Category Archives: Coffee News

Badra Coffee set to stir up India’s coffee culture with premium blends

What sets Badra Coffee apart from other coffee brands is its commitment to a direct-from-farm process. From cultivating the beans in the estates of Chikkamagaluru to processing them for various brewing methods, every step is handled in-house, with no middlemen involved.

Now, the brand is gearing up to launch four unique blends in the retail market. Three of these—Temple Mountain (Arabica), Misty Heights (Single Estate), and Kaapi Nirvana (Filter)—are pure coffee varieties, while Dakshin Fusion is a filter coffee blended with chicory.

“We call it relationship coffee. We work closely with our buyers to understand their specific flavor requirements and tailor our coffees to meet those preferences,” Jacob Mammen, Managing Director of Badra Estates in Chikkamagaluru, Karnataka told The Week.

Badra Estates & Industries Ltd. was established in 1943 by Mammen’s great-grandfather after acquiring the estate from Brooke Bond Ltd.

For decades, the coffee industry in India was regulated, with all growers required to pool their beans with the Coffee Board of India. It wasn’t until 1997 that the government allowed growers to sell their coffee independently, which opened doors for Badra to explore international markets. Since then, the company has focused on developing specialty coffees.

The rise of coffee culture in India, fuelled in part by brands like Cafe Coffee Day, has led to a growing interest in specialty coffees. And for the first time, Badra Coffee is offering its premium blends directly to retail customers. “We are a seed-to-cup company,” says Mammen. “If you want to truly savour your coffee, rather than just drink it out of habit, try one of Badra Coffee’s blends for an exceptional bean-to-cup experience.”

Badra Coffee’s blends, Temple Mountain (Arabica), Misty Heights (Single Estate), Coffee Nirvana (Filter), and Dakshin Fusion (Chicory Blended Filter), are now being launched. Photo: Special arrangement

Badra Coffee, which has been exporting to 10 countries, including Japan, the US, South Korea, Germany, and Norway, for over two decades, will now be available in the Indian retail market. Their blends, Temple Mountain (Arabica), Misty Heights (Single Estate), Coffee Nirvana (Filter), and Dakshin Fusion (Chicory Blended Filter), are now being launched.

The market prices for 250-gram packets are Rs 625, Rs 550, Rs 450, and Rs 350, respectively. In the initial phase, orders can be placed through the website badracoffee.com or via the toll-free number 18001236490. The coffee would also soon be available through Amazon. Orders above Rs 500 will not incur delivery charges.

Photo: Special arrangement

source: http://www.onmanorama.com / ONManorama / Home> News> Business / by OnManorama Staff / August 24th, 2024

Patience helps Nagarathar kin to enter TN coffee market

With coffee running in the blood lines of the family the Mother Mirra Group has owned coffee plantations for four generations.

Sundar Subramaniam, executive director of Mother Mirra Group of companies releasing their company product in Coimbatore. (Photo: DC)

Coimbatore:

His family is introduced as the ‘first Asians’ to own a plantation in Asia. Ironically, it took several years and four generations of entrepreneurs of the ‘Mother Mirra Group of Companies’ to foray into retail coffee market.

Speaking to DC, Mr. Sundar Subramaniam executive director of group said, “way back in the 1930s, my great grandfather Mr. PPR. Subramanian Chettiar owned and managed estates in Malaysia at a time when only British and Scots owned coffee plantations. Since then on, my family is in the business of supplying coffee powder and roasted beans from our estates in Coorg to different parts of India. Entering into the domestic filter coffee market is a dream come true for my father Mr. S. Subramanian, who is a third generation entrepreneur of our family.”

With Mirras Coffee the company has entered the domestic filter coffee market. Two options of coffee powder were launched in Coimbatore recently. Mirras Premium blend is a combination of 85 per cent coffee and 15 per cent chicory while the Mirras Gold variant is a combination of 53 per cent coffee and 47 per cent chicory.

Available in 200 grams sachets, for a cost that is affordable, the traditional filter coffee tastes just like home-made coffee, sticking to the tag line of the product ‘idhu namma veetu kaapi’.

The product is available across big and small stores and supermarkets across the city. The firm has a strong dealership network in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. “We have partnered with 350 dealers across both the regions. In a year’s time we are hopeful of capturing 3.50 per cent to 4 per cent of the filter coffee market,” Mr. Sundar Subramaniam said.

The company already has a strong market hold in the wholesale filter coffee market segment with regular consignments of their coffee powder delivered across India.

Karnataka and Tamil Nadu is where the company does thriving business. The coffee is customized for their wholesale clients.

source: http://www.deccanchronicle.com / Deccan Chronicle / Home> Nation / by Lakshmi L Lund / April 08th, 2018

Anand Mahindra thanks PM Modi for supporting Araku coffee farmers: ‘As board chairman…’

“We opened the first outlet of Araku Coffee in the Marais district in Paris. Today, lines stretch outside the store of Parisians waiting to get their daily cuppa of Araku,’ Anand Mahindra, the board chairman of Araku Coffee, said.

Anand Mahindra announced a second outlet of Araku Coffee in Paris, and said, ‘Today, lines stretch outside the store of Parisians waiting to get their daily cuppa of Araku.’

Mahindra Group chairperson and the board chairman of Araku Originals, Anand Mahindra on Monday thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for supporting the hard work of tribal farmers for growing one of the finest coffees in the world using regenerative agricultural practices in Andhra Pradesh.

Mahindra also announced the launch of the brand’s second outlet in Paris, apart from its existing outlets in Bengaluru and Mumbai.

“A huge ‘thank you’ to PM Narendra Modi for repeatedly supporting the hard work of the tribal farmers who grow Coffee in the Araku Valley—using regenerative agricultural practices,” he wrote on X. “It is now a globally renowned brand and acknowledged as one of the world’s finest coffees.”

Araku Coffee is the world’s first terroir-mapped coffee, grown on organic plantations in the Araku Valley of Andhra Pradesh. These coffee beans bear the essence of the valley’s rich soil and temperate climate. Pure Arabica with a rare aromatic profile, Araku Coffee is known for its unique texture and a symphony of flavours that makes for a smooth, well-balanced cup.

The Mahindra Group chairperson also highlighted the 25-year journey undertaken by the Nandi Foundation that transformed the lives of tribal farmers by encouraging them to grow high-quality coffee.  More than three lakh tribals are out of poverty and over 42,000 farmer families have become millionaires earning a profit of Rs 1 lakh per season from this coffee.

He added that he was enthused by the vision of Manoj Kumar, the co-founder and CEO of Araku Coffee, and his team to make the coffee a global brand . “We opened the first outlet of Araku Coffee in the Marais district in Paris,” Mahindra said. “Today, lines stretch outside the store of Parisians waiting to get their daily cuppa of Araku.”

“And I’m delighted to announce that we’ll shortly be opening the second Cafe in Paris near the Pantheon. In addition, of course, we have outlets in Bengaluru and Mumbai ,” he said.

source: http://www.moneycontrol.com / MoneyControl.com / Home> News> Trends / by MoneyControl News / July 01st, 2024

Assava: Elevating Coffee Culture from Farm to Cup

Assava ensures transparency and sustainability in its operations.

Nestled amidst the lush landscapes of India, Assava emerges as a beacon of innovation and excellence in the realm of coffee. Born from a fortuitous encounter with the aromatic beans amidst the picturesque hills of Coorg during a Bangalore expedition, Assava embodies a profound passion for quality, sustainability, and a transformative vision for the coffee industry. Launched in 2022, Assava embarked on a journey to redefine the coffee experience, traversing the entire value supply chain from working hand-in-hand with the growers and estates to the discerning palates of customers.

Unlike traditional coffee enterprises, Assava transcends mere transactions, viewing cafes not just as beverage outlets but as havens of creativity and community. With a steadfast commitment to quality and a roaster of esteemed estates across Eastern Ghats & Western Ghats of India, Assava champions exceptional coffee experiences while fostering transparency and sustainability. Assava’s journey is a testament to its dedication to elevating coffee culture globally, embracing a future of expansion into new horizons while remaining deeply rooted in the rich traditions of Indian coffee heritage.

Bibhu Bahalia and Nihar Das, the visionary founders behind Assava, epitomize the epitome of passion, innovation, and dedication in the realm of coffee. Their journey began with a serendipitous encounter amidst the lush hills of Coorg, igniting a flame of inspiration that would propel them to redefine the coffee experience in India and beyond.

With an unwavering commitment to quality and sustainability, Bibhu and Nihar embarked on a mission to traverse the entire value supply chain of coffee, from the nurturing hands of growers to the discerning palates of customers. Theirs is not merely a business venture but a labor of love—a journey fueled by a profound appreciation for the craft of coffee and a transformative vision for the industry.

In the vibrant landscape of India, where every journey holds the promise of discovery, the inception of Assava, the brand under the company Holt & Myst Beverages Pvt. Ltd. was an unexpected revelation. Founded upon the serendipitous encounter with coffee amidst the verdant hills of Coorg during a Bangalore expedition, Assava was born out of a passion for quality, a commitment to sustainability, and a vision to revolutionize the coffee industry.

At the heart of Assava’s mission lies the desire to traverse the full value supply chain of the coffee business, from the nurturing hands of growers to the discerning palates of customers. With a fervent dedication to quality and recognition of the integral role played by coffee farms, Assava has emerged as a beacon of excellence in the realm of coffee aficionados and aspiring entrepreneurs alike.

Unlike conventional coffee enterprises, Assava stands apart with its unique approach to the coffee experience. Recognizing cafes as more than mere beverage outlets but as sanctuaries of solace and creativity, Assava endeavors to deliver exceptional coffee experiences that transcend the ordinary. Historically, the Indian coffee market has been dominated by exports, leaving a void in local chains and cafes for premium offerings. Assava seeks to disrupt this norm by championing exceptional coffee experiences within local communities.

The journey for Assava wouldn’t have been even without the constant support and quality output from it’s esteemed partner estates to the likes of Madhu Agro Plantation, Durga Madhaba Estate, SM Plantation and Curing partner Kalinga Desi Agro Foundation, the amalgamation of which led to the introduction of ‘The Eastern Trails’, I.e. Coffee from the Eastern Ghats of India during World Coffee Conference 2023, which was splendidly accepted by the national and global audience.

Central to Assava’s ethos is the concept of vertical integration, whereby value is added at every tier of the supply chain. By fostering collaboration with growers, estate owners, and other industry partners, Assava ensures transparency and sustainability in its operations. Moreover, by engaging directly with customers, Assava cultivates a sense of community and appreciation for the craft of coffee.

In its pursuit of sustainability, Assava employs innovative practices such as Electric roasting setups to minimize toxic emissions and recyclable packaging materials. Furthermore, Assava practices small batche roasting of coffee based on customer demand, ensuring freshness and minimizing waste.

Since its inception in December 2022, Assava has made significant strides in the coffee industry, participating in flagship events such as the World Coffee Conference and various food tech exhibitions. Collaborations with esteemed institutions like the Coffee Board of India which has been a major pillar of support in their journey, underscore Assava’s commitment to education and excellence in coffee.

Looking ahead, Assava envisions a future as a globally recognized oriental brand, with a presence spanning continents. While its current focus remains on Eastern India, particularly Odisha, West Bengal and the Northeast, Assava is poised for expansion into Southern India and beyond. With plans to venture into direct consumer markets in the coming months, Assava continues to uphold its commitment to quality, sustainability, and community.

For aspiring coffee entrepreneurs, Assava offers invaluable advice: cultivate a discerning palate, understand your audience, and embrace the journey of coffee exploration. Assava’s journey is not just about selling coffee—it’s about fostering a culture of appreciation and enjoyment, brewing life with each cup.

source: http://www.interviewtimes.net / Interview Times / Home / by Priyanshu Mohanty / March 22nd, 2024

Kerala students develop health-friendly ‘green coffee’ powder, receive FSSAI certification

Students from the Laurus Institute for Logistics in Kalamassery said, inspired by the popularity of green tea, they came out with green coffee powder, as part of a project at their institute.

Organic green coffee beans- representational image (iStock)

‘Green tea’ has been a favourite drink of health-conscious people for quite some time, but what about making ‘green coffee’ popular? A group of Kerala students has now developed a new variety of health-friendly green coffee powder.

Students from the Laurus Institute for Logistics in Kalamassery said, inspired by the popularity of green tea, they came out with green coffee powder, as part of a project at their institute. This new drink aims to cater to the growing demand for healthy options and capitalise on the increasing focus on health and wellness, they said.

Rich in antioxidants, green coffee boosts metabolism and helps reduce diabetes, cholesterol, blood pressure, and weight, the students claimed. They also received a certificate from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) for the product.

Despite the widespread popularity of green tea, the students admitted that developing a new brand of green coffee powder was a significant challenge.

Developing green coffee powder

It was the 2020 batch of the institute that recognised the benefits of green coffee. The 30-member batch split into different groups and explored various concepts before settling on green coffee.

A 10-member team was interested in making FMCG products, and they considered tea and coffee due to their global popularity. Abhijith MV, a member of the project team, said they unexpectedly discovered green coffee beans while they were in Palakkad seeking the best suppliers.

He said that although they sampled many other ready-made coffee powders, their focus remained on developing green coffee powder, which is not widely known.

The supplier mentioned that sun-dried green coffee pods were not in high demand, but the students were keen to learn about green coffee, Ajay Sankar, chairman of the institute, said.

“They brought the overlooked green coffee beans from Coorg and Palakkad to Kalamassery. In the second phase, they experimented by grinding the beans into different sizes,” Sankar said.

Multiple laboratory tests were conducted to determine the shelf life of the product, and finally, they decided to grind Arabica coffee beans into small granules and pack them.

The many health benefits

Despite its many health benefits, the taste of green coffee was not particularly appealing, which concerned the students, the institute said in a statement. Attempts to enhance the flavour with mint, cardamom, rose, and so on were abandoned as they reduced the shelf life of green coffee to six months, it said.

The students admitted that though ‘Laurus Nature’s Green Coffee’ was showcased to health clubs, gyms, medical shops, business groups and so on, their initial response was not positive. Eventually, customers were found by meeting each other personally and explaining the benefits of green coffee.

The students are now motivated by the fact that customers continue to buy it after experiencing the benefits from at least two packs, the chairman added.

Though the project was started by the 2020 batch, the green coffee project has been passed on to subsequent batches. Students continue to improve ‘Laurus Nature’s Green Coffee’ through ongoing research, he added.

(Disclaimer: The headline, subheads, and intro of this report along with the photos may have been reworked by South First. The rest of the content is from a syndicated feed, and has been edited for style.)

source: http://www.thesouthfirst.com / The South First / Home> Kerala / by PTI / May 27th, 2024

Five-Day Barista Training Workshop

The five-day Barista training workshop, organised by the Coffee Quality Division of Coffee Board of India in collaboration with CFTRI, Mysuru, will be held from June 24 to 28 at the BioNEST Incubation Centre at CFTRI premises in city.

Training in brewing coffee, cupping, manual brewing, signature beverage, introduction to green coffee etc., will be conducted.

Those who undergo the training successfully will be provided certificates.

For details and registration, call Mob: 94821-57878 or e-mail: baristatraining.coffeeboard@gmail.com

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> In Briefs / June 04th, 2024

Kelachandra Coffee hires Dr. P Kurian Raphael as Head of R&D

Bengaluru: 

Kelachandra Coffee has announced Dr. P Kurian Raphael as the new Head of Research and Development, an experienced professional from Tata Coffee Ltd. with expertise in plantation crops, sustainable agriculture, and circular economy.

Dr. Raphael, a Zoology Ph.D. from Calicut University with a Postdoctoral fellowship from the British Natural History Museum, brings 31 years of experience in plantation crops, notably with 25 years at the Coffee Board of India. He is esteemed for his research in various Indian coffee regions, having published 37 research papers and one chapter in the Global Scientist Book, and serving as a Principal Investigator in significant projects.

At Kelachandra Coffee, Dr. Raphael’s work will cover the following key functions:

  • Reducing the gestation period of plants to 2-3 years from the current 5 years. This will benefit the yield and productivity of Kelachandra Coffee produce. 
  • Overseeing improvements in the production and inducing defense mechanisms for pepper production; improving beekeeping maintenance and honey production the estates; and, overseeing the production of exotic fruits in dedicated spaces.  
  • Strengthening sustainable and regenerative agricultural practices to uphold Kelachandra’s commitment to environmental stewardship. 

Dr. Raphael’s exceptional contributions in sustainable agriculture, pest management, and innovation are globally acknowledged. His commitment to excellence and sustainability resonates with Kelachandra Coffee’s core values. At Tata Coffee, he was honored with the Annual Excellence Award in 2022 and 2023 for his work in sustainable agriculture.

In his past position at Tata Coffee, Dr. Raphael excelled in leading the Research and Development department, focusing on coffee and pepper. He gained recognition for his leadership and dedication to advancing agricultural research and sustainability.

Rana George, Managing Director at Kelachandra Coffee said, “We are thrilled to welcome Dr. P Kurian Raphael to Kelachandra Coffee. His extensive experience and innovative approach to sustainable agriculture will be invaluable as we continue to push the boundaries of coffee research and development. Dr. Raphael’s vision and leadership will undoubtedly drive our commitment to excellence and sustainability forward. It will help us put India firmly on the global coffee map.

Dr. Raphael is eager to join the talented team at Kelachandra Coffee and to contribute to the company’s goals of achieving excellence and sustainability in coffee research and development. “I am excited to join Kelachandra Coffee and work alongside a passionate team dedicated to pioneering advancements in Indian coffee research and Ethically-sourced Sustainable Coffee (ESC). I look forward to leveraging my experience in regenerative agriculture to contribute to our shared goals of innovation and net zero coffee production.

Dr. Raphael’s hobbies include badminton, hockey, gardening, driving, dog breeding, and adventure activities like hiking and trekking. He also adjudicates at Karpakam University Coimbatore, Mahatma Gandhi University Kerala, and Mahatma Gandhi University Kanpur.

Dr. Raphael’s office will be located at Kelachandra’s estate in Chandrapore.

source: http://www.medianews4u.com / MediaNews4U.com / Home> Marketing / by MN4U Bureau / June 06th, 2024

Europe To Receive First EUDR-Ready Coffee Verified By Rainforest Alliance

India’s High Range Coffee Curing is poised to become the first farm verified by the Rainforest Alliance to ship EUDR–ready coffee beans to Europe later this month.

The coffee farm partnered with the Rainforest Alliance to meet the necessary compliance requirements of the regulation.

Established in 1995, High Range Coffee Curing is located in the Periyapatna and Kushalnagar Coorg districts, among 142 hectares of tropical forests, and is known for its quality beans.

The farm supplies coffee to leading global coffee brands, roasters and traders in India, including Nestle , Unilever, E-Com Commodities, Olam, Continental Coffee, Louis Dreyfus Company , Vidya Coffee and Allanasons.

EUDR-Ready Coffee

Zaidan M Saly, director of High Range Coffee Curing stated, “Implementing EUDR  [EU Deforestation Regulation] posed significant challenges for our team, but with the invaluable guidance from Rainforest Alliance representatives in our region, we overcame them and gained confidence in the process.

“Their expertise made the seemingly daunting task entirely feasible, facilitating a smooth and successful implementation, which now not only guarantees adherence to EUDR regulations but also sparked a revolution in our approach to traceability.”

Rainforest Alliance certification enables coffee and cocoa farmers to opt in for EUDR-aligned criteria.

This allows companies to source from these farms, track ingredients along their supply chains, and leverage farm data to demonstrate compliance with the regulation’s deforestation risk assessment and mitigation requirements by the deadline, at no additional cost.

‘Sustainable Practices’

Miguel Gamboa, coffee sector lead at the Rainforest Alliance stated, “The EUDR represents an important step forward to shift the global coffee sector towards more sustainable practices.

“Yet, many smallholder coffee farmers need support to align with the requirements, including traceability, deforestation risk mapping, local laws, and practical and technical guidance on key environmental practices.”

The Rainforest Alliance has urged the EU Commission not to dilute or delay the legislation or postpone its deadline in response to calls from some companies and governments.

It has also called on companies not to scale back purchases from smallholder coffee farmers, but rather support them in meeting the deadline of this legislation.

Gamboa added, “We are also piloting a deforestation risk assessment offering for companies buying non-certified coffee and cocoa, which we plan to roll out more widely later this year.

“With this offering, we aim to support more companies in their journey to compliance, but more importantly, to also reach non-certified farmers so their products can still be sold on the EU market.”

source: http://www.esmagazine.com / ESM, European Supermarket Magazine / Home> Supply Chain / by Dayeeta Das / May 06th, 2024

Coffee exports rise 12% to $1.28 billion in 2023-24 on higher demand

India is Asia’s third-largest producer and exporter of coffee. The country grows Arabica and Robusta varieties.

Photo: BloombergItaly, Russia, The UAE, Germany And Turkey Are Major Coffee Export Destinations For India.

India’s coffee exports rose by 12.22 per cent to $1.28 billion in 2023-24 on higher demand for Robusta coffee in the global markets, according to the commerce ministry data.

The country exported coffee worth $1.14 billion in 2022-23.

India is Asia’s third-largest producer and exporter of coffee. The country grows Arabica and Robusta varieties.

Arabica coffee beans have less caffeine content than the Robusta. Arabica has sweet and smoother taste, while Robusta is generally more bitter and harsher on the taste buds.

In volume terms, coffee shipments from India rose 13.35 per cent to 1,25,631 tonnes during the January-March period of 2023-24. The country had exported 1,10,830 tonnes of coffee in the same period in 2023.

Italy, Russia, the UAE, Germany and Turkey are major coffee export destinations for India.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

source: http://www.business-standard.com / Business Standard / Home> Industry News / by Press Trust of India, New Delhi / May 24th, 2024

Teja Achar Triumphs At The Second Edition Of National Latte Art 2024 Competition

Bengaluru :

Kaapi Machines, India’s first and largest coffee equipment, training, and services company, proudly announces Teja Achar as the winner of the2nd Edition of the ‘NationalLatte Art India 2024’. This prestigious event, following the immense success of the first edition last year, this year Kaapi Machines with the Coffee Board of India, has once again showcased the exceptional talent and passion of India’s finest latte artists.

The championship journey commenced on April29,2024, with preliminaries held in Delhi, Mumbai,and Bangalore.

These events highlighted the immense talent across India, culminating in a grand finale where the finest artists competed for the top honour.

The grand finale, held in Bangalore, was a spectacular display of creativity and skill,culminatinginTeja Achar’s victory. He will now represent India at the World Latte Art Championship in Copenhagen, Denmark, this June.

Abhinav Mathur, CEO & Managing Director of Kaapi Machines, expressed his delightatthesuccessful conclusion of the championship, stating, “We are thrilled to witness the incredible talent and dedication displayed by all the participants. Teja Achar’s victory is a testament to the growing appreciation and skill level of latte art in India. At Kaapi Machines, we are committed to nurturing and promoting this art form, and we look forward to seeing Teja Achar representourcountryonthe global stage in Copenhagen.”

Kaapi Machines remains committed to fostering talent and passion within the coffee community, and this championship is a testament to that dedication. As the country’s leading coffee equipment and training provider, Kaapi Machines continues to supportandinspirecoffeeenthusiastsandprofessionals alike.

source: http://www.indiaeducationdiary.in / India Education Diary / Home> National News / by India Education Diary / May 24th, 2024