India’s ‘filter coffee’ has recently achieved the esteemed position of second place on the prestigious ‘Top 38 Coffees In The World’ list, as reported by TasteAtlas, a well-respected food and travel guide platform. The top spot was held by Cuban espresso, with South Indian coffee claiming the second spot, and other contenders such as Greek Freddo cappuccino, Italian Cappuccino, and Turkish Coffee rounding out the top 10.
According to Statista’s research, India’s coffee consumption between 2023 and 2024 reached over one million bags, each weighing 60 kg. Globally, over 167 million 60-kg bags were consumed during the same period, with the European Union and the United States being the largest consumers.
The production of coffee in India has been steadily increasing, with an estimated output of over 393 thousand metric tonnes in the fiscal year 2023. The states of Karnataka and Kerala contribute around 90% of the coffee production in India, followed by Tamil Nadu, which accounts for 5% of the total production. Robusta beans dominate the Indian coffee landscape, while Arabica coffee is known for its milder brews.
Araku coffee, a brand renowned for its specialty ‘single origin’ coffee, has been celebrated for its unique aromatic profile, combining sweetness, balance, and fruity notes, making it an exceptional pure Arabica coffee. The cultivation of Araku coffee by tribal communities in Andhra Pradesh’s Araku Valley has even garnered recognition from top UN leaders for its role in spurring agricultural, economic, and social change.
The influence of coffee chains such as Nescafe, Tata Starbucks, Pret A Manger, and Tim Hortons, as well as emerging Indian brands like Blue Tokai, Roastery, Bili Hu, and others, has transformed the coffee market in India. These brands are capitalizing on the versatility of coffee, offering everything from coffee concentrates to instant and premium versions.
Vending machine and café operator Roastea, for example, offers innovative blends like caramel, chocolate orange, and espresso. Co-founder Chaitanya Bhamidipaty states that the company aims to enhance the daily coffee experience by combining traditional methods with modern techniques. According to Apoorv Agarwal, founder of coffee concentrate brand The Simple Brew, the market is poised to expand with the introduction of specialty robusta cafes in tier 2 and tier 3 cities.
This coffee revolution in India is reshaping the country’s coffee culture and creating new opportunities for both established and emerging brands. As coffee consumption continues to rise, it is evident that the love for this beloved beverage shows no signs of slowing down.