Key facts
- India exported US$1,806 million of coffee in FY2024-25 (dgciskol.gov.in).
- Largest destinations by value: Italy; Germany; Russia
- 1 production cluster mapped, in Karnataka; Kerala; Tamil Nadu.
- Market guides for 21 countries, each with destination requirements and transit times.
- Certifications available from the supply base: FSSAI licence, Phytosanitary certificate, HACCP, ISO 22000, Halal certificate and more.
- Typical minimum order: One 20' container (about 19.2 MT / 320 bags); speciality micro-lots from a few bags (typical).
Product overview
India's coffee exports grew rapidly to US$ 1,805.57 million in FY2024-25 (green and instant combined, DGCI&S) and US$ 2,083 million in FY2025-26, with Italy, Germany and Russia among the leading destinations. Karnataka (Chikkamagaluru, Kodagu/Coorg, Hassan) accounts for the bulk of production, followed by Kerala (Wayanad) and Tamil Nadu (Nilgiris, Shevaroys).
Indian coffee is shade-grown under a two-tier canopy, often intercropped with pepper and cardamom. Robusta (about 70% of output) is prized for body and is a staple of Italian espresso blends; Arabica supplies speciality and blending demand. Grades include Arabica Plantation (washed) A/AA/PB, Arabica Cherry (natural), Robusta Parchment (washed) and Robusta Cherry AB/PB, plus speciality grades such as Monsooned Malabar AA and Mysore Nuggets EB.
Coffee is exported via Mangaluru, Kochi and Chennai in jute bags or GrainPro-lined bags, usually in 20' containers. EU deforestation-regulation (EUDR) due diligence is the key emerging compliance issue for European buyers.
HS note: Roasted coffee is 0901 21; instant coffee and extracts 2101 11.
Specifications
| Moisture | 10-12.5% (typical) |
|---|---|
| Screen size | AA ≥ screen 18 (7.25 mm); A ≥ 17 (6.65 mm); AB 15-17 (typical Coffee Board grading) |
| Defects | Per grade; e.g. ≤ 2-5% blacks/browns/bits (typical) |
| Cup | Fair average quality (FAQ) or specified cupping score (typical) |
| Ochratoxin A | Within EU limits for roasted coffee chain (typical buyer spec) |
Typical commercial values. Final specifications are fixed per contract and verified by lab report or pre-shipment inspection.
Grades & variants
Arabica Plantation (washed) AA / A / PB
Washed Arabica for speciality and blends.
Arabica Cherry (natural) AB / PB
Natural-process Arabica.
Robusta Parchment (washed) AB / PB
Washed Robusta - premium espresso component.
Robusta Cherry AB / PB / BBB
Natural Robusta - volume export grade.
Monsooned Malabar AA / Mysore Nuggets EB / Robusta Kaapi Royale
Speciality grades unique to India.
Packaging, MOQ & container loading
| Packing | Sizes | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bulk | 60 kg jute bags (with GrainPro liners on request) | About 320 bags per 20' container (typical) |
| Bulk liner | Container bulk liner about 19-21 MT | For large roasters |
Container load (estimate): 20' GP about 19.2 MT (320 x 60 kg bags) · 40' HC about 21-25 MT (rarely used). Industry convention of 320 bags per 20' (ASSUMPTION)
Customisation: Grade/screen, micro-lots, estate and processing method
Where we source in India
Producing regions and manufacturing clusters our supplier network draws from.
Karnataka
Chikkamagaluru, Kodagu (Coorg), Hassan
Largest producing state; Kushalnagar curing works
Kerala
Wayanad, Idukki
Mainly Robusta
Tamil Nadu
Nilgiris, Salem (Shevaroys), Dindigul (Pulneys)
Arabica
Market requirements by region
European Union
Italy and Germany are named leading destinations (DGCI&S). Coffee falls under the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) - plot geolocation and due-diligence statements are required once it applies; application dates have been postponed (large operators reported from 30 Dec 2026) - verify current timeline.
United States & Canada
USA: the packing facility needs FDA Food Facility Registration, every shipment needs FDA Prior Notice, and the US importer must run FSVP supplier verification. US tariff treatment of Indian goods changed several times in 2025-26 (reciprocal tariffs, product exemptions, a Feb-2026 India-US framework and later court rulings) - verify the current duty for the HTS line before quoting landed cost. US speciality roasters buy Indian Arabica and Monsooned Malabar; tariff exemptions for coffee were reported in late 2025 - verify current treatment.
Gulf (GCC)
UAE: Dubai Municipality FIRS requires the importer to register the company and each food item (label assessment) before arrival; Arabic/English labelling per GSO 9; India-UAE CEPA preference with a CEPA certificate of origin. UAE and Saudi buyers take Robusta and Arabica for local roasting.
East Asia
Japan buys washed Arabica and Robusta for roasting and canned coffee.
General guidance, not legal advice. Confirm current requirements with your customs broker or the regulator.
Quality control
- • Pre-shipment sample approval (PSS) and cupping
- • Screen and defect grading per Coffee Board norms
- • Moisture and OTA testing on request
Certifications available
- • FSSAI licence
- • Phytosanitary certificate
- • HACCP
- • ISO 22000
- • Halal certificate
- • Kosher certificate
- • India Organic (NPOP)
- • USDA Organic (NOP)
- • EU Organic
Held by the producing supplier for the specific lot; copies shared with the quote.
Shipping documents
- • Commercial invoice
- • Packing list
- • Bill of lading
- • Certificate of origin (preferential where an FTA applies)
- • Coffee Board registration / RCMC reference
- • ICO certificate of origin (if required)
- • Phytosanitary certificate
- • Fumigation certificate if required
- • EUDR geolocation/due-diligence data (EU)
Trade data
| Period | Flow | Value (USD mn) | Status | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FY2024-25 | India exportsLine: Coffee (green + instant) | 1,805.6 | verified | dgciskol.gov.in |
Top destinations: Italy; Germany; Russia
Export markets
Frequently asked questions
What is Monsooned Malabar?
A speciality Indian Arabica whose green beans are exposed to monsoon winds on India's west coast, giving a low-acid, mellow, heavy-bodied cup.
What is the difference between plantation and cherry coffee?
In Indian terms, 'plantation' (Arabica) and 'parchment' (Robusta) are washed coffees; 'cherry' refers to natural (dry-processed) coffee.
How much coffee fits in a 20-foot container?
About 320 bags of 60 kg (roughly 19.2 MT) is the usual load.
Does EUDR apply to Indian coffee?
Yes, coffee is an EUDR commodity; EU buyers will require plot geolocation and due-diligence data once the regulation applies to them.
Why is Indian Robusta popular in Italy?
Washed Indian Robusta has good body and crema with relatively clean cup, making it a valued espresso-blend component.
Request a quote for Green Coffee Beans (Arabica and Robusta; Plantation, Cherry, Monsooned Malabar)
Tell us grade, quantity and destination. We reply with options, packaging and pricing on your Incoterm.
