madikeri :
Allegations of large-scale discrepancies in fertiliser bag weights surfaced in Kodagu on Thursday, as members of the Hathur Primary Agricultural Cooperative Society (PACS) staged a protest demonstration infront of the office of Joint Director of Agriculture in Madikeri.
Led by Kodagu District Cooperative Central Bank president Bonda Ganapathi, the PACS members arrived with truckloads of fertiliser bags supplied by Indian Potash Limited (IPL), claiming significant shortages in weight. The members alleged that several 50-kg bags were found to be underweight by as much as 4 kg.
In a dramatic display, the farmers and cooperative representatives weighed the bags on the premises of the Joint Director’s office, highlighting what they termed as “fraudulent practices” by fertiliser suppliers. They urged the Agriculture Department to initiate an immediate and thorough investigation.
“This is not an isolated issue. We suspect such discrepancies could be happening across the district and even elsewhere in the country,” members alleged, warning that such practices directly harm farmers financially.
Expressing strong displeasure, Ganapathi claimed that nearly 51 tonnes of fertiliser supplied to the society between February 18 and March 3 showed consistent weight variation.
He termed the issue a “serious injustice” to farmers and demanded that the losses be compensated by the supplier. He also called for reimbursement of loading costs and a district-wide inspection of fertiliser stocks in all cooperative societies.
Joint Director Chandrashekar assured the delegation that the matter would be escalated to higher authorities for further action.
Ganapathi said a formal complaint would be submitted to the Deputy Commissioner and warned of intensified protests, including a possible lockdown of the Agriculture Department office, if swift action is not taken.
A follow-up meeting involving cooperative representatives and department officials is scheduled at the KDCC Bank building on April 27 to discuss the issue further.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express/ Home> Karnataka / by Prajna GR / April 23rd, 2026
Dual signing introduces two resort properties under Radisson Individuals Premier, marking the Group’s entry into Coorg.
Radisson Hotel Group continues to expand its footprint in India’s high-potential leisure destinations with the signing of Purple Mist Resort & Spa Coorg, A Member of Radisson Individuals Premier, along with Purple Palms Resort & Spa, which will be converted under the same brand.
This dual-deal marks the Group’s entry into Coorg, one of India’s most sought-after leisure destinations, establishing a strong and scalable presence in a market defined by nature-led travel and destination-driven demand.
A nature-led retreat designed for experiential stays
Purple Mist Resort & Spa Coorg, under Radisson Individuals Premier, is a 102-room property with 98 standard rooms and four suites. It will include an all-day dining restaurant, a lobby lounge/deli, two banquet halls with pre-function areas, a fitness centre, and a spa.
Purple Palms Resort & Spa Coorg, under Radisson Individuals Premier, is a 78-room property that will be converted and repositioned under the brand. It includes 74 standard rooms and four suites, along with two restaurants, a banquet hall, a boardroom, and wellness facilities such as a gym and spa.
Together, the two resorts create a strong combined offering in Coorg, addressing demand across leisure stays, destination weddings, corporate retreats, and social events, while allowing flexibility across guest segments.
Expanding in high-potential leisure markets
“With this signing, we are entering Coorg with a differentiated approach that allows us to build meaningful scale in a high-demand leisure market. The dual-resort model enables us to create a strong combined offering, catering to both individual travellers and large-format events. As demand continues to evolve towards experiential and destination-led travel, developments like these allow us to strengthen our presence in emerging leisure markets while leveraging the flexibility of our Radisson Individuals Premier brand,” said Nikhil Sharma, Managing Director & COO, South Asia, Radisson Hotel Group.
Unlocking growth through strategic development
“RHG’s advent to Coorg marks successful implementation of our strategy to spread across key business & leisure destinations of South India. A ready to open resort at a premium leisure destination accelerates our expansion plans by catering to all segments of market by furthering our outreach. The dual signing is also a strong value proposition for the ownership to capitalise on RHG’s brand repute & robust distribution system,” said Davashish Srivastava, Senior Director, Development, South Asia, Radisson Hotel Group.
A shared vision to elevate the destination
“We are delighted to partner with Radisson Hotel Group for this landmark development in Coorg. Our vision is to create a hospitality offering that reflects the destination’s natural beauty while introducing world-class standards and infrastructure. With two complementary resorts in close proximity, we believe this project will redefine the hospitality landscape in Coorg and position it as a preferred destination for both leisure travellers and large-scale celebrations,” said N Viswanathan, Managing Partner, SLN Hotels & Resorts.
source: http://www.hotelierindia.com / Hotelier India / Home> Development / April 24th,2026
Tamara Leisure Experiences has, since inception, embedded Responsible Hospitality into its core, guided by a clear vision of people, planet, and profit thriving in tandem. Across its portfolio of nine properties, from luxury resorts in Coorg and Kodaikanal to upscale O by Tamara hotels in Coimbatore and Trivandrum, mid-scale Lilac hotels, and its flagship wellness offering Amal Tamara, a NABH-accredited Ayurveda hospital, this philosophy translates into an elevated form of eco-conscious hospitality where design, service, and setting come together to deliver immersive, low-impact luxury. The flagship property, The Tamara Coorg, holds the Global Sustainable Tourism Council certification, underscoring its alignment with global sustainability standards, with a clear roadmap to extend this benchmark across all Tamara properties.
Samir MC, CEO, Tamara Leisure Experiences, said, “Our nine property portfolio is aligned to GSTC principles. And I want to be honest about what that distinction means, because the certification is the outcome, but the real value is in the discipline the journey instills across your entire organisation. This is not a badge. It is a framework to make your circular systems auditable, measurable, and accountable. Our goal is to make that the portfolio standard, not a novelty at one property.”
“Earth Day serves as a timely reminder of shared responsibility towards the planet, and at TamaraLeisureExperiences, this is reflected through on-ground actions across its properties, from farm to table experiences and community clean-up drives to sustainability-led engagements. These efforts extend into Earth Week (22–28 April) through nature-led activities, conscious dining, and community participation, where sustainability is not an add-on but the experience itself. At Tamara, responsiblehospitality is foundational, shaping every stage from design and conceptualization to operations and guest experience. For us, sustainability is not a seasonal campaign, but a part of our daily operating philosophy.”
Here’s how this philosophy comes to life across key pillars:
Sustainability in Design
Each Tamara property is planned with the local environment in mind, designed to retain and work with its natural surroundings, allowing the ecosystem to shape how the space is built and experienced. For example, At The Tamara Coorg, sustainability is a design decision guided by a clear ethos, build less to preserve more. Set across 28 acres of largely untouched landscape, the resort was developed with minimal ecological disruption, felling just 17 trees and consciously scaling down from 60 to 56 cottages to protect even more. Elevated on stilts, each structure sits lightly on the land, allowing the forest to remain undisturbed, where trees are not cleared but seamlessly woven into the architecture and experience.
Rooted in Community care, designed for continuity
At Tamara, sustainability extends to the people who shape the experience, expressed through local immersion, farm to table practices, and menus rooted in regional flavours and wellness, from Kodava cuisine in Coorg to place-led dining across properties. This continues at Verandah, the in-house boutique, where locally inspired crafts, natural wellness products, and plantation-grown spices offer a tangible extension of the region’s heritage.
Guided by community and circular thinking, nearly half the workforce is locally hired and close to 40% of procurement is regional, strengthening livelihoods while keeping operations rooted. This comes through most tangibly in the organic minibar, where every product is local, organic, and traceable, and in the kitchen, where menus are shaped by what is locally and seasonally available, ensuring procurement drives the plate. Ongoing support for education and local institutions reinforces a long-term commitment to community development.
Zero Waste Living
Across Tamara properties, 15-40 tonnes of waste is reimagined as a resource through a closed loop system where nothing is discarded and everything is repurposed. 100% food waste is recycled in house through low impact processes like Bio Manthan, plastic is replaced with glass bottles, stainless steel dispensers and refillable amenities, while circular practices extend to repurposed linen, reused bottles, kitchen gardens, greenhouses and seed saving, with food waste reduced to 0.54 kg per head. With zero significant chemical spills in FY 2024-25, this carries into the guest experience, with leaf coasters, bamboo alternatives, towel reuse, alternate linen changes, and sapling takeaways ensuring the philosophy is both visible and lived.
Mindful use of every resource
Resource conservation is deliberate and deeply local. Natural waterfalls and stream water are left untouched to preserve community sources. While rainwater harvesting systems and tap aerators reduce consumption, LED lighting, heat pumps, lithium battery buggies, key tag controls, EV infrastructure, solar panels and emission management ensure energy optimisation. Behind the scenes, efficiency is engineered into every system, smart laundry and advanced STP and ETP plants enable reuse, while continuous monitoring of water, energy, and carbon, along with thoughtful material reuse, keeps operations tightly optimised and low impact.
Quiet design and conscious tech
Throughout properties, impact is reduced through thoughtful restraint. The absence of DJ music and harsh lighting limits noise and light pollution, while low lux pathways, timers, and sensors minimize ecological disturbance. A seamless tech enabled journey with digital check ins, e-bills, and paperless feedback reduces waste, supported by in-house water systems over plastic. From horn free EV buggies to reusable linen elements and locally rooted touches, every detail is intentional and quietly conscious
At Tamara, responsiblehospitality shapes how we think, design, and operate across the portfolio. It brings sourcing, consumption, and recovery into careful alignment, ensuring that sustainability is quietly built into everyday operations
source: http://www.businessnewsthisweek.com/ Business News This Week / Home> Business / by Neel Achary / April 22nd, 2026
In Brief: Minor Hotels has signed agreements for the Anantara Zanti Coorg Resort and Anantara Kolkata Hotel, marking the first Anantara-branded resort and urban hotel in India.
Rendering of the Anantara Kolkata Hotel – Image Credit Minor Hotels
Minor Hotels has signed agreements for two new properties in India under its luxury Anantara Hotels & Resorts brand: Anantara Zanti Coorg Resort and Anantara Kolkata Hotel. These will be the brand’s first resort and first urban hotel in the country.
Anantara Zanti Coorg Resort is scheduled to open in 2028 near Madikeri in Coorg, Karnataka, within the UNESCO-recognized Western Ghats. The 69-key resort is being designed by Sri Lankan architect Channa Daswatte and will draw on the region’s natural landscapes, coffee heritage, and Kodava culture. Planned facilities include four dining venues, a swimming pool, a lobby lounge and library, Anantara Spa and wellness center, a fitness studio, meeting and event spaces, and a kids’ club. Zanti Hospitality owns the property.
Anantara Kolkata Hotel is slated to open in 2032 as part of the World Trade Center Salt Lake Kolkata, a mixed-use development. The 170-key hotel is designed to serve the city’s business, meeting, and event needs, with facilities including two restaurants, a lobby lounge, flexible meeting and event spaces, an Anantara Spa and wellness center, a gym, and a swimming pool. The World Trade Center Salt Lake is a joint venture between Aryan Realty and Merlin Group.
These signings expand Minor Hotels’ portfolio in India, following the introduction of the Anantara brand with Anantara Jewel Bagh Jaipur in 2025 and the signing of the first Avani-branded property, Avani+ Sunray Beach Visakhapatnam Resort. The company is progressing toward a target of 50 properties in India within the next decade.
Minor Hotels’ strategy in India includes developing both leisure destinations and key cities, with a focus on its luxury and premium brands such as Anantara, Avani, and NH Collection, as well as select-service brands including NH, Oaks, and iStay. The company has also launched the Minor Reserve Collection and Colbert Collection to provide opportunities for independent hoteliers. Expansion in India is primarily through hotel management agreements and franchise opportunities.
source: http://www.hotelnewsresource.com / HNR Hotel News / Home> All News> Asia Pacific> Development News> Previous Article / by News-Hotel Development India / April 08th, 2026
A Mobile Passport Seva van will operate in Madikeri town of Kodagu district from April 8 to 10, offering on-the-spot passport services to applicants.
The van will operate at Gandhi Bhavana in Madikeri town under an initiative launched by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to take passport services to people in underserved areas by facilitating document verification and biometric data collection closer to their homes, the Regional Passport Office, Bengaluru, said in a statement.
Applicants may book appointments online at the Passport Seva portal under the normal scheme. After payment, they should select the ‘mobile van’ option while scheduling the appointment, it said. PTI AMP KH
This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
source: http://www.theprint.in / The Print / Home> India / by PTI / March 24th, 2026
As the war disrupts global shipping routes, demand collapses, prices fall, and tribal growers in Andhra Pradesh are left with unsold stock and mounting debt.
Araku is a significant coffee-producing region, with this year’s crop standing at 18,000 tonnes, according to the Coffee Board of India.
The Iran-US war has found an unlikely casualty in the coffee plantations of Araku, in Andhra Pradesh’s Alluri Sitarama Raju district. Demand for the region’s famed Arabica beans has fallen sharply, leading to stocks piling up and farmers’ distress.
Araku is a significant coffee-producing region, with this year’s crop standing at 18,000 tonnes, according to the Coffee Board of India. Around 90 per cent of the production, nearly 15,000 metric tonnes, is exported to Europe, the UAE, and other markets.
Shipping routes disrupted
The war has made the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea (Suez Canal) route too dangerous to use. Ships are now being rerouted around the Cape of Good Hope, adding three to four weeks to delivery times for European buyers. Freight costs have jumped fivefold, insurance premiums have surged, and crude oil prices have risen 28 per cent — with a barrel now touching USD 107. Foreign buyers, uncertain about delivery timelines, are holding back new orders.
Exporter Ravi Kiran put it plainly, “It’s not just the cost — containers have become impossible to find. A shipment to Europe that used to cost USD 2,000 now costs over USD 10,000. And because ships are going around Africa, it takes twice as long for containers to return.”
Prices in freefall
Arabica prices have fallen 2.31 per cent in recent trading, while Robusta dropped 4.69 per cent. Global supply pressures are adding to the pain – Brazil is projected to produce a record 75.3 million bags, with world output potentially reaching 180 million bags.
Locally, farmer K Gopal said parchment coffee was fetching Rs 540 per kg in January-February, but by first week of March, that had fallen to Rs 446.
“Now no one is buying even at Rs 400,” he said. “They just say — war.”
Tribal farmer Simhachalam from Pachipenta, near the Araku valley, was blunt about what it means on the ground, “We sweated all year for a good harvest. When we finally brought it to market, they said ‘war’. I can’t see how I’ll repay my debts.”
Govt agencies halt purchases
Traders and middlemen who bought early are now sitting on unsold stock, waiting for prices to recover before buying more from farmers. Government agencies — the Girijan Cooperative Corporation (GCC) and the Integrated Tribal Development Agency (ITDA) — have also suspended purchases, leaving farmers with nowhere to turn. Farmers are now demanding that the GCC intervene immediately to buy up the surplus.
Traders and middlemen who bought early are now sitting on unsold stock, waiting for prices to recover before buying more from farmers.
Quality of beans at risk
Experts warn that prolonged storage could reduce moisture levels in the beans, diminishing their aroma, threatening the hard-won brand image of Araku coffee in international markets.
Coffee Board official Ramesh acknowledged that the war had dampened purchases, though he maintained that market fluctuations were normal and that local prices would recover when national market rates improved.
For now, Araku farmers, once proud of growing one of the world’s most admired coffees, are trapped in a crisis that is entirely beyond their control, and one that may only resolve when the guns fall silent.
(This article was originally published in The Federal Andhra Pradesh)
source: http://www.thefederal.com / The Federal / Home> Business> Farm Matters / by Amaraiah Akula / March 21st, 2026
In this photo essay, we showcase more exhibitors at IICF 2026, along with expert insights.
Bengaluru recently hosted the 2026 edition of the India International Coffee Festival (IICF) at Chamara Vajra, Jayamahal Road. See our earlier coverage of the World Coffee Conference in 2023 here.
“We estimate that 20,000 visitors attended the three-day IICF event. The energy on the floor was indicative of strong commercial engagement,” Hamsini Appadurai, President of the Specialty Coffee Association of India (SCAI), tells YourStory.
The festival featured India’s geo-tagged coffee varieties such as Coorg Arabica Coffee, Wayanad Robusta Coffee, Chikmagalur Arabica Coffee, Araku Valley Arabica Coffee, and Bababudangiris Arabica Coffee. There were also international brands such as MilkLab (Australia), Astoria Coffee Machines (Italy), and Probat Coffee Roasters (Germany).
IICF had parallel workshops on Farm to Cup: Post-Harvest Processing 101; Robusta Tasting: Processing Methods; Roasting Fundamentals: Profile Building & Tasting; Coffee Species Showcase & Guided Tasting; Manual Brewing and Espresso Brewing; and Marketing Specialty Coffee: Storytelling & Tasting;
There were panel discussions on a range of provocative topics: Why Biodiversity Is the Foundation of Coffee’s Future; and The New Coffee Farmer: Balancing Yield, Quality, and Profit in a Changing Market.
Many visitors said they appreciated the opportunity to learn about coffee trends and network with coffee lovers and industry professionals. “Exhibitors were pleased with the promotion of the shared vision and passion of the industry,” Appadurai adds.
She explains that the Australia delegation places IICF right up there along with other global events such as World of Coffee Dubai, World of Coffee Indonesia, World of Coffee Bangkok, FHA Singapore, and Melbourne International Coffee Expo.
“The festival was a rich source of inspiration and strategic thinking. One initiative already taking shape for the next edition is a dedicated micro-lot auction for roasters, an exciting development that we believe will add significant value to the specialty coffee ecosystem,” Appadurai says.
Last year, Nestlé India strengthened its premium at-home offering by bringing Nespresso to the country. “With this, we cater to consumers seeking super premium coffee experiences at home,” says Sunayan Mitra, Director – Coffee and Beverages, Nestlé India.
It has expanded its NESCAFÉ Ready-to-Drink cold coffee portfolio, and developed NESCAFÉ Ice Roast. At IIFC, it showcased Duo Gusto, a pioneering solution that dispenses both hot and cold beverages from a single machine. “Innovation in cold beverages is equally central to Nestlé’s out-of-home strategy,” he adds.
Next year’s IICF will have more stalls. “We would like to secure a larger venue, and significantly increase our international visitor footprint. The vision is to position IICF as a truly world-class destination event for the global specialty coffee industry,” Appadurai describes.
“Coffee is an experience, not merely a beverage We are witnessing a meaningful shift from coffee as a functional caffeine fix to coffee as a lifestyle and cultural statement,” observes Komal Sable, Co-Founder, South India Coffee Company.
Gen Z is driving experimentation and discovery. “Younger consumers are far more open to exploring new formats and alternative milk pairings,” she adds.
Sustainability and ethical sourcing are now baseline expectations. “But they must coexist with convenience. Today’s consumer demands transparency and responsibility, delivered in formats that fit seamlessly into a fast-paced lifestyle,” Sable explains.
Coffee makers are responding to these trends and shifts. “They need to be agile, transparent, and have stronger storytelling. Responsibility must begin at the origin,” she affirms.
Producers also bear a responsibility to better educate roasters, buyers and end consumers about the expertise, risk and dedication involved in cultivating quality coffee. “When that story travels clearly through the value chain, it builds a deeper, more authentic respect for origin,” Sable suggests.
Coffee thus lends itself well to purpose-led enterprise. “It brings together agriculture, branding, community, and commerce in a deeply meaningful way. The growth of specialty coffee and direct-to-consumer models has also lowered the barriers to entry,” she says.
More women are stepping into roles that were historically male-dominated. “These include estate leadership, green buying, roasting, and supply chain management,” she observes, citing diverse examples from Kaveri Coffee, Coromandel Coast, Sangameshwar Coffee, and Coffee Mechanics.
“Creating intentional platforms that spotlight women in coffee is essential not only for representation but also for building lasting confidence, access and opportunity within the ecosystem,” Sable emphasises.
Coffee today is not simply about selling a beverage. “It is about shaping culture. And women are trailblazing that shift in remarkable ways across every level of the industry,” she says with pride.
However, the coffee industry is facing challenges like unpredictable rainfall, rising temperatures, and shifting crop cycles that directly affect quality, yields and costs at origin. “Supporting producers and investing in long-term ecosystem partnerships is not a choice — it is essential to the future of coffee,” she cautions.
SCAI and the Coffee Board of India are committed to driving knowledge transfer within the industry. “We will have expanded workshops, masterclasses and curated learning experiences. The best is very much yet to come,” Appadurai signs off.
Now what have you done today to pause in your busy schedule and harness your creative side for a better world?
(All photographs taken by Madanmohan Rao on location at IICF 2026.)
source: http://www.yourstory.com / Your Story / Home> Food & Beverages / by Madanmohan Rao / March 08th, 2026
The state budget has sanctioned Rs 20 crore for the reconstruction of damaged roads and bridges following incessant rainfall in regions including Virajpet, Madikeri and Ponnampet.
Madikeri :
Road connectivity and the health sector in Kodagu have received a boost in the state budget presented by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. While Congress members termed it a progressive budget, BJP leaders criticised it as a “useless budget” with no special consideration for the district.
The state budget has sanctioned Rs 20 crore for the reconstruction of damaged roads and bridges following incessant rainfall in regions including Virajpet, Madikeri and Ponnampet.
Developmental projects for the Kodava Development Board, funds for the welfare of tribes who form a significant population in the district, and the health sector have also received support in the budget.
Virajpet Hospital will be upgraded from a 200 bed capacity to 400 beds, the budget assures funds for the upgradation of Kushalnagar Community Hospital. (File photo)
While Virajpet Hospital will be upgraded from a 200 bed capacity to 400 beds, the budget assures funds for the upgradation of Kushalnagar Community Hospital. Ponnampet will also get a new community hospital.
However, stakeholders in the tourism sector said the budget does not mention any special funds for tourism development.
Nagendra Prasad, president of the Kodagu District Chamber of Commerce and Industry Association, said that although Kodagu generates increased revenue for the state through tourism and liquor sales, no funds have been sanctioned for tourism infrastructure in the district.
“From property tax of hospitality facilities to GST, the tourism sector contributes immensely to the state revenue. But unfortunately, this revenue is not being invested back to further improve the sector,” he opined.
Meanwhile, former BJP MLA K. G. Bopaiah criticised the budget as a “useless” one and a “record budget of complete failure”. He said the budget is not people friendly and added that for the 17th time the Chief Minister has made “only promises, declarations and vague plans without any absolute focus”.
He recalled that the BJP government had sanctioned special funds to the district as per the Nanjundappa report due to heavy rainfall and said, “We used to sanction up to Rs 100 crore as a special package for the district. But for the past three years, the state has neglected Kodagu,” he alleged.
He further alleged that there is no plan or precision in the sanctioning of funds for mitigation projects to curb wildlife conflict.
Dharmaja Uthappa, district president of the Congress party, said the budget is progressive and that the Kodava Development Board, road connectivity and the health sector have received a boost.
“Even the issue of wildlife conflict is addressed and it is overall a pro development budget,” he opined.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Karnataka / by Express News Service / March 06th, 2026
Madan Mandanna, father of Rashmika Mandanna, has stayed away from the spotlight but has always supported her. Here’s everything you need to know about her father and the role he played in her journey.
Image Credit : Instagram
A Pillar of Support
Madan Mandanna, father of actress Rashmika Mandanna, has mostly stayed away from the public eye, but he has been a strong support for his daughter throughout her journey. Born in a Kodava Hindu family in Virajpet, Kodagu, Karnataka, he played a key role in shaping Rashmika’s values and career.
Image Credit : Instagram
Entrepreneurial Roots
Madan is a successful businessman who runs a coffee estate and owns a function hall called Serenity in Virajpet. His work shows the family’s entrepreneurial spirit, long before Rashmika became a household name in films.
image credit : X
Family First
Though he avoids the limelight, Rashmika often credits her father for teaching her important life lessons like hard work, humility, and determination. These values have helped her navigate the challenges of the entertainment industry successfully.
image credit : Instagram
Close-Knit Family
Madan is married to Suman Mandanna, a homemaker. Together, they raised Rashmika and her much younger sister, Shiman Mandanna. Rashmika occasionally shares glimpses of her parents on social media, showing the love and close bond in their family.
From Humble Beginnings to Stardom
Despite her fame as a pan-India actress, Rashmika often reflects on her modest upbringing. Her family faced financial struggles, but Madan’s guidance and support were crucial in helping her rise from Virajpet to becoming one of India’s most popular and loved stars.
source: http://www.newsable.asianetnews.com / Asianet News / Home> English> Entertainment / by Nancy Tiwari / March 05th, 2026
India’s rich coffee heritage took center stage at the AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi, where global leaders and tech CEOs sampled the country’s GI-tagged coffees.
At the India AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi, alongside discussions on artificial intelligence and global collaboration, another distinctly Indian story brewed quietly but powerfully. The Commerce Ministry unveiled the Bharat GI Coffee Lounge, showcasing India’s exclusive Geographical Indication (GI)-tagged coffees.
Leaders including Google’s Sundar Pichai and OpenAI’s Sam Altman sampled these varieties, with Pichai himself praising the Malabar Arabica.
The showcase highlighted how India’s coffee heritage, rooted in specific regions and traditions, is now being positioned as a global brand.
Chikmagalur Coffee: Often called the birthplace of coffee in India, Chikmagalur in Karnataka is where the first coffee beans were planted centuries ago. The GI tag recognizes its unique flavour profile – smooth, mildly acidic, and aromatic. Chikmagalur coffee is prized for its balanced taste, making it a favorite among connoisseurs who prefer a class
Bababudangiris Coffee: Named after the revered Sufi saint Baba Budan, who is said to have introduced coffee to India, this variety comes from the Baba Budangiri hills in Karnataka. It is known for its full-bodied flavour, with notes of chocolate and spice. The GI tag ensures that this historic and culturally significant coffee is protected and celebrated worldwide.
Coorg Coffee: Coorg, also in Karnataka, is famous for its lush plantations and distinctive coffee. Coorg coffee is rich, bold, and slightly bitter, often described as earthy with a lingering finish. The GI tag highlights its regional authenticity, and it remains one of the most exported Indian coffees.
Wayanad Coffee: From Kerala’s Wayanad district comes a coffee that thrives in the Western Ghats’ biodiversity. Wayanad coffee is smooth, with fruity undertones and a gentle acidity. The GI tag emphasizes its eco-friendly cultivation practices, often grown alongside spices, which add subtle complexity to its flavour.
Araku Valley Coffee: Produced by tribal farmers in Andhra Pradesh’s Araku Valley, this coffee is celebrated for its organic cultivation and social impact. Araku coffee is mild, with floral notes and a clean finish. The GI tag not only protects its identity but also supports the livelihoods of indigenous communities, making it a symbol of sustainable agriculture.
Monsooned Malabar Coffee: Though not always listed among the original five, Monsooned Malabar from Kerala and Karnataka has become iconic. Beans are exposed to monsoon winds, swelling and mellowing to produce a unique, low-acid, heavy-bodied coffee with a distinctive flavor. Sundar Pichai’s approving sip at the AI Summit brought this variety into the global spotlight.
source: http://www.news18.com / News18 / Home> Showsha> English edition / curated by Sujata Singh / eidted by Priyanka Das / February 20th, 2026
WELCOME. If you like what you see "SUBSCRIBE via EMAIL" to receive FREE regular UPDATES.
Read More »
