From Bean to Brew: Coffee story of Karnataka

Coorg and Chikmagalur are fuelling India's growing coffee exports

Nestled in Karnataka’s misty hills, Coorg and Chikmagalur lie at the heart of India’s coffee culture. From historic origins to global exports, these regions offer a rich blend of tradition, tourism, and sustainability.

In the misty highlands of Karnataka, where rolling hills are draped in emerald-green coffee plantations, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee fills the air. Two of India’s most renowned coffee-producing regions, Coorg, about 265 km, and Chikmagalur about 245 km from the state capital Bengaluru, are at the heart of this fragrant landscape. As Karnataka remains one of the country’s largest coffee producers, these regions have cultivated not just a crop but a rich coffee culture that attracts tourists, coffee connoisseurs and adventure seekers alike.

Coffee was introduced to India during the late 17th century. The story goes that Baba Budan, an Indian pilgrim to Mecca smuggled seven beans back to India from Yemen in 1670 as it was illegal to take coffee seeds out of Arabia at the time and planted them in the Chandragiri hills of Karnataka. The Dutch, who occupied parts of India throughout the 17th century, helped spread the cultivation of coffee across the country, but it was with the arrival of the British Raj in the mid 19th century that commercial coffee plantations really flourished. Initially Arabica was widespread, but huge infestations of coffee leaf rust led many farms to switch to Robusta or Arabica/Liberica hybrids.

The India Coffee Board was established in 1907 to help improve quality and presence of Indian coffee through various research and education endeavours.  The board, throughout the modern history of the country, has stringently regulated the coffee sector, particularly in the period between 1942 and 1995. Upon liberalisation in 1995, growers were given free rein to sell their produce wherever they choose.

Today, Karnataka is the undisputed leader in India’s coffee industry, contributing nearly 70 pc of the country’s total production. The state’s coffee belt, comprising Coorg (Kodagu), Chikmagalur and Hassan, is renowned for its high-altitude plantations, fertile soil and a climate perfectly suited for growing both Arabica and Robusta coffee varieties. While Arabica is cherished for its smooth, aromatic flavour, Robusta which contains nearly twice the caffeine content dominates the instant coffee market.

For farmers in Coorg, coffee is a vital livelihood, with estates ranging from expansive plantations to smallholder farms. Karnataka’s coffee is not just prized locally but also enjoys strong demand globally, with significant exports to Europe, the United States, and Japan.

Coorg produces the majority of India’s Arabica and Robusta beans, while Chikmagalur is often regarded as the birthplace of Indian coffee. Both destinations are known for their sprawling estates, traditional processing methods, and a thriving tourism industry built around coffee.

For travellers, visiting Coorg and Chikmagalur is not just about sipping a cup of coffee, it is an experience that blends nature, culture, and the art of coffee-making. Many coffee estates offer guided tours, allowing visitors to walk through plantations, observe the harvesting process, and understand the intricacies of coffee roasting.

In Coorg, homestays nestled within coffee estates offer guests a chance to wake up to the sound of chirping birds and the sight of mist-kissed plantations. Chikmagalur, on the other hand, boasts luxurious resorts and heritage bungalows where visitors can enjoy coffee-tasting sessions and learn about the delicate balance of flavours in different brews.

One of the most intriguing attractions in Chikmagalur is the Baba Budangiri hill, where coffee was first cultivated. A trek to these hills offers not just breathtaking views but also a historical connection to India’s coffee roots.

The coffee culture and local traditions

The coffee culture here goes beyond commercial production. It is deeply woven into the local way of life. The Kodavas, the indigenous people of Coorg, have a long-standing tradition of coffee cultivation, and their festivals often feature coffee-based delicacies. Coffee is an essential part of social gatherings, and it is common to see locals offering guests a freshly brewed cup as a symbol of hospitality.

In Chikmagalur, coffee shops and cafés have evolved into cultural hubs where people gather for conversations, poetry readings and art exhibitions. The region has also witnessed a rise in third-wave coffee culture, with artisanal roasters and cafés experimenting with unique brewing techniques like pour-over, French press, and siphon brewing.

Coffee farming is the lifeline for thousands of families in Karnataka. Kodagu, produces coffee crop of about 1,10,730 tonnes per year, which accounts to 50 pc of Karnataka’s and 35 pc of India’s production. As the coffee cultivation is a labour oriented, in Kodagu, 51 pc of employment is being generated in the coffee plantations.

The region’s coffee is not just popular within India but also has a strong global demand, with major exports to Europe, the United States, Japan, and the Middle East.

Over the centuries, the cultivation of coffee in India has evolved from a humble practice to a thriving industry with the country’s coffee now widely loved across the globe. India is now the seventh-largest coffee producer globally with exports reaching USD 1.29 billion in FY 2023-24, almost double the USD 719.42 million in 2020-21. India’s coffee exports have grown significantly due to the increasing global demand for its rich and unique flavours.

In the first half of January 2025 India exported over 9,300 tonnes of coffee with top buyers including Italy, Belgium and Russia. Approximately three-fourths of India’s coffee production consists of Arabica and Robusta beans. These are primarily exported as unroasted beans. However, there is a growing demand for value-added products like roasted and instant coffee, further fuelling the export boom.

Sustainable Coffee & the road ahead

While Coorg and Chikmagalur continue to thrive as coffee destinations, there is a growing awareness of sustainable farming practices. Many estates are shifting towards organic cultivation, shade-grown coffee, and eco-friendly processing methods to protect biodiversity and support local communities.

The Indian coffee industry is also gaining recognition in the global specialty coffee market, with estate-grown beans from Karnataka being exported worldwide. Initiatives like direct trade and fair-trade certifications are helping farmers get better prices and recognition for their high-quality produce.