According to a new report published by Pristine Intelligence, titled, “India Coffee Market by Forms, Source, Speciality Coffee, Process, Flavors, Distribution Channel, End-Users: Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2022–2030,” the India Coffee market size was valued at $524.87 million in 2023, and is projected to reach $966.90 million by 2030, registering a CAGR of 9.12% from 2023 to 2030. The India Coffee market flourishes due to its cultivation of Arabica and Robusta beans in the southern states of Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu, bolstered by favorable geography and climate. Increasing consumption, driven by urban coffee culture and a preference for specialty brews, has spurred demand for high-quality coffee and led to the rise of specialty roasters and cafes, challenging tea's historical dominance.   

India's coffee industry relies on exports, leveraging its distinct flavor profiles to maintain a strong presence globally, particularly in Europe, the United States, and the Middle East. Government support through financial aid, infrastructure development, and research initiatives further strengthens India's position in the global coffee market, contributing significantly to agricultural and economic progress despite ongoing challenges.  

The success of India's coffee market on a global scale is propelled by an export-oriented strategy. Indian coffee's unique flavor profiles have garnered significant demand in key international markets such as Europe, the United States, and the Middle East. This approach has prompted Indian coffee producers to prioritize stringent quality standards and innovative processing methods, resulting in a reputation for excellence that enhances competitiveness worldwide. Moreover, the focus on exports has exposed Indian farmers and exporters to global trends, facilitating diversification of offerings and adaptation to dynamic industry demands. Through this strategy, the India Coffee market continues to grow and gain recognition globally, solidifying its position as a key player in the international coffee trade.

The increasing popularity of specialty coffee presents a substantial opportunity for India's coffee industry. With its diverse coffee-growing regions and distinct flavor profiles, India is well-positioned to cater to the growing demand for premium specialty coffee. To capitalize on this trend, Indian growers can prioritize sustainable and ethical cultivation practices to ensure traceability and quality assurance. Furthermore, investment in innovative processing techniques can accentuate the unique characteristics of Indian coffee, appealing to discerning consumers seeking an exceptional coffee experience. By fostering direct trade relationships with specialty coffee buyers and roasters, India can establish itself as a provider of high-quality specialty coffee both domestically and internationally, fostering a vibrant specialty coffee culture within the country.

India Coffee Market, Segmentation

The India Coffee market is segmented on the basis of by Forms, Source, Speciality Coffee, Process, Flavors, Distribution Channel, End-Users, and region.

By Forms:

In the Indian coffee market, the segment that dominates is likely to be ground coffee. Ground coffee is favored by a significant portion of consumers due to its convenience and ease of use. Unlike whole coffee beans that require grinding before brewing, ground coffee can be readily used in various brewing methods, such as filter coffee makers, French presses, and espresso machines. Ground coffee aligns well with the preferences of Indian consumers who often value convenience in their daily routines. With the increasing popularity of coffee consumption in urban areas and the rise of coffee culture, ground coffee has become a staple in many households and cafes across the country. While other forms such as instant coffee and coffee pods & capsules have gained traction in recent years, ground coffee remains a dominant choice among Indian consumers due to its versatility, accessibility, and familiarity in the market.

Source:

In the India coffee market, the segment dominated by Arabica beans holds a significant advantage over Robusta. Arabica beans are favored for their superior flavor profile, characterized by a smoother, more nuanced taste compared to Robusta. This preference aligns with the global trend towards specialty coffee, where consumers increasingly seek high-quality, premium brews. Additionally, Arabica beans command higher prices in the international market due to their perceived superior quality, providing a lucrative opportunity for Indian coffee producers. Furthermore, the cultivation of Arabica beans often requires higher elevations and specific climatic conditions, which are well-suited to the geography of regions like Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu in southern India. Consequently, Arabica beans not only dominate the India coffee market but also play a pivotal role in positioning Indian coffee as a premium offering in the global market.

Region:

Karnataka stands as the powerhouse of the Indian coffee market, reigning supreme as the largest producer in the country. Its dominance is rooted in the lush hilly landscapes of Chikmagalur, Coorg (Kodagu), and Hassan, which provide optimal conditions for coffee cultivation. Here, both Arabica and Robusta varieties thrive, offering a rich diversity that caters to varied consumer preferences. Arabica finds its niche in higher altitudes, while Robusta flourishes in the lower elevations, showcasing Karnataka's ability to accommodate a wide spectrum of coffee beans. This diversity not only enriches the market with a plethora of flavors but also solidifies Karnataka's pivotal role in shaping India's coffee industry. Beyond the domestic market, Karnataka's prominence elevates India's stature in the global coffee arena, underscoring its significance as a key player in the worldwide coffee trade. Karnataka's status as the leading coffee producer underscores its vital contribution to the nation's coffee sector, reinforcing its reputation as a premier coffee-growing region on a global scale.

Some of the leading India Coffee market players are

• Tata Coffee Limited (India)
• Coffee Day Global Limited (Cafe Coffee Day) (India)
• Tata Starbucks Pvt. Ltd. (USA)
• Nestle India Limited (Switzerland)
• Hindustan Unilever Limited (Bru Coffee) (United Kingdom)
• Coca-Cola India (Georgia Coffee) (USA)
• Leo Coffee (India)
• Naras u’s Coffee Company (India)
• Cothas Coffee (India)
• AVT Coffee (India)
• Fresh & Honest Coffee (India)
• CCL Products India Limited (India)
• Continental Coffee Limited (India)
• Araku Coffee (India)
• Kodaikanal Hilltop Coffee (India)
• Devans Coffee (India)
• Kaapi Royale Coffee (India)
• SLN Coffee (India)
• Coffee Lab India (India)
• Seven Beans Coffee Company (India)
• Flying Squirrel Coffee (India)
• Blue Tokai Coffee Roasters (India)
• The Indian Bean (India)
• The Coffee Co. India (India)
• Black Baza Coffee Co. (India) and Other Major Players

Key Industry Developments 

In June 2023, Barista Coffee Company is extending its retail presence by opening its inaugural café in Ahmedabad. Barista Coffee Company, a well-known name in India's café industry, is excited to announce the grand opening of its first café in Ahmedabad. This momentous occasion marks the establishment of Barista's 365th store, cementing its position as a major player in the country's thriving coffee culture. Situated in the heart of Ahmedabad, the newly launched Barista café offers a unique experience for coffee enthusiasts.

In May 2022, Amazon introduced an exclusive collection of premium caffeine products in collaboration with the Coffee Board of India. This exciting partnership aims to offer a diverse range of high-quality coffee items to customers, showcasing the rich and unique flavors of Indian coffee. In a significant move to support India's coffee industry and promote the 'vocal for local' vision, Amazon has teamed up with the Coffee Board of India, an entity under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. Amazon's online marketplace will offer premium coffees sourced from India's top coffee-producing regions, including Chikmagalur and Coorg in Karnataka, through its partnership with the Coffee Board of India.

Key Findings of the Study / Key Industry Developments. 

• The cultivation of Arabica and Robusta beans in southern states like Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu has contributed to the flourishing coffee industry, supported by favorable geography and climate.
• Increasing consumption driven by urban coffee culture and a preference for specialty brews has led to the rise of specialty roasters and cafes, challenging tea's historical dominance in India.
• Karnataka stands out as the powerhouse of the Indian coffee market, being the largest producer in the country, with diverse offerings catering to varied consumer preferences in both Arabica and Robusta varieties.