Brewing India’s Coffee Story: A Rising Taste for the Bean
India has long been a tea-loving nation, but the humble
coffee bean is steadily gaining ground. From local brews to international café
chains, coffee is no longer a niche drink—it’s now part of everyday culture
across cities big and small.
Coffee Varieties Loved in India
The Indian market today offers coffee for every taste:
- South
Indian Filter Coffee – A traditional favourite prepared with ground
beans and chicory, blended with milk.
- Instant
Coffee – Quick, convenient, and still the most common choice in
households.
- Espresso-Based
Drinks – Cappuccinos, lattes, and americanos, increasingly popular
among the urban crowd.
- Cold
Brews & Ready-to-Drink Bottles – Refreshing options embraced by
the younger generation.
- Premium
Single-Origin Coffee – Specialty beans from estates in Karnataka,
Kerala, and Tamil Nadu, appealing to enthusiasts who want a richer coffee
experience.
Where India’s Coffee Comes From
India ranks among the top coffee producers globally,
with cultivation concentrated in the south. Karnataka leads the way,
contributing nearly 70% of the country’s beans, followed by Kerala and
Tamil Nadu. Smaller contributions come from Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and the
Northeast.
- Arabica
beans from Coorg and Chikmagalur are prized for their smooth and
aromatic profile.
- Robusta
beans from Kerala and Tamil Nadu are valued for their strength and
export demand.
A large share of India’s harvest is exported to Europe,
Russia, and the Middle East. However, domestic consumption is rising fast, signalling
a shift in trends.
Coffee Shops and Retail Boom
In metros such as Bengaluru, Mumbai, Delhi, and Hyderabad,
cafés have mushroomed over the last decade. From Café Coffee Day and
Starbucks to Third Wave, Blue Tokai, and Barista, the options continue to
multiply. What’s more exciting is that Tier 2 cities like Pune, Indore,
Coimbatore, and Jaipur are catching up, with boutique coffee shops and
micro-roasters opening doors.
Supermarkets and online marketplaces mirror this change.
Shelves are now filled with instant mixes, cold brews, premium grinds, and
international brands, while e-commerce subscriptions bring specialty coffee
directly to households.
Why Coffee Demand is Growing
Several social and economic shifts explain the growing love
for coffee:
- Modern
Lifestyles – Students and professionals see coffee as both fuel and
comfort.
- Rise
of Café Culture – Cafés double up as workspaces and social hangouts.
- Global
Influence – Travel, social media, and global exposure shape consumer
choices.
- Premium
& Healthy Appeal – Artisanal, organic, and single-origin beans are
marketed as healthier indulgences.
- Digital
Access – E-commerce makes premium coffee widely available, even in
smaller towns.
Looking Ahead
India’s coffee consumption has been growing at about 5–6%
annually, outpacing the global average. With rising incomes, expanding café
networks, and shifting lifestyles, experts project the domestic market to grow
at 8–10% CAGR over the next five years.
Final Sip
From a handful of plantations in the south to bustling coffee houses across metros and towns, coffee in India is no longer just a drink—it’s a lifestyle choice. The journey ahead looks promising, with a stronger brew of innovation, accessibility, and demand.
