India's Apr-June coffee exports up 11.49%

Country had shipped 82,844 tonnes of coffee in year-ago period

Coffee exports rose 11.49% to 92,368 tonne in April-June but the unit value realisation was lower due to sluggish global prices.

The country had shipped 82,844 tonnes of coffee in the year-ago period.

According to the Board's latest data, the unit value realisation declined to Rs 1,68,300 per tonne in April-June of the 2015-16 fiscal from Rs 1,72,558 a tonne in the year-ago period.

"Coffee exports rose both in terms of volume and value during the April-June period of this year. But the unit per value realisation remained lower due to weak international prices," a senior Board official said.

In value terms, coffee exports increased to Rs 1,554.57 crore from Rs 1,429 crore in the said period, the data showed.

Global coffee prices have been under pressure from the end of 2014 due the weakening of the Brazilian currency, real, increasing coffee exports from other big producing countries and speculation over surplus global crop, traders said.

However, global coffee prices have started recovering in last two weeks after International Coffee Organisation projected 3.3% fall in the world output in 2014-15, they added.



India exports both arabica and robusta varieties besides instant coffee.

Arabica is mild coffee, but the beans being more aromatic, it has higher market value compared to robusta beans. On the other hand, robusta coffee variety has more strength and is, therefore, used in making various blends.

Major export destinations for India coffee are Italy, Germany, Turkey, Russian Federation and Belgium among others.

The country's total coffee production is estimated at 3,27,000 tonnes in the 2014-15 marketing year (October- September), higher than 3,00,390 tonnes last year.