India’s Coffee Exports Jump Over 25% in 2025–2026

India’s coffee export industry continues to show impressive momentum, with the Coffee Board of India reporting a surge of more than 25% in coffee exports so far in the fiscal year 2025–26, compared to the same period the previous year. This growth follows a record-breaking fiscal year 2024–25, when total coffee export earnings rose by 40.2% to reach US$1.803 billion, up from US$1.286 billion in FY2023–24.

Over the past decade, India’s coffee exports have seen a consistent upward trend, with a reported 125% growth since FY2014–15, when exports stood at just US$800 million. The sustained rise underscores the growing global demand for Indian coffee and the effectiveness of policies supporting the sector.

Strategic Promotion Driving Growth

The Coffee Board attributes this success to a series of focused initiatives aimed at enhancing the global visibility and value of Indian coffee. These include:

• Organizing buyer-seller meets and business matchmaking events.

• Conducting targeted promotional campaigns in key international markets.

• Promoting Geographical Indication (GI) status for India’s distinctive coffee varieties—currently awarded to five regional and two specialty coffees, with 13 regional and three specialty coffees being promoted in new campaigns.

• Launching digital media outreach to showcase the origin, flavor, and farming stories behind Indian coffee.

In addition, India is investing in infrastructure and innovation. The AIC-CCRI-CED incubation center in Bengaluru has supported over 63 startups and trained more than 3,000 individuals in the coffee value chain, promoting entrepreneurship and skill development.

Position in Global Coffee Trade

India is currently the seventh-largest coffee producer globally, contributing approximately 3.5% to world coffee production. According to ICO data, India’s total coffee output in 2023–24 was estimated at around 374,000 metric tonnes. It also ranks as the fifth-largest exporter, accounting for 5% of global coffee exports.

Major export destinations include Italy, Germany, Belgium, the United States, Russia, and Middle Eastern and East Asian countries such as South Korea and Japan.

Sustainability and Value-Addition Focus

The Coffee Board has emphasized sustainability through the promotion of shade-grown coffee, biodiversity-preserving practices, and traceability systems aligned with emerging European deforestation regulations.

To further boost value-added exports, the Board offers:

• ₹3/kg incentives for roasted/ground/value-added coffee exports.

• ₹2/kg support for premium green coffee exports.

• Up to 40% subsidy (maximum ₹15 lakh) for coffee roasting, grinding, and packaging machinery purchases.

Additionally, the Board has digitized its export support systems, enabling online issuance of Registration-cum-Membership Certificates (RCMCs), export permits, and certificates of origin, making the export process more efficient and accessible.

Challenges Ahead

Despite the current momentum, India’s coffee sector faces emerging challenges. According to a January 2025 Reuters report, exports may decline by up to 10% in 2025 due to lower production forecasts and tight stockpiles following last year’s high shipment volumes.

India’s robusta crop, in particular, has suffered from erratic rainfall and heatwaves in major growing regions like Karnataka and Kerala. These climate-linked impacts, combined with higher international bean prices, are putting pressure on domestic supply and operating costs for exporters.

Conclusion

India’s coffee export success in FY2025–26 reflects a decade of strategic development, international promotion, and value addition. With continued investment in sustainable practices, infrastructure, and branding, India is well-positioned to strengthen its role in the global coffee value chain. However, climate volatility and shifting global trade dynamics will require adaptive strategies to maintain this upward trajectory.