Coffee co-op to enter retail

Coffee growers from Arehally village in Belur taluk of Hassan district who have formed a co-operative society to sell coffee are now setting up a retail outlet in Bangalore.

The 300 growers who formed the Arehally Coffee Cooperative Society have taken up space at Prabhat Complex on Kempe Gowda Road. Their brand 'Copsy Coffee' will be sold in packs of 100 gm, 200 gm, 500 gm and 1 kg.

Society president K M Rajegowda said, "The cooperative was set up three years ago to ward off the hardship caused by the low prices and volatility in the market thereafter. We have been successful in selling our coffee directly to consumers in Bangalore, Mysore and Hassan. Last year (crop year 2006-07) we saw sales of 10 tonnes. Determined to continue, we have now created a brand."

Presently the members grow 4,000 tonnes of coffee of which 70 per cent is Arabica. "The society plans to tap towns and cities in Karnataka and achieve 50 per cent sales in the domestic market," said Rajegowda.

The growers are awaiting clearances and certification to also sell cardamom, pepper and ginger in organic conditions at the outlet.