In a significant development for the Indian coffee sector, the Coffee Board of India organised a buyer-seller meet at Dubai, marking a new chapter in the industry’s global expansion. The event, held on the sidelines of Gulfood 2024, was jointly organised by the Indian Embassy in UAE and the Coffee Board of India.
Speaking on the Occasion, Indian Ambassador to the UAE, Sunjay Sudhir, highlighted Dubai’s strategic role as a global trade hub, and the upcoming Bharat Mart at Jebel Ali free zone as enablers for India’s global coffee ambitions.
He also emphasized Dubai’s unique position as a logistical powerhouse, boasting a busy port and efficient airport, offering an ideal platform for Indian coffee producers to showcase their diverse blends directly to international buyers and establish lasting brands.
The meet featured a presentation by KG Jagadeesha, CEO of the Coffee Board of India, who provided a comprehensive overview of the country’s coffee industry. He highlighted the vast coffee plantations spanning over half a million hectares, supporting millions of farming families, and the impressive production and export rates that surpass domestic consumption. Jagadeesh emphasized India’s significant contribution to the international coffee market, particularly as a leading exporter of instant coffee.
India’s coffee industry, with its balanced production of Arabica and Robusta beans, has witnessed remarkable growth since the establishment of the Coffee Board in 1950. Notably, 35% of the country’s coffee exports now comprise value-added and specialty coffees, showcasing a shift towards premium offerings.
India’s coffee is unique in the sense that its shade-grown and the Robusta variety is treated at par with Arabica in the western market. This event not only celebrated the distinct flavors and rich heritage of Indian coffee but also marked a strategic move to leverage Dubai’s logistical strengths.
By Vinod Kumar, Dubai