Supply issues drive prices higher, shipment volumes drop marginally.
Thanks to the surging trend in global Robusta prices, India’s coffee exports for the financial year ending March 2024 touched a new high in value terms.
Despite a marginal decline in the volumes, shipments were at a new record. In fact, financial year 2023-24 was the third consecutive year during which Indian coffee shipments registered a new record.
In dollar terms, Indian coffee shipments registered an increase of 12.5 per cent to $1.26 billion over $1.12 billion in the 2022-23 fiscal. Similarly in the rupee terms, exports were up 16 per cent at ₹10,491 crore over ₹9,033 crore.
In quantity terms, the exports saw a marginal decline of 2.5 per cent at 3.88 lakh tonnes over 3.98 lakh tonnes in 2022-23.
Supply issues
The global robusta prices are at a three-decade high on supply issues in the top producing countries such as Vietnam and Brazil. This has worked to the advantage of the Indian coffee sector, where robusta is the most widely-produced variety. As a result of high robusta prices, the per unit realisation for Indian exporters went up by about a fifth to ₹2.7 lakh per tonne during 2023-24 compared with ₹2.26 lakh in the previous financial year.
“A combination of factors such as the good market prices for Indian coffee, supply side disruptions in Brazil and Vietnam have helped push up the exports” said K G Jagadeesha, Secretary and CEO, Coffee Board. “Our export quantity in the last three years has increased principally from instant coffee,” he said.
India exports over about two-thirds of the around 3.5 lakh tonnes of coffee produced in the country. It also imports cheaper robusta coffee to re-export them after value addition.
Ramesh Rajah, President, Coffee Exporters Association, said, most of the increase in export value during financial year 2023-24 has come from the robustas. The demand is good and the shipments during the last two quarters of the financial year have been better than the earlier quarters.
Farmgate prices
Farmgate prices of robustas in India have overtaken the arabicas in the recent weeks, tracking the global uptrend. Robusta parchment prices are ruling at ₹14,000-14,500 per 50 kg bag, while the robusta cherry, the widely-produced coffee variety in the country, is ruling at ₹8,500-8,950. Arabica cherry coffee is hovering around ₹8,000-8,300 per bag, while Arabica parchment is ruling at around ₹13,900-14,300.
In fact, Indian robusta parchment AB is commanding a premium of $700-750 a tonne over the London terminal prices, while the premiums for robusta cherry is hovering around $350-400 per tonne.
Italy, Germany, Russia and UAE are among the major destinations for the Indian coffees. For the crop year 2023-24 starting October, the Coffee Board, in its post-blossom estimates, has projected a crop size of 3.74 lakh tonnes over the previous year’s final estimates of 3.52 lakh tonnes.
source: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com / Business Line, The Hindu / Home> Economy> Agri Business / by Vishwanath Kulkarni / April 02nd, 2024
Anitha Nanda Appanervanda, a 61-year-old coffee farmer from Coorg, Karnataka, stands as a symbol of determination, sustainability, and empowerment. Over the course of her 22-year journey, Anitha has not only established a successful coffee farm but has also transformed the lives of hundreds of women in her community, fostering a culture of eco-friendly farming practices.
A passion for farming rooted in childhood
Born and raised in Bengaluru, Anitha’s passion for farming took root in her childhood. Every school vacation, she would visit her grandfather’s coffee estate in Coorg, a place that quickly became her second home. The vast expanse of coffee plants, the rich biodiversity, and the sense of peace found in the hills left an indelible mark on her young mind. “From those early days, I knew I wanted to return to the hills and be part of coffee farming,” she fondly recalls. This deep connection to the land paved the way for her lifelong dedication to sustainable agriculture.
Her dream started to take shape after she married Nanda Belliappa, a fellow coffee farmer from Coorg. Together, they took over the family-owned Surya Kiran Estate, where Anitha embarked on her mission to blend her passion for farming with eco-friendly practices.
Despite her enthusiasm, the road to success was not easy. In the early years, Anitha and her husband faced numerous challenges. Coffee farming requires patience, and the couple struggled to produce good harvests from their robusta coffee plants. “It took almost 10 years before we saw good yields,” she shares, highlighting the perseverance and dedication it took to build the farm.
Their breakthrough came when they adopted intercropping techniques, blending coffee cultivation with black pepper. This method not only boosted productivity but also contributed to a more sustainable farming system. Today, they cultivate 110 acres of robusta and 40 acres of arabica coffee, a testament to their hard work and commitment to innovation in farming.
Anitha’s approach to farming is deeply rooted in her desire to protect the environment. Situated in the biodiversity-rich region of Coorg, her coffee estate is more than just a farm – it is a sanctuary for wildlife. Her coffee plants grow under the protective canopy of rainforest trees, a practice known as shade-grown coffee farming. This method helps maintain the natural balance of the ecosystem, providing shelter for birds, insects, and other wildlife.
“We must protect this land from climate change and global warming,” she asserts, emphasising the role that sustainable practices play in preserving the environment for future generations. Anitha’s farm has been awarded Rainforest Alliance Certification, recognising her dedication to eco-friendly farming.
While she remains deeply connected to traditional farming methods, Anitha is not afraid to embrace modern technology when it benefits the farm. She uses machines for irrigation and weeding, which helps reduce labour and improve efficiency. However, the core of her farming philosophy remains grounded in traditional practices that have been passed down through generations.
Anitha’s success is not just about coffee. She has diversified her farm by growing black pepper and areca nuts, a strategy that has made her farm more resilient and sustainable. This diversification has allowed her to reduce dependency on a single crop and has opened up new streams of income for her family.
Empowering women and building a community
Anitha’s contributions go far beyond her own farm. As an active member of Biota Coffee FPC and the secretary of the Codagu Women’s Coffee Awareness Body (CWCAB), she has empowered around 400 women in her community. This group, which was founded in 2002 during a time when coffee prices were low, has provided women with the support they need to embrace eco-friendly farming practices and achieve fair prices for their crops.
For Anitha, farming is not just a livelihood – it’s a community effort. Through CWCAB, she has helped women coffee farmers promote sustainable farming and spread awareness about the benefits of coffee. Each year, on International Coffee Day, they celebrate by giving away free coffee to locals and tourists, a gesture that symbolises their pride in the hard work that goes into every cup.
Anitha’s dedication to sustainable farming has not gone unnoticed. In 2020, she received a Certificate of Appreciation from the Indian Institute of Spices Research (ICAR-IISR) for her pioneering work in intercropping black pepper with coffee. “It was a proud moment,” she recalls, noting that it validated the years of effort she had poured into her farm.
Despite her success, Anitha continues to innovate and learn. She has recently taken up beekeeping, recognising the crucial role bees play in pollination and the overall health of her farm. This new venture is another example of her commitment to maintaining a healthy, balanced ecosystem.
Coffee Farming: A source of Income and Sustainability
Sustainable farming has proven to be both environmentally and financially rewarding for Anitha. She cultivates robusta coffee, which has been particularly profitable in recent years. Producing around 19-20 bags per acre, she earns Rs. 10,000 per bag, while her arabica parchment fetches a higher price at Rs. 16,000 per bag. This strong financial return is a direct result of her commitment to eco-friendly practices.
While she does use some fertilisers, Anitha avoids harmful chemicals, focusing instead on maintaining native trees and enhancing soil health. Her approach blends the best of traditional and modern farming methods, ensuring that her land remains fertile and productive for generations to come.
A legacy of passion and purpose
Anitha Nanda’s journey from city life to becoming a successful coffee farmer in Coorg is a testament to her passion for the land and her determination to create a better future for her community. Through her sustainable farming practices, she has not only preserved Coorg’s rich biodiversity but has also empowered hundreds of women to take control of their livelihoods.
For Anitha, coffee is not just a crop – it’s a legacy, a connection to her roots, and a vision for a sustainable future. Her story is a powerful reminder that with hard work, care for the environment, and a strong community, anything is possible.
source: http://www.theorganicmagazine.com / The Organic Magazine / Home / by Tanishq Verma
The first-ever ‘Coffee Dasara’ launched at Gandhi Maidan as part of the recently held Madikeri Dasara was a ground-breaking initiative to elevate the coffee industry and engage the farming community. This event raised awareness about the transformative changes in coffee cultivation and the various facilities available to growers.
Conceptualised by Dr. Manthar Gowda, MLA from Madikeri Constituency, the two-day event on Oct. 7 and 8 featured a diverse array of coffee enterprises and 34 departmental stalls, all dedicated to equipping growers in the district with essential information and resources.
Numerous organisations also participated, setting up stalls to offer supplementary materials and insights related to various agricultural products, including coffee, thereby fostering a spirit of collaboration and innovation in the agricultural sector.
Inaugurating the Coffee Dasara, Agriculture Minister Cheluvarayaswamy affirmed the Government’s commitment to standing by farmers to ensure the comprehensive development of all agricultural activities, particularly coffee cultivation, which serves as the backbone of Kodagu’s economy.
He noted that coffee cultivation does not fall under the purview of the Agriculture Department or the State Government. In various regions of the State, paddy cultivation is widespread, supported by reservoirs. However, water availability often decreases as crops mature, leading to difficulties for farmers, he said.
“To tackle this issue, the State Government has decided to create farm ponds (krishi honda) in command areas, which will aid farmers during water shortage. The Government plans to grant permission for the construction of 250 farm ponds in Kodagu district,” he assured.
Escaping modernisation
As the chief guest, Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Dinesh Gundu Rao, stressed that no region can escape the wave of modernisation. He underscored the need for balanced development while maintaining cultural roots.
Emphasising the promotion of coffee cultivation and industry, he advocated for the establishment of local coffee brands and raising awareness about domestic coffee consumption.
Virajpet MLA Ajjikuttira S. Ponnanna praised the focus on coffee cultivation during the Madikeri Dasara celebrations, expressing hope that importance of coffee would continue to be emphasised in future Dasara festivals, spreading its significance throughout State.
MLA Dr. Manthar Gowda highlighted the numerous challenges faced by coffee growers and called for support, urging Ministers not to permit the conversion of paddy fields into non-agricultural land to preserve Kodagu’s agricultural heritage.
South Indian filter coffee
Coffee Board Chairman Dinesh Devabrinda announced a plan ‘from farm to market,’ aimed at doubling coffee production over the next decade while maintaining quality.
He noted that the Government of India recognises the significance of coffee and has allocated Rs. 307 crore to the Coffee Board for the development of the coffee industry. Of this, Rs. 19 crore will be provided to coffee growers in Kodagu through various assistance schemes.
Currently, the average coffee consumption per Indian is 30 cups. If this figure can be increased to at least 60 cups, internal coffee consumption could rise from 2,50,000 tonnes to 3,50,000 tonnes, significantly benefiting farmers.
He emphasised that South Indian filter coffee is among the best globally, and the Coffee Board is actively working on initiatives to promote this filter coffee on a worldwide scale.
Kodagu Deputy Commissioner Venkata Raja, Assistant Commissioner Vinayak Narwade, former MLC Veena Achaiah, Secretary of Karnataka Planters’ Association K. Rajiv Ganapathy, President of the Coorg Planters’ Association Nanda Belliappa, General Secretary of the Women’s Coffee Awareness Society Anita Nanda, Coffee Board Member Taluru Kishore Kumar, Coffee Board member, Kodagu Congress President Dharmaraj Uthappa, former President Vinod Shivappa, General Secretary of the Madikeri Dasara Committee B.Y. Rajesh Yellappa and others were present.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / October 16th, 2024
Aimed at coffee enthusiasts, industry professionals, and the general public, IICF will feature speciality coffee stalls, equipment showcases, workshops, competitions, and entertainment.
The Specialty Coffee Association of India (SCAI), in collaboration with the Coffee Board of India, is set to launch the India International Coffee Festival (IICF) in October 2024. Built on the success of the 2023 World Coffee Conference in Bengaluru, which attracted over 2,400 delegates and more than 20,000 visitors, IICF aims to offer an even larger celebration of coffee culture.
The festival will span three major cities, Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, with preliminary events scheduled for Delhi (October 4-6), Mumbai (October 11-13), and Bengaluru (October 28-30). The grand finale will take place in Bengaluru from December 13-15, where India’s national coffee champion will be chosen to represent the country on a global stage.
Aimed at coffee enthusiasts, industry professionals, and the general public, IICF will feature speciality coffee stalls, equipment showcases, workshops, competitions, and entertainment. The event will also include prestigious contests such as the National Barista Championship, the Brewers Cup Championship, and Coffee in Good Spirits, combining coffee and mixology.
SCAI President DM Purnesh expressed excitement, stating, “It gives us immense joy and satisfaction to bring the largest coffee festival to India. The country with an ever growing coffee drinking audience is a very important market for us and India does play a major role in shaping the future of coffee culture. We hope to see connoisseurs and stakeholders coming and spending three fruitful days in these three leading cities of India. Let the festival be a meeting ground of ideas and exchange of creative skills.”
source: http://www.bwhotelier.com / BW Hotelier / Home> F & B / by BW Online Bureau / October 07th, 2024
“Set amidst verdant green coffee plantations in Coorg, the film is an ode to every coffee farmer, the backbone of the coffee industry.”
NESCAFÉ Sunrise together with Dentsu Creative Webchutney has launched a campaign to celebrate coffee farmers and honor their dedication and tireless efforts in growing coffee.
The campaign, which features a film directed by George K Antoney and produced by Kadhai Films, pays tribute to the love and commitment with which these farmers work in their fields while also highlighting the association with Nestlé agronomists.
Nestlé India works closely with around 5,000 coffee farmers in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala through the NESCAFÉ Plan.
The NESCAFÉ Plan, introduced in India in 2012 aims at developing good agricultural practices, sustainable management of landscapes, and enhancing biodiversity in coffee farms. It blends the valuable traditional knowledge of coffee cultivation with modern scientific practices to aid the sustainable growth of coffee in the region.
“Behind every delightful cup of Nescafé, there are coffee farmers whose hard work and dedication contribute to the exceptional taste of our coffee,” said Sunayan Mitra, Director, Coffee and Beverages business, Nestlé India.
“On International Coffee Day, we paid tribute to these remarkable farmers by sharing their stories on our jars and through this beautiful campaign crafted with love by our teams at Nestlé and Dentsu Creative Webchutney. The coffee farmers are the backbone of our NESCAFÉ Plan. This campaign is a homage to their perseverance and dedication, and I hope that it will be appreciated by our consumers.”
“This campaign is centered on the hard work of coffee farmers and the collaborative work between Nestlé India and the coffee farmers,” added Vidya Sankar, Senior Vice President, Dentsu Creative Webchutney.
“It also shines the spotlight on the contributions made by coffee farmers to our society and how they impact the consumer’s experience while they enjoy a delicious cup of Nescafé Sunrise. Set amidst verdant green coffee plantations in Coorg, the film is an ode to every coffee farmer, the backbone of the coffee industry.
Spotlight: Dentsu Creative India
source: http://www.brandinginasia.com / Branding in Asia / Home / by Editorial Staff / October 04th, 2024
India International Coffee Festival (IICF), a multi-city largest coffee festival, supported by the Coffee Board of India. Building on the momentum of the 2023 World Coffee Conference (WCC) in Bengaluru, which drew over 2,400 delegates, 117 speakers, 208 exhibitors, and more than 20,000 visitors from 80 countries, IICF brings a mega-event to India, promising an even grander experience.
The event will be held across the three cities – Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru in October 2024. With preliminary events in Delhi (October 4 to 6 at Pacific Mall, Tagore Garden), Mumbai (October 11 to 13 at Phoenix Marketcity, Kurla), and Bengaluru (October 28 to 30 at Bengaluru International Centre, Domlur), the festival will culminate in Bengaluru (December 13 to 15), where the national coffee champion will be chosen to represent India on a global level.
Through tastings sessions, interactive workshops and a series of interesting sessions on the itinerary, the festival will enhance awareness and appreciation for specialty coffee among consumers, making it an essential highlight in the global coffee calendar.
The India International Coffee Festival aims to foster a deeper understanding of coffee culture and its significance within the global landscape, making the three-days in each city an event filled with fun, learning and entertainment.
The festival is designed to cater to a broad audience, from industry professionals that include growers, roasters, exporters, traders, cafe chain owners, and retailers to coffee connoisseurs and the general public, offering an immersive experience that showcases the diversity and richness of coffee culture in India. Attendees can look forward to stalls offering a wide range of specialty coffee, equipment, and accessories, alongside workshops, competitions and entertaining activities that promise an engaging and unforgettable celebration of coffee. These multi-city mega events will put India on the spotlight and as a coffee hub which has a major role to play in the global coffee eco-space.
D M Purnesh, president, Speciality Coffee Association of India (SCAI), said, “The country with an ever-growing coffee drinking audience is a very important market for us and India does play a major role in shaping the future of coffee culture. We hope to see connoisseurs and stakeholders coming and spending three fruitful days in these three leading cities of India. Let the festival be a meeting ground of ideas and exchange of creative skills.”
The event across three locations is set to brew a series of exciting events with three competitions that showcase the ultimate fusion of artistry, skill, and passion in the coffee industry. While the National Barista Championship which is celebrating the Art of Coffee is a premier event aimed at highlighting the skills, creativity, and passion of baristas across the country, the Brewers Cup Championship, a Celebration of Coffee Brewing Excellence is a distinguished event spotlights the artistry and precision of coffee brewing.
Designed for coffee professionals and enthusiasts alike, this championship celebrates the diverse methods of brewing coffee. Meanwhile another prestigious competition – Coffee in Good Spirits – Where Coffee Meets Mixology is an exciting platform that helps in showcasing the artistry of baristas and bartenders alike. This unique competition will celebrate the creative possibilities of combining high-quality coffee with premium spirits.
Sreeram G, co-founder, Maverick & Farmer, said, “The coffee culture across the globe has seen an unprecedented growth in recent times. Festivals like this are great platforms to get the coffee community together and aim towards a joint endeavour of exploration and innovation.”
Hamsini Appadurai, owner, Sangameshwar Coffee Estates, said, “The coffee industry is going through a revolutionary phase with new trends and amazing innovations. The festival is the perfect platform to get industry leaders and stakeholders together and give them an opportunity for knowledge sharing.”
Tapaswini Purnesh, owner, Harley Estate, said, “Being in three different cities also helps in spreading awareness on the latest coffee trends.”
source: http://www.fnbnews.com / FnBnews.com / Home> Top News / October 05th, 2024
From Odisha to Karnataka, these coffee producing regions in the country are a must visit!
In Frame: Coffee Beans
As we celebrate International Coffee Day today, it goes without saying how coffee has become an important aspect of our lives. Currently, in India, we are witnessing a rising trend of more people experimenting with coffee. This does not come as a surprise as we have ample plantations across the country that specialise in coffee. Therefore, we bring you three such spots in the country where you can experience this concoction at its best!
Madhu Agro Plantation
Madhu Agro Plantation is a relatively new plantation located in the tribal region of Koraput district, Odisha and the mountainous landscape of the Eastern Ghats. The Madhu Agro Plantation grows both commodity and specialty coffee, however at the moment, they prioritise the sustainability of the environment while concentrating on their specialty coffees. On the farm, vermicomposting is an essential component of the farming cycle, and all of the coffee is produced under shade. By doing this, they keep the soil moist and help preserve its integrity without using additional water or chemical fertilizers. In addition, the farm features two artificial ponds designed to hold rainfall during the summer.
Elkhill Estates
This group of eight coffee estates is situated in the Kodagu (Coorg) district in Karnataka. Historically, Coorg is considered one of India’s best coffee-growing regions, with the British introducing the crop in 1854. Situated in the core Robusta growing zone in the Coorg district, the eight estates at Elkhill, spread across 1,008 hectares, produce 750 tonnes of high-quality coffees, including specialty coffees, exporting over 50% of their production to the UK, Germany, Switzerland and Italy.
Shevaroy Hills
Located in Yercaud, Tamil Nadu, with an impressive elevation of 1500 metres above sea level and the temperature usually ranging between 15 to 25 degrees celsius, it has the apt climate required to produce high-quality Arabica beans. The locals here are very experienced in cultivating the best coffee that is sure to impress national and international buyers who are interested in securing high-quality beans.
Email: alwin@newindianexpress.com / X: @al_ben_so
source: http://www.indulgexpress.com / Indulge Express., The New Indian Express / Home> Travel / by Alwin Benjamin Soji / October 01st, 2024
The company aims to expand to 35 stores across the country by the second quarter of next fiscal year.
First Coffee raised USD 1.2 million in a seed funding round led by Beenext. The round also saw participation from other leading investors such as Ashish Gupta (Helion Venture Partners), AngelList India, Ritesh Malik (Founder, Innov8), Sahil Malik (Founder, Da Milano), Chandini Purnesh (Owner, Harley Coffee Estate), Aman Arora (Co-Founder, Board – Keventers), Agastya Dalmia (Director, Keventers), Aman Bahel (Apex Group), Nakul Dev Chawla (Art Mumbai) and Shriram Nene.
The youth-oriented brand will deploy the funds to drive the company’s expansion and bring its premium speciality coffee experience to more locations across the country, as per a press release. First Coffee aims to expand its store presence in key urban areas across New Delhi and national capital region (NCR) and tier 1 cities in north India. First Coffee will focus mainly on small format quick service restaurant (QSR) outlets in high-footfall areas such as malls, corporate parks, high streets and metros.
The company is set to open 35 stores across the country by the second quarter of next fiscal year. The funds raised will also be used for hiring and amplifying marketing efforts.
“First Coffee is uniquely placed where they are not just selling a product but rather a coffee experience, blending tech, sustainability and coffee. Under the abled leadership of Sohrab and Shiv, industry veterans in the space of quick service restaurants, the brand is creating a new standard in India’s speciality coffee market,” commented Anirudh Garg, Partner at Beenext, on First Coffee and its offerings.
To enhance customer experience and streamline operations, First Coffee, founded by Sohrab Sitaram and Shiv Dhawan in 2024, claimed to integrate experiential big data with analysis powered by artificial intelligence, creating a technology-driven retail model. Using shade-grown coffee and eco-friendly methods like man-made lakes for irrigation and traditional insect traps, First Coffee ensured that its coffee is sustainably sourced while providing premium quality.
Shiv Dhawan, Co-founder of First Coffee, Spoke on the brand’s distinct positioning, “We are the first brand to bring true speciality coffee scoring 91 per cent on the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) scale to the Indian market. At First Coffee, we’re not just serving coffee; we’re crafting a unique, premium experience while still catering to the fast-paced lifestyle of our customers. We’re committed to delivering exceptional coffee at a competitive price point, making world-class coffee accessible to everyone.”
source: http://www.bwdisrupt.com / BW Disrupt / Home> Invest News / by BW Online Bureau / September 26th, 2024
Want to live longer? Here’s how coffee could help you beat the odds as the ultimate wellness drink.
Is coffee the new superfood? 6 health benefits you didn’t know about (File Photo)
Coffee has become an integral part of the daily routine for many people around the world, including in India, where its consumption is steadily rising. While coffee is often associated with providing an energy boost, it is also enriched with several health benefits.
In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Neleema Rana George, Head – Coffee Works and Technology at Kelachandra Coffee, delved into these aspects while also focusing on coffee consumption trends, both domestic and global, an overview of the Indian specialty coffee industry and the ever-growing café culture.
The Global Coffee Landscape
The world consumes approximately 10 billion kilograms of coffee, every year, according to the International Coffee Organization (ICO). Coffee is the second most valuable primary commodities next to petroleum across the globe. That is a daily average of 2.25 billion cups and about 815 billion cups per year. Europe leads the race, accounting for nearly 30% of the world’s coffee intake, with Finland being the highest per capita consumer. North America, particularly the United States, also ranks high, with Americans drinking over 400 million cups of coffee daily. Asia, especially India, is also witnessing the growing interest towards coffee, driven by urbanization, lifestyle changes, and the growth of café culture. Beauty is that we are growing coffee under shade and is growing in Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats, known for its biodiversity which will capture all the volatiles (kairomones) from the shade trees and providing a mesmerizing mouth feel.
Coffee in bed(Shutterstock)
Coffee as an Experience: The Rise of Coffee Drinkers and Café Culture
India, traditionally a tea-drinking nation, has shown a notable shift towards coffee consumption over the past two decades. The Coffee Board of India reports that domestic coffee consumption has been growing steadily at 5-6% annually, driven by the youth demographic and the rise of café culture. India is one of the leading coffee producers, with the southern states of Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andra Pradesh and extended to North-Eastern region contributing about 3-4% of the global coffee output.
The coffee and café culture pioneered by the Indian Coffee House was modernized by Café Coffee Day. This trend of offering coffee as a social experience was further capitalized on by Starbucks, Barista, and the subsequent chain of cafés. This coffee culture is estimated to be worth over INR 3,000 crore (approximately USD 400 million) in 2023 and is expected to grow significantly as urban millennials embrace the trend. For them, coffee is not just a beverage; it is now considered a source of health benefits as well.
Health Benefits of Coffee: Backed by Science
Coffee is considered more than just a beverage; it’s a powerhouse of antioxidants, stimulate your brain and nutrients that can positively impact your health. Coffee is a complex mixture of chemicals that provides significant amounts of chlorogenic acid and caffeine. Here are six science-backed health benefits of coffee, relevant to both global and Indian consumers:
1. Lowered Risk of All-Cause Mortality
A study published in the British Medical Journal found that coffee drinkers were less likely to die from any cause compared to non-drinkers. This can be attributed to the high levels of antioxidants in coffee that help combat oxidative stress.
2. Positive Effects in Improving Cardiovascular Health
Coffee is a rich source of antioxidants, surpassing even green tea in its antioxidant content. These compounds help combat oxidative stress, potentially reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer. Research published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology shows that drinking two to three cups of coffee daily is linked to a lower risk of coronary heart disease, which is particularly relevant in India due to its high prevalence of cardiovascular conditions. Additionally, coffee consumption has been associated with a reduced risk of various cancers, including prostate and endometrial cancer and may help mitigate neurological, metabolic, and liver conditions.
3. Minimised Challenges of Type 2 Diabetes
Drinking coffee, whether caffeinated or decaffeinated, is linked to a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes, a growing health concern in India. Several studies suggest that coffee drinkers experience a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes, with a meta-analysis published in the Archives of Internal Medicine indicating that each daily cup of coffee is associated with a 7% reduction in risk.
4. Protective Effects on Liver Health
Coffee has been shown to have significant protective effects on the liver, with research indicating a lower risk of liver diseases such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. A study published in the Journal of Hepatology found that drinking four cups of coffee per day could reduce the risk of liver cirrhosis by up to 80%. Given the rising incidence of liver-related disorders in India, this benefit is particularly noteworthy.
5. Reduced Risk of Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s Disease and Depression
Regular coffee consumption has been associated with a reduced risk of neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson’s disease, depression, and cognitive disorders such as Alzheimer’s. This is particularly relevant in India, where the elderly population is rapidly growing. A study published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease found that coffee drinkers had up to a 65% lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s.
6. Improved Cognitive Function:
Caffeine, the primary active ingredient in coffee, is known to enhance brain function. It blocks the inhibitory neurotransmitter adenosine, leading to increased levels of other neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine. This results in improved mood, memory, and cognitive performance.
Use sugar-free pellets to sweeten your coffee. (Shutterstock)
The Right Quantity and Way of Drinking Coffee
While coffee offers numerous health benefits, consuming it in the right quantity and manner is crucial. For most healthy adults, up to 400 milligrams of caffeine per day—equivalent to about four 8-ounce cups of coffee—is considered safe. Here are some tips to maximize the benefits of coffee:
Time of Day: It’s best to consume coffee in the morning or early afternoon to avoid disrupting sleep.
Avoid Excessive Additives: To keep your coffee healthy, limit the use of sugar, flavored syrups, and high-fat dairy. Opt for black coffee or add a small amount of milk or plant-based alternatives.
Stay Hydrated: Since coffee is a mild diuretic, it’s essential to balance it with adequate water intake throughout the day.
Moderation and Balance: While coffee offers several health benefits, it should be part of a balanced diet. Pairing coffee with nutrient-rich foods and maintaining a healthy lifestyle are key to enjoying its benefits.
Singer Taylor Swift’s preferred coffee is a grande non-fat caramel latte(File Photo)
Neleema Rana George emphasised, “Coffee, when enjoyed in moderation, offers a range of health benefits that go beyond its well-known role as an energy booster. From its potential to reduce the risk of chronic diseases to its positive effects on cognitive function and mood, coffee stands out as a valuable component of a balanced diet. As its consumption grows, particularly in rapidly urbanizing regions like India, understanding how to maximize its benefits becomes increasingly important.”
She concluded, “Embracing coffee as part of a mindful and health-conscious lifestyle can enhance your well-being, offering both pleasure and positive health outcomes. By opting for quality coffee and enjoying it in moderation, you not only indulge in a beloved daily ritual but also support sustainable practices and contribute to a growing coffee culture. So, the next time you savor a cup of coffee, appreciate it not just for its taste but also for its potential to positively impact your health, hence consume with feel.”
source: http://www.hindustantimes.com / Hindustan Times / Home / by Zarafshan Shiraz, New Delhi / September 22nd, 2024
The cost of unroasted coffee beans has hit a ‘historically high level,’ says analyst Judy Ganes.
Countries like Colombia, Ethiopia, and Uganda have stepped up their coffee production. (Wikimedia Commons photo)
Coffee prices are rising around the world, and a surprising factor behind it is the world’s smelliest fruit – the durian. In cities like London and New York, the price of a cup of coffee could soon reach £5 or $7.
The cost of unroasted coffee beans has hit a “historically high level,” said analyst Judy Ganes. This price increase is caused by a combination of crop failures, market problems, and low supplies.
In 2021, a frost in Brazil, the largest producer of Arabica beans, ruined coffee crops. To fill the gap, buyers turned to Vietnam, which produces Robusta beans, often used in instant coffee. But Vietnam experienced its worst drought in nearly 10 years, hurting coffee production even more.
On top of this, many farmers in Vietnam have started switching from growing coffee to planting durian, a fruit that’s very popular in China. The durian is so profitable that some farmers earn five times more from it than coffee. As a result, coffee exports from Vietnam dropped by 50% in June 2024.
Many farmers in Vietnam have started switching from growing coffee to planting a fruit called Durian. (Wikimedia Commons photo)
Countries like Colombia, Ethiopia, and Uganda have stepped up their coffee production, but they haven’t been able to fully make up for the shortage. This has caused the price of both Arabica and Robusta beans to reach near-record levels.
Paul Armstrong, who runs a coffee roasting business, warns that UK coffee drinkers might soon be paying over £5 for a cup. He says rising coffee prices are due to a “perfect storm” of issues affecting the coffee supply chain.
The upcoming coffee crop in Brazil is important for stabilizing prices. However, experts worry that long-term climate change could reduce coffee-growing areas by 50% by 2050, leading to even higher prices in the future.
To help, some suggest adding a small tax to support more sustainable farming practices.
(With inputs from BBC)
source: http://www.indianexpress.com / The Indian Expres / Home / by Express Web Desk / September 16th, 2024
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