India’s Coffee Exports Surge to Record High in FY24

India’s coffee exports have reached a remarkable milestone, achieving a record $1.14 billion between April and November of FY24, marking a 29% increase from the same period last year. The growth has been fueled by rising global demand for Robusta coffee and supply chain challenges faced by major coffee-producing nations like Brazil and Vietnam. India’s high-quality coffee, primarily from Karnataka, has carved a niche in premium global markets, further driving this surge.

Key Highlights

Export Growth

• Record exports of $1.14 billion in April-November FY24, up 29% from FY23 ($803.8 million).
• Total exports in 2023-24 rose by 12.22%, reaching $1.28 billion.
• Major export markets: Italy, Russia, UAE, Germany, and Turkey.

Factors Driving Growth

• Rising Robusta Prices: Prices peaked at $4,667 per metric ton, a 63% increase from the previous year.
• Supply Challenges in Competitor Nations
• Brazil’s output dropped due to drought and high temperatures.
• Vietnam’s yields remain below historic highs.
• EU Deforestation Regulation: Stockpiling ahead of the regulation’s December enforcement boosted demand for Indian coffee.

India’s Coffee Global Standing

• India is the 8th largest coffee grower globally.
• India Produces two types of coffee.
• Arabica: Premium value due to mild aromatic flavor.
• Robusta: Strong flavor, used in blends, accounting for 72% of India’s production.
• India is the 5th largest Robusta producer globally.

Regional Contributions

• Karnataka: Largest producer, contributing 71% of India’s coffee.
• Kerala: Second largest, contributing 20%.
• Tamil Nadu: Third largest, contributing 5%, with Nilgiri district as a major Arabica-growing region.
• Smaller contributions from Odisha and northeastern states.

Economic Impact

• Provides direct employment to over 2 million people.
• Export-oriented production ensures limited impact from domestic consumption trends.

Challenges Ahead

• EU’s Deforestation Regulation (EUDR)
• Aims to prevent imports linked to deforested lands.
• May increase export costs and challenge India’s $1.3 billion agricultural export market.