Specialty coffee reshapes India’s coffee sector

India’s coffee industry is shifting from volume to quality as specialty coffee gains traction, according to a report by The Hindu Businessline. The outlet says rising domestic consumption and consumer curiosity about origin and processing methods are driving demand for skilled professionals like roasters, baristas, and fermentation experts. Coffee tourism is also growing, with farm stays and workshops adding economic value for growers.

Fortune India reports that Araku Coffee, which sources from about 100,000 farmers in Andhra Pradesh, is paying farmers 60% more than competitors, up to ₹1,000 to 1,200 a kg. Founder Manoj Kumar said the brand is moving from green coffee exports to selling only roasted coffee, and is opening more cafés in India and New York. Araku is also selling to premium institutions and chains like Facebook, Google and Pret-A-Manger, but Kumar noted that B2B is a low-margin business.