India's Coffee GI Tag Push Aims to Boost Global Market Value
In Chikkamagaluru, concerted efforts are underway to enhance the international market value of Indian coffee by significantly expanding the application of the Geographical Indication (GI) tag. A strategic partnership has been formed between Chandra Dhrona, a farmer producer organisation (FPO), and key institutions including NABARD, the Karnataka State Council for Science and Technology (KSCST), and the Coffee Board of India to drive this important initiative forward.
Current GI Status and Awareness Challenges
To date, five distinct Indian coffee varieties have successfully obtained GI status, with notable examples being Chikkamagaluru Arabica Coffee and Bababudangiris Arabica Coffee. However, despite this recognition, awareness among local coffee planters remains critically low, according to D Nandini, a consultant at KSCST.
Nandini addressed this issue during the 'Harvest Conversations' event, organized by Chandra Dhrona and promoted by the NGO Vikasana. Her presentation, titled 'Geographical Indication: Exploring Opportunities and Infrastructure for Planters to Utilise,' highlighted a significant gap in the market.
"GI-certified coffee is rarely seen in urban cafes, even with the proliferation of branded coffee chains across the country," Nandini stated emphatically. She pointed out that neither producers nor consumers possess sufficient awareness about GI coffee, creating a barrier to market penetration and premium pricing.
Strategies for Market Enhancement
To overcome these challenges, Nandini advocated for a comprehensive approach focusing on:
- Standardised product quality across all GI-certified coffee varieties
- Proper packaging that preserves freshness and authenticity
- Clear GI labelling that helps customers easily identify genuine, premium-grade coffee
Explaining the fundamental concept, she noted that a Geographical Indication specifically identifies products originating from a particular region, where their unique qualities, characteristics, or reputation are intrinsically linked to that geographical location.
Progress in Authorised User Registrations
Since coffee growers began registering as Authorised Users (AUs) in 2025, significant progress has been made. Bababudangiris Arabica Coffee now boasts 61 AUs, a direct result of awareness campaigns conducted by Chandra Dhrona FPO in collaboration with NABARD and KSCST. These efforts are specifically designed to tap into lucrative global markets and establish Indian coffee as a premium product worldwide.
Unique Cultivation Practices and Production Statistics
Nandini elaborated on the distinctive cultivation methods employed in Indian coffee farming, noting that coffee is grown under a two-tier mixed shade canopy and is frequently intercropped with complementary spices like pepper and cardamom. This sustainable approach contributes to the unique flavor profiles of Indian coffee varieties.
Regarding production geography, nearly 90% of India's coffee output originates from three southern states:
- Karnataka
- Kerala
- Tamil Nadu
Robusta coffee accounts for over 60% of total production, primarily due to its higher yields compared to Arabica varieties.
Expert Perspectives on Value Addition and Productivity
The 'Harvest Conversations' event also featured insights from other industry experts. Adarsh Gowda, CEO of the Atal Incubation Centre, emphasized the crucial importance of value addition in the coffee supply chain, suggesting that enhanced processing and marketing could significantly increase profitability for growers.
Meanwhile, Coffee Board chairman MJ Dinesh addressed strategic approaches to enhance both productivity and profitability across the sector, highlighting the need for modern agricultural practices while preserving traditional quality standards.
This multi-faceted initiative represents a comprehensive effort to elevate Indian coffee's standing in international markets through geographical indication recognition, improved awareness, and strategic partnerships across the agricultural and institutional spectrum.
