Small growers told to explore roaster-retailer value chain

Small coffee growers should explore entering roaster-retailer value chain to get additional value for their produce and long-term sustenance.

Speaking on ‘Revitalisation of Coffee Sector’ at the inauguration of the UPASI-KPA Coffee Conference here, PG Changappa, vice-chancellor, University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS), Bangalore, said, “Small coffee growers, who are currently facing challenges arising from their size and productivity, should get linked up with the roaster-retailer value chain on the lines of contract farming model for assured income generation.”

“Since coffee is traded in volumes and due to the size of their holdings, they ideally fit into the roaster-retailer model. As many roaster-retailer companies like Coffee-Day and Barista, and others are expanding their operations in the country and are looking for assured supply of coffee,” he added.