Category Archives: Coffee, Kodagu (Coorg)

In Search of Coffee in Coorg

Coffee, Kodagu (Coorg), Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, , , , , , , , , , , ,

I learnt to appreciate coffee at the age of thirty-seven and since then I have been tasting coffee at speciality coffee shops in and out of Singapore. The more types of coffee I tried, the more I want to try. From just drinking coffee made by others, I ventured into brewing coffee on my own and soon I became the owner of many coffee gadgets and accessories.

When I was in Papua New Guinea for ten days, I was drinking one of the best coffees from the Eastern Highlands. I did not stop at that. I visited coffee plantations in countries like Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Mexico, Thailand, and India. Within India, I have visited coffee plantations in the states of Odisha, Kerala and most recently Karnataka. 



Karnataka produces about 71% of India’s coffee and Coorg in Karnataka produces 33% of India’s coffee!  Coorg, a beautiful hill town is covered with acres of green, lush coffee plantations.  I had to the pleasure of not just touring but also roasting and grinding my own coffee blend when I visited @fivefarms.in coffee plantation in Coorg. 

I have not been exposed to Indian coffee much except when I am travelling in India. I became much more enlightened after my visit to @fivefarms.in and my meeting with Subbaiah and Ashith, partner and founders of @fivefarms.in.

Subbaiah and Ashith stay in a 75-year-old bungalow surrounded by the Malcode coffee estate in Chetthalli Village, Coorg, Karnataka. This coffee estate produces Arabica and Robusta coffee beans and the popular #Indianblackpepper — Paniyoor black Pepper.

The husband-wife team are third generation coffee farmers and founders of fivefarms.in – one of India’s premium single estate coffee stores. Subbaiah told me that they believe in very traditional plantation skills but ensure that they apply only modern roasting and grinding techniques to their coffee beans.


They conduct Seed to Cup tours of the coffee estate. I learnt the history of how coffee was discovered and brought to India, its culture, farming techniques including harvesting, inspection of the coffee plants, and production process from its raw state.

After the tour, I had the pleasure of sampling a sumptuous lunch prepared by Ashith and her mother-in-law, ending with a cup of freshly brewed coffee!


I left the farm with about a kilogram of freshly roasted and ground coffee!! Thank you @fivefarms.in

__________________

Devagi Sanmugam

As a chef, spice curator, and author of over 20 cookbooks, my life revolves around the exquisite world of food. I am deeply passionate about experiencing food in all its forms—I love to see, touch, smell, hear, and feel the ingredients that create culinary magic. Each spice tells a story, every herb evokes a memory, and the textures of food bring joy to my senses. Traveling is not just a pastime for me; it is an essential part of my journey as a culinary educator. Exploring diverse cuisines around the world allows me to expand my knowledge and understanding of food, enriching both my cooking and teaching. I revel in discovering new flavors and techniques that I can share with others, igniting their own passion for cooking. This blog is a heartfelt expression of my love for food—a platform where I can share my culinary adventures, insights, and recipes. Join me as we explore global cuisine, celebrating the beautiful and delicious experiences that food offers.

___________________

source: http://www.devagisanmugam.com / Chef Devagi Sanmugam / Home> India> Ingredients> Karnataka

Coorg and the bean talk

Coffee News, Coffee, Kodagu (Coorg), , , , , , , , , ,

There’s more to Coorg than the coffee plantations, resorts and mountains shrouded in mist.

There are no Café Coffee Days or Baristas in the coffee county. Instead, vistas of stumped coffee plants growing in the shade of benevolent native trees stretch through silence broken by whistling wind and falling yet uplifting waterfalls. Wild elephants meander in the plantations in the day and fireflies fly in the plantations at night. Coorg is a country painted on a canvas and brought to life.

When you travel within India, you feel the truth of the cliché you’ve heard since childhood — India is many countries into one. How different are the people, their attires, aspirations, lives and even histories and humanities.

The bumpy, washed out road from Mangalore to Coorg changes its rough character drastically the moment it enters the Coorg district.

Perched on the Western Ghats of Karnataka, Coorg or Kodagu has gained its popularity in India in the recent years. She has claimed her place as a coffee plantation hill station, like her near and distant tea plantation cousins Kodaikanal, Ooty and Darjeeling. And with this claim numerous new resorts in the region have burgeoned, many of them located inside the coffee estates.

According to popular belief, coffee in India is rooted in a mystical beginning in the 17th century. The Muslim saint Baba Budan, returning from a pilgrimage, clandestinely brought along seven coffee seeds from Yemen (from where it was forbidden to take coffee seeds) and planted them in Chandragiri hills in Karnataka. These hills are now known as Baba Budan Giri. Like the seven skies and the seven rounds of Kabaa, the holy significance of number seven led him to carry seven seeds.

Kodavas are the main ethnic group of Coorg, carrying a rich farming and militia history. It is a culture that thrives on Nature, not industry. Paddy fields in the foothills and coffee plantations on the slopes, mainly around the district headquarter Madikeri, are the traditional and main source of livelihood.

What is different about the coffee country is not just the coffee, but guns. The Kodavas, being warriors in ancient times, worship arms. Guns are an important part of the festivals of this region. “Most families carry two or three guns,” says Biju, the co-owner of a coffee plantation that spreads over 400 acres. He continues with a glint in his eyes, talking about his passion, i.e., guns. “And yet it is one of the safest places to live in. The crime against women is quite rare and they are the main decision makers in many families.”

That is indeed reflected in the sex ratio where the number of females exceeds the number of males.

There are other ethnic communities and forest-dwelling hunter and gatherer tribes as well. Water is aplenty and the main river of the region is Cauvery. Coffee makes Coorg one of the richest districts of India. Sunil, the co-owner of a coffee plantation and The Porcupine Castle resort answers with a knowing grunt, when we inquire where we can find good coffee, “The coffee that you’re used to , is a mixture of different varieties of coffees.

And each one has a secret formulation, which the company doesn’t disclose. They just buy the raw coffee variety from us like Robusta and Arabica and process and mix it themselves.”

Nonetheless, the Indian coffee is supposed to be one of the finest in the world, grown fully in the shade of eucalyptus, vanilla and native evergreen and leguminous trees. The shade giving trees not only protect the coffee plants but also enrich the soil and prevent erosion. The exotic, full-bodied taste and aroma finds its way to your cup through intense labour and extraordinary care.

The coffee plantations are as multicultural and inclusive as the medley that is India. Pepper, cardamom, vanilla, a local variety of orange and bananas share the same home, drawing their daily supply of nutrients from the shared pool of coffee plantations.

The homesick British, who once inhabited the cool climes of Coorg, named it the Scotland of India. British architecture still stands strong in Madikeri and many tourists visit the same. Around 5 km away from Madikeri is Abbey Falls, a sight to behold, provided it’s not a public holiday.

There is Iruppu Falls too where you can actually go inside the water. An elephant camp of the forest department at Dubare is another tourist attraction and so is Nisargadhama, an island in Cauvery. For the religious, there is Talacauvery, the origin of Cauvery, with a Lord Brahma temple on the bank. For the adventurous, there are the Nagarhole National Park, and Brahmagiri, Talacauvery and Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuaries. You can hope to catch a glimpse of a tiger, gaur, dhole (wild dog), leopard or elephant that magnanimously let you pass through the privacy of their living space.

Ever wondered what we would do if a tiger or a guar or a dhole or a leopard enters the privacy of our home or our garden or our street or even our city?

But the Kodavas and the other ethnic groups and tribals of Coorg don’t mind them coming in to their plantations and passing by their villages.

They know better than us that the mountains and fields belong as much to a lonely elephant or a pack of dholes. If I were to settle in the coffee country, it won’t be only for the lush landscape or healthy sex ratio or rich culture; it will be for the forgotten pleasures of experiencing synergy with nature.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Todays Pages> Features> Metroplus / by Arefa Tehsin / May 18th, 2016

From Coorg to cup: Tata Starbucks turns the lens on Indian coffee origins

Coffee News, Coffee, Kodagu (Coorg), , , , , , , , ,

“Trace the Cup” new film-led series follows the journey from estate to cup, spotlighting sourcing and flavour.

Tata Starbucks is turning the focus to India’s coffee-growing regions with a new film centred on its first estate-specific single-origin offerings.

Sourced from the Nullore, Margolly, and Karadibetta estates in Coorg, Karnataka, the launch marks the brand’s first move into estate-exclusive coffees in India. The initiative puts a spotlight on how factors like origin, altitude, and farming practices influence flavour — elements often discussed in global coffee conversations but less visible to everyday consumers in India.

As part of this, the brand has introduced “Trace the Cup”, a content series that follows the journey of coffee from estate to cup. The idea is to make the sourcing and production process more transparent, while building awareness around Indian coffee and the people behind it.

“Indian single-origin coffees have a distinct identity shaped by their origin and more than that, the people who grow them. ‘Trace the Cup’ helps us bring that story to the forefront, allowing customers to better understand where their coffee comes from, what makes each origin unique and how it all contributes to the signature Starbucks experience, in our stores,” said Mitali Maheshwari, Head of Product & Marketing, Tata Starbucks.

source: http://www.afaqs.com / afaqs! / Home> Advertisins> News / by afaqs! news bureau / April 02nd, 2026

India International Coffee Festival plans larger and more global edition for 2027

Amazing Feats, Barista Championship (wef. July 28th, 2022), Business & Economy, Coffee Board, India (wef. Nov 17, 2021), Coffee News, Coffee, Kodagu (Coorg), Coffee, Retail-India (wef. Jan 25th, 2025), Leaders, Records, All, World Opinion, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

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

India’s GI Coffees At AI Summit 2026: Monsooned Malabar To Coorg Arabica

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

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

Coffee Board eyes crossing $1.8 billion export target

Amazing Feats, Business & Economy, Coffee Board, India (wef. Nov 17, 2021), Coffee News, Coffee, Kodagu (Coorg)

Coffee Board of India CEO and Secretary M Kurma Rao on Monday said coffee exports for the year 2024-25 stood at $1.8billion.

Till February 1, 2026, coffee exports for 2025-26 were at $1.72billion.(File Photo)

Bengaluru :

The Coffee Board is leaving no stone unturned in tapping the domestic and international sector to make profits, and is looking to cross last fiscal’s export target and change market trends.

Coffee Board of India CEO and Secretary M Kurma Rao on Monday said coffee exports for the year 2024-25 stood at $1.8billion. Till February 1, 2026, exports for 2025-26 were at $1.72billion. “We are expecting to cross last year’s export figure. This will be achieved in the last few days, before end of March 2026,” he said.

Board data showed exports from January-December 2025 at $2billion. Coffee production for the year 2024-25 was 3.63 lakh tonnes. Of the total coffee produced, 70 per cent is exported and 30 per cent is for domestic consumption. A slow rise in domestic consumption is being noted. Data also showed Bengaluru gradually becoming the coffee capital of India and Asia.

Rao said all efforts are being made to increase export, production, productivity and coffee quality. Different strategies are being adopted, including water augmentation, special irrigation schemes and replacement and consolidation plantation. He was speaking to the media after announcing the second edition of the three-day India International Coffee Festival (IICF) from February 12 in Bengaluru.

Rao said Indian coffee is gaining recognition for its quality and diversity. The event will provide a platform to showcase the importance of Indian coffee and help build connections with producers, markets and encourage best practices.

“Our USP is two-tier shade grown coffee and crop diversification. We have ecologically sustainable models. Last December, two new Arabica coffee varieties were launched — Suraksha and Shatabdi. They are pest-resilient and high-yielding varieties. This brings the total to 18 Indian coffee varieties. We are also working on creating a unique coffee gene pool by getting species and varieties from across the globe. We are also working with Indian embassies and diaspora to increase our reach,” Rao said.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Karnataka / by Express News Service / February 10th, 2026


India International Coffee Festival: Bengaluru

Business & Economy, Coffee Board, India (wef. Nov 17, 2021), Coffee News, Coffee, Kodagu (Coorg), Coffee, Retail-India (wef. Jan 25th, 2025), Records, All, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

India International Coffee Festival 2026 in Bengaluru from Feb 12. Showcasing India”s coffee ecosystem, quality, and diversity.

pix

Bengaluru, (PTI) :

The India International Coffee Festival beginning from February 12 is expected to attract over 20,000 visitors, officials said on Monday.

The three-day festival will be held at Chamara Vajra, Jayamahal here with the support of the Specialty Coffee Association of India (SCAI), Coffee Board of India and presented by NESCAFA, Nestle India, they said.

The festival brings together the entire spectrum of India’s coffee ecosystem on a single platform, officials said.

Addressing a press conference here, Kurma Rao M, CEO and Secretary, Coffee Board of India termed the India International Coffee Festival (IICF) as the country’s only dedicated coffee festival.

He said IICF 2026 will convene coffee growers, processors, exporters, roasters, equipment manufacturers, cafe brands, baristas, and consumers.

Positioned as an industry-led forum, the festival focuses on collaboration, knowledge exchange, innovation, and market access at a time when India’s coffee sector is transitioning towards quality-led growth, he added.

“Indian coffee is gaining recognition for its quality and diversity. Platforms such as IICF play an important role in connecting producers with markets, encouraging best practices, and supporting the long-term growth of both domestic consumption and exports,” Rao told reporters here.

IICF organiser and SCAI president Hamsini Appadurai said, “India’s coffee sector is steadily moving from a commodity-led approach to a quality and experience-driven market.”

“This edition of IICF reflects that shift with greater scale, deeper business engagement, and a strong focus on showcasing the diversity and potential of Indian coffee across domestic and global markets,” she said.

According to a statement, the festival, which is structured around a farm-to-cup framework, offers insights into production, processing, roasting, and brewing through curated tastings, workshops, and cupping sessions.

These experiences highlight regional coffee profiles, processing techniques, and flavour development, encouraging informed consumption and a deeper appreciation for quality and traceability, it said.

The 2026 edition will also host the National Coffee Championships, where winners from regional rounds will earn the opportunity to represent India at international competitions, reinforcing India’s presence on the global coffee stage, Rao said.

Source: PTI    By Rediff Money Desk, Bengaluru

DISCLAIMER – This article is from a syndicated feed. The original source is responsible for accuracy, views & content ownership. Views expressed may not reflect those of rediff.com India Limited.

source: http://www.money.rediff.com / rediff / Home> Market News / by Rediff Money Desk, Bengaluru / by PTI / February 09th, 2026

Here’s Why You Should Take A Nature Trail Through The Spectacular Coffee Plantations Of Coorg

Coffee News, Coffee, Kodagu (Coorg), Historical Links / Pre-Independence, Records, All, Travel, Tourism & Homestays (wef. Oct 03rd, 2021), World Opinion, , , ,

Let me get my coffee first.

My love affair with coffee started during the lockdown; trying new flavours and textures became an escape for me in those tough times, which has now developed into a regular morning comforting ritual with my coworkers. As I sit here penning down a love story to coffee, my colleagues can spot me sipping on a big tumbler of iced coffee. I had the chance to experience a rich story of coffee-making firsthand, one that had me appreciating this beverage even more. A 6-hour drive from Bengaluru brought me to the Tata Consumer’s plantation on the beautiful slopes of Coorg, which gave me an opportunity to discover and learn all about coffee beans.

Coorg is more than a famous hill station; it is also India’s coffee-growing region. For a coffee-lover like me, this trip became a one-of-a-kind core memory. With tiny droplets of rain and stunning natural visuals, I was transported to a rain-soaked fantasy with the fragrant rustling from the coffee plants. Here I saw the labour and commitment that go into each cup. I was lulled into feeling of calmness, one of nature’s offerings that’s impossible to replicate. Strolling down the road that goes through the plantation with miles of trees and coffee plantations in either direction, I was drawn into the story of coffee. The coffee plants are laden with a green and maroon coloured beans which hang thickly from the branches.

The plantation slopes are renowned for their Arabica and Robusta brews and are surrounded by several lakes, verdant hills, and a diverse range of flora and animals. November is considered to be the best time to pick up the berries and witness the harvest. But when a coffee enthusiast like me is roaming around so much coffee, you can’t help but crave the brown beverage. So, while explaining the foundation and motives of their campaigns and crop, the brand served to cure our coffee craving with steaming hot sips of their best-selling filter kaapis.

A 150-Year-Old Legacy

You might wonder what makes Tata Consumer Products different from its competitors. Tata’s association with the beverage dates back more than 150 years when some tenacious planters from the then-state of Mysore in South India planted the first seeds of the estates and brought coffee to the Coorg Hills. These are some of world’s best coffees, produced by the land and most importantly the local people living there.

source: http://www.elle.in / Elle / Home> Food / by Ekta Sinha / October 09th, 2023

Coffee harvest slows down in Chikkamagaluru, Kodagu, as migrant workers from Bengal leave for SIR

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

Coffee picking across parts of Chikkamagaluru and Kodagu has slowed down during the peak harvest season after a large section of migrant labourers returned to West Bengal for the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) verification exercise. The sudden labour shortage has pushed up wage demands from the remaining workers, leaving planters caught between the risk of crop damage if harvesting is delayed and the burden of higher labour costs.

The period between November and March is the peak harvesting season for Robusta coffee, when labour requirement is at its highest and timing is critical, N. Bose Mandanna, former Vice-Chairman, Coffee Board of India, said. He added that coffee cherries have to be picked at the right stage of ripeness, but the process has become a hurdle as many migrant workers have returned to their native districts for over 10 days for the verification process.

Delays threaten quality, yield

If harvesting is delayed, the cherries either over-ripen or dry and fall to the ground, where they get damaged and cannot be used, leading to losses. “The quality goes out immediately if fruit is not picked on time,” he said, adding that when the fruit is harvested at the correct time, the pulp extracted during processing is of the best quality, which gets farmers higher prices, and that any delay directly affects the quantity harvested and the quality of coffee produced. 

Untimely rains

Adding to the disruption caused by workers leaving for the SIR verification, Abhishiek Ponnappa, a planter and representative of Kodava Coffee Growers, said untimely rainfall in parts of Karnataka and Kerala this January have created a double whammy for the farmers. The rains prevented coffee plants from drying properly, while continuing harvesting under wet conditions risks damaging the plants and affecting the next year’s crop. 

Usually, migrant workers return to their home states either before the coffee harvest begins or after it ends in March. This time, however, labour shortage was a challenge throughout January due to SIR verification, as workers began receiving notifications and left within extreme short notice, Harish Maharishi, who owns a plantation in Mudigere, Chikkamagaluru said.   

Local workers tied to tourism

In Chikkamagaluru and Kodagu, local workers are largely unavailable in plantation areas, as the growth of tourism has absorbed much of the local workforce, leaving coffee estates heavily dependent on migrant labour, planters said.  

Producing one tonne of Robusta green coffee beans requires about 4,500–4,700 kg of coffee fruit. In Indian conditions, an average acre of Robusta yields around 600–700 kg of fruit. At the usual harvesting rate of ₹5 per kg, and assuming a picker harvests about 200 kg a day, it would take roughly 15–17 labourers to harvest one acre of a Robusta plantation, Mr. Mandana explained.  

Rising wages

Another concern during large-scale labour shortages is a sharp increase in wage demands, planters said. 

Under regular conditions, Robusta pickers are paid ₹4–₹5 per kg because the variety allows large volumes to be harvested in a day. The coffee picked by each worker is weighed, and wages are calculated accordingly. An average worker, Mr. Mandana explained, earns ₹476.11 a day, but those who pluck 200–250 kg can earn ₹800–₹1,200 in a single day. When labour becomes scarce, workers, as planters said they are witnessing now, demand higher rates of ₹7–₹8 per kg, which sharply increases the cultivation cost, leading to a difference of at least ₹600 per worker per day for the same quantity of coffee picked.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Karnataka / by Rishita Khanna / January 31st, 2026

This instant coffee is crafted from India’s finest Coorg and Chikmagalur beans

Business & Economy, Coffee News, Coffee, Kodagu (Coorg), Coffee, Retail-India (wef. Jan 25th, 2025)

A new indulgent coffee experience crafted by Vintage Coffee for modern Indian consumers.

Vintage Coffee and Beverages is set to elevate daily coffee rituals with the launch of VINCOFE™ Instant Coffee Pure, a premium, 100% pure instant coffee designed for consumers who savour richness, aroma and a smooth, refined taste in every cup.

Building on Vintage Coffee’s growing legacy

After the warm reception of Vintage Coffee Café in Nerul, Navi Mumbai, and the success of its Roast & Ground offerings online, the brand now steps into the instant coffee category with a product that blends global sophistication with Indian flavour sensibilities.

Crafted from India’s finest coffee estates

Celebrating India’s renowned coffee-growing regions — Coorg, Chikmagalur and Hassan — VINCOFE™ Instant Coffee Pure is crafted from shade-grown beans, handpicked with care. Artisan roasting, precise extraction and modern agglomeration at VCBL’s advanced facility near Hyderabad ensure purity, consistency and a superior sensory experience.

A cup designed for modern lifestyles

Rich aroma, smooth texture and balanced flavour come together to create a premium coffee moment, whether at home, at work or on the go.

“As India’s coffee culture evolves, we are proud to introduce a blend loved in global markets,” said Balakrishna Tati , Chairman & Managing Director, VCBL. “VINCOFE™ Instant Coffee Pure is crafted for everyday indulgence — rich, smooth and perfect for modern lifestyles.”

source: http://www.hotelierindia.com / Hotelier India / Home> F & B / December 07th, 2025