Coffee production to reach 3,80,600 tonnes in 2015-16

Coffee production is expected to increase by 25,000 tonnes during this financial year to reach 3,80,600 tonnes, of which 1 lakh tonnes will be Robusta and the rest will be Arabica variety, according to the Coffee Board.
"This is a good year for coffee production, which is expected to be 3,80,600 tonnes. Of this, Robusta will be 1 lakh tonnes and rest will be under Arabica," Coffee Board of India Chairman Leena Nair, who was here for the 5-day India International Coffee Festival, told PTI.
She said the Coffee Board will work towards strengthening high-value export markets like the European Union, the US, Canada, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea and Scandinavian countries.

The domestic consumption is also growing by 5-6 per cent annually since 2000, mostly due to the coming up of a large number of coffee bars and cafes, she added.
"Coffee is a versatile beverage. Internationally, coffee has transcended beyond levels in the last few years. India for the last decade has recorded a robust consumption rate of 5-6 per cent, it is yet to catch up with the refined consumption habits of the sophisticated coffee markets," she added.
It is heartening to note that about 35 per cent of the Indian Coffee Exports in the year 2014-15 is due to value-added products, she pointed out.

This can open up many investment opportunities in the sector, she said, adding that the 12th Plan has a comprehensive avenue, through which subsidies can also be availed for export of high-value green coffee to far off destinations and value-added coffee as India brand.