Small growers have decided to tap Tata Coffee which has a tie-up with Starbucks to supply coffee beans to the world's largest retail chain.

At the recently concluded annual general meeting of Tata Coffee held at Pollibetta, Kodagu, some of the shareholders sought the company's assistance to supply coffee beans to Starbucks.

According to a planter, at least one shareholder and a small grower, Mr K P Uthappa, raised the issue of prospective collaboration with Starbucks.

Citing the vision of the first Chairman and Managing Director of Tata Coffee, late Mr Ivor Bull, who wanted the neighbours (nearby growers) to also grow with the company, Mr Uthappa asked the Tata Coffee Board members present at the meeting if the small growers in the neighbourhood could be part of the network of suppliers for Starbuck chain of coffee shops.

The company is in discussion with Starbucks for a tie-up in areas of sourcing of coffee beans and setting up coffee roasting facilities.

Mr Hameed Huq, Managing Director, Tata Coffee said the future lies in Arabica and that the planters should continue to produce more Arabica which is fetching record prices.

“If the small growers can meet the required quality standards and blends, Tata Coffee will look into the possibility of procuring their coffee through its curing works,” he assured.

Mr Uthappa also enquired whether the company had plans to increase the production of Monsooned Coffee since the price realisation was good.

The Managing Director in his reply stated that production of this variety of coffee requires wet monsoon climate, but efforts will be made to increase the production depending on market conditions.

Regarding instant coffee operations, the shareholders were told that FDC plant at Theni had stabilised and the exports had recorded an increase of 60 per cent.

The company also said its focus on non Russian market has paid off. This strategy has enabled the company to make inroads into West Asia, Korea, and Japan.

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