Export of value-added and speciality coffees from the country has seen a rapid growth compared to growth in production in the last decade or so, according to a top official of the Coffee Board.

In his presentation on the coffee sector at the United Planters’ Association of Southern India annual general meeting, Coffee Board Chairman Jawaid Akhtar said this trend has been more visible since 2009-10.

There has been consistent increase in the export of value-added and speciality coffees over the last 10 years. The trend has been especially remarkable in the last five years.

Exports peaked in 2012-13 to 3.18 lakh tonnes compared with a production of 2.99 lakh tonnes. “We are exporting almost one lakh tonnes of instant coffee, of which nearly 65,000 tonnes are imported for re-export, primarily from Indonesia and Vietnam.”

Emphasising the need for creating worldwide demand for the Monsoon coffee, Akhtar said, “Though we have the GI for Monsooned Malabar AA, our exports have only been around 3,500-4,500 tonnes. This is an area where there is huge opportunity for growth. The demand for Robusta Kaapi Royale is also picking up.”The Board is expecting coffee exports to get a boost in 2014-15, when the harvesting season begins in October.

Growth potential

While there is huge potential for growth in coffee exports, the sector faces key challenges such as tackling the white stem borer menace and increasing productivity.

Referring to other initiatives, Akhtar said the Board will be starting a barista training programme in two months’ time.

It has collaborated with Trieste Coffee Cluster, Italy, for specialised training in tasting expresso coffee.

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