Earlier this year, we published a blog post about the future of Indian coffee. While it is important to look ahead and keep one’s sights set on achieving new milestones, we feel that it is equally important to celebrate the journey so far.
From the kitchens of South Indian homes to international coffee award functions, filter kaapi has come a long way. Let’s take a look at how the industry has progressed.
Changes in Coffee Cultivation
Agricultural advancements may not have taken root in India quickly; after all, a section of the country still firmly holds onto tradition and primitive channels of conduct.
But over time, government assistance and the efficiency that modern tools guarantee have enabled coffee farmers to improve their craft. Where once harvesting and processing were only done by hand, now several farms across South India employ machines to make processes more efficient, letting coffee producers focus more on the crucial phases of production.
The Specialty Coffee Academy of India is an institution that offers training to baristas so that they can build their brewing skills and improve the quality of specialty coffee.
Further, the Central Coffee Research Institute (CCRI) was founded in 1925. It is an initiative by the Mysore government to fuel the growth of the coffee industry by paving a path for technological and agricultural innovation.
With nearly 100 years of research under its belt, the institute’s efforts have been towards producing coffee varieties that produce a strong yield and are also disease-resistant.
As a result, coffee farms in the south have also begun to incorporate sustainable farming techniques. This is not only important for the environment but also improves the quality of their crop, fetching them better prices in the global market.
Economic Growth & Market Expansion
Knowing that the Indian coffee industry is valued at $1.25 billion should tell you just how important it is to the country.
Back in 2010, India was producing 289.6 thousand metric tons of coffee per year. In 2024, that number is expected to reach 374.2 thousand metric tons - a 29.2% increase in over a decade.
Coffee consumption has increased even more in recent years due to the rise in home brewing and increased consumer education from the brand side. Indians know to look for good quality coffee, while also embracing trends in brewing.
In an article, The Economic Times states that exports have increased by 12.2% because of more demand for robusta coffee. While India exports coffee to more than 50 countries, the top markets for Indian coffee are Russia, Italy & Germany.
The growth of the kaapi culture has not just been significant in contributing to the economy of the country but in also providing jobs to the natives. A report by IBEF mentions that more than 2 million people are employed by the coffee industry in India.
Creating generations of people who are proud of our culinary traditions and eager to participate in spreading the love of kaapi across global borders.
There has even been a steady emergence of coffee tourism. Good food and great scenic views are not the only factors bringing in people from other states and countries. Many businesses also organise coffee tours and tasting events for travellers, making sure that they go back home with fond memories of drinking filter kaapi.
Cultural & Social Impact of Kaapi
Kaapi is as much (if not more) a cultural symbol in South India as their own music and film industries.
Ask a foreigner what they know about India, and in addition to terms like “curry” and “Bollywood”, you’re likely to hear “filter coffee”. This unique way of brewing kaapi with a drip filter and dabara set has become world-famous now. No matter where you are in the world, you can definitely get your hands on a traditional Indian coffee maker.
Indian culture was always community-focused. In such a landscape, coffee houses created a social space that individuals and groups could use to further connect with others and enhance their social lives.
From the first Indian Coffee House to the 2600+ cafes spread throughout the nation today, kaapi has built the stage for some very iconic coffee brands.
The ease with which it has won the hearts of thousands in India meant that the beverage became even more celebrated. There are quite a few coffee events and festivals that have been organised in different parts of the country.
If you haven’t heard of them, you should read up about Coffee Santhe, The Indian Coffee Festival, and the World Tea & Coffee Expo. These present not just networking opportunities for industry professionals but also the ability for consumers to discover new coffees and learn more about the industry.
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