India’s coffee exports have hit an all-time high of $1.8bn in the fiscal year 2024-25. This is a 40.2% increase from $1.28 billion in the fiscal year 2023-24. The $1bn mark in export revenues has now become a common feature of Indian coffee exports for the fourth consecutive year. Worldwide demand for the unique taste and richness of the coffee exported by India is one of the main factors driving the export boom. Arabica and Robusta beans are major export species. Most beans are sent to other countries without being roasted. In addition, the import of roasted coffee and other forms, such as instant coffee, has risen sharply.
India is now the world’s seventh-largest coffee producer. Most of the coffee is grown in the Western and Eastern Ghats, which are rich in biodiversity. The states of Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu are where most of the coffee is grown. These places are known for their biodiversity and for producing high-quality coffee that is becoming increasingly popular around the world.
India’s coffee exports have increased by nearly 125% over the past 10 years. This growth is mainly due to various initiatives implemented by the Coffee Board of India, including “digitalization export schemes, market intelligence, export promotion”, as well as other relevant factors. The largest market for Indian coffee is Europe, as major importers are in this region, including Italy, Germany, and Belgium. Major buyers are in the Middle East and such countries as Japan, South Korea, the United States, and Canada.
Several measures adopted by the Coffee Board include online issuance of export permits and certificates, arrangements for meetings with exporters to address challenges, and financial incentives, such as machines for value-added coffee and subsidies on them, as well as freight assistance. The high prices were driven by supply constraints in the global coffee market, specifically in Brazil and Vietnam, which were affected by weather conditions. Indian coffee exports benefited from higher prices amid increased demand.
Also, the Indian coffee industry employs approximately 2 million people, directly and indirectly, and is expanding due to the global popularity of environmentally friendly specialty coffee. The statistics for April-September 2025 are also impressive, with exports growing 16% year-on-year to $1.07 billion.
India is now a major player in the global coffee industry thanks to this unprecedented growth. There is room for even more growth through sustainability initiatives and the introduction of value-added products.