India - International Coffee Festival 2012
The IICF fair in Delhi gave us the opportunity to open our eyes to an extraordinary market, one that is known for producing high quality coffee specialties such as the famous Monsoon Malabar since colonial times. Most recently however, and in line with the countries modernization process, consumption of coffee has just about taken off in India. Rapid growth rates are taking place and major international as well as local brands are taking the lead in consumer education and market expansion.
Instant coffee sachets labeled "My First Cup" give an idea of the stage which the market is in. India's has a local coffee shop giant named Cafe Day and it is contributing good work in the retail sector where millions of people are getting into contact with coffee via their stores. Cafe Day surpassed the mark of an impressive 1000 outlets and is considered one of India's star brands.
Bangalore, the third most populous city in India, is the "city of coffee" and where the Coffee Board of India is located among many coffee companies. Surrounded by the majority of coffee plantations in India, this government agency managed by the Ministry of Commerce overlooks the various coffee activities from farm to cup. It lays great emphasis on sustainable development and quality improvements within the supply chain.
We are particularly happy that our first lab machinery and equipment has been installed in Bangalore by Robert Forsyth, a multi award winning coffee professional and entrepreneur based in Sydney. As part of a coffee shop, Origin Coffee Roasters, with roasting facility and run together with Nithya Somaiah, one will very soon be able to consume some of the most tasty single origin espresso and cappuccino in India!
We wish all Indian coffee lovers who we had the chance to meet continued success in the Industry, and look forward to being part of the next fair in 2013.
