India’s Coffee Exports Surge 24.87% to 2.42 Lakh Tonnes in April–September 2026
India’s coffee industry has recorded an impressive expansion in international markets, with coffee exports rising by 24.87% in volume during April–September 2026 compared with the corresponding period last year. The country exported 2,41,947 tonnes of coffee during the first six months of the financial year 2026–27, against 1,93,756 tonnes in April–September 2025.
The growth reflects increasing international demand for Indian coffee and the country’s expanding presence in the global coffee trade. However, the rise in export earnings has been more moderate than the increase in shipment volumes, highlighting the influence of international coffee prices and changing market conditions.
According to data based on export permits issued by the Coffee Board of India, export earnings increased by approximately 10.17% in US dollar terms, reaching $1.17 billion compared with $1.062 billion in the corresponding period of the previous financial year.
The latest performance reinforces India’s position as an important coffee-producing and exporting nation, with opportunities emerging across traditional and newer international markets.
Coffee Export Volume Rises Nearly 25%
The most striking feature of India’s latest coffee export performance is the increase in shipment volumes.
During April–September 2025, India exported approximately 1.94 lakh tonnes of coffee. In the same six-month period in 2026, shipments increased to nearly 2.42 lakh tonnes.
This represents an addition of approximately 48,191 tonnes in exports within one year.
The increase suggests that Indian coffee suppliers are finding stronger demand overseas and that the country’s exporters are expanding their international business.
India exports different varieties and forms of coffee, including Arabica, Robusta, instant coffee and processed coffee products. Each category caters to different consumer preferences and industrial requirements in international markets.
The expansion in shipments across multiple categories is particularly significant because it indicates that India’s export growth is not dependent on a single coffee product.
Export Earnings Reach $1.17 Billion
While export quantities increased by almost 25%, the growth in export earnings was comparatively slower.
India earned approximately $1.17 billion from coffee exports during April–September 2026, against $1.062 billion during the corresponding period in 2025.
In rupee terms, export earnings increased by approximately 21%, reaching ₹11,118 crore compared with ₹9,164 crore a year earlier.
The difference between volume growth and export-value growth is an important aspect of the latest figures.
The average realisation per tonne declined from approximately ₹4.72 lakh in the previous year to ₹4.59 lakh during April–September 2026. This indicates that the increase in export volumes was accompanied by a reduction in average earnings per tonne.
International commodity prices, product composition, exchange-rate movements and market conditions can all influence export realisations.
Nevertheless, the overall increase in export earnings demonstrates that higher shipment volumes have translated into additional foreign exchange revenue for the country.
Arabica and Robusta Drive International Shipments
India produces and exports two major varieties of coffee: Arabica and Robusta.
Arabica is generally associated with speciality coffee and premium blends, while Robusta is widely used in instant coffee, espresso blends and commercial coffee products.
Recent export trends indicate encouraging growth across several categories.
Arabica parchment exports increased by approximately 33% during January–September 2026. Arabica cherry shipments also registered growth of around 16%.
Robusta cherry exports increased by approximately 28%, while instant coffee shipments grew by 25.5% during the same calendar-year period.
These figures highlight the broadening demand for Indian coffee products in international markets.
The growth in instant coffee exports is particularly noteworthy. India has developed a significant processing industry that enables it to supply products beyond conventional green coffee beans.
Value addition through processing, blending, packaging and product development can help Indian companies access different segments of the international coffee market.
Europe Remains an Important Market for Indian Coffee
European countries continue to be among the most important destinations for Indian coffee exports.
Italy remains India’s largest coffee export destination, followed by Germany and Russia. The United Arab Emirates is another important buyer.
Italy’s position is particularly interesting given its established coffee culture and large roasting and processing industry. Indian Robusta coffee is relevant to international buyers seeking beans for commercial blends and espresso products.
Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands also provide important opportunities for Indian exporters.
Meanwhile, markets in West Asia offer additional scope for expansion. Countries such as the UAE, Jordan and other regional destinations have growing food and beverage markets, creating opportunities for coffee suppliers.
Diversification across geographical markets is important because it reduces dependence on a limited number of international buyers.
For Indian exporters, building long-term relationships with overseas roasters, processors, distributors and speciality coffee businesses could provide greater stability.
Karnataka Leads India’s Coffee Production
India’s coffee industry is closely associated with the southern states, particularly Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
Karnataka is the country’s largest coffee-producing state, accounting for approximately 69% of national production in FY2025–26. Kerala contributes around 22%, while Tamil Nadu accounts for approximately 5%.
Within Karnataka, Kodagu and Chikkamagaluru are particularly important coffee-growing regions. Their plantations have contributed significantly to India’s reputation in international coffee markets.
Coffee cultivation also takes place in regions such as Wayanad in Kerala and the Nilgiri and other hill regions of Tamil Nadu.
The industry provides livelihoods to plantation workers, growers, processing units, traders and exporters. Consequently, stronger export demand can have a wider economic impact on rural communities and businesses connected with coffee cultivation.
India’s coffee plantations also have a distinctive cultivation system. Much of the country’s coffee is grown under a two-tier shade canopy, supporting biodiversity and allowing farmers to cultivate other crops alongside coffee.
Pepper, cardamom and various fruit trees are among the crops grown in coffee plantations, helping farmers diversify their agricultural income.
India’s Coffee Production Outlook Remains Encouraging
India’s coffee production outlook provides additional support to the industry’s export ambitions.
The Coffee Board’s initial estimate for the 2026–27 crop places national production at approximately 4.04 lakh tonnes, compared with 3.73 lakh tonnes during the previous crop year.
Arabica production is estimated at around 1.20 lakh tonnes, while Robusta production is projected at approximately 2.84 lakh tonnes.
If these estimates materialise, higher domestic production could improve the availability of coffee for both domestic consumption and international markets.
However, production growth alone will not determine the industry’s future performance. Weather conditions, plantation productivity, labour availability, pest management and international prices will remain important factors.
Climate variability is a particular concern for plantation agriculture, making research, sustainable farming practices and improved crop management increasingly important.
Value Addition Could Strengthen India’s Global Position
One of the biggest opportunities for India’s coffee industry lies in moving beyond the export of raw coffee beans.
Processed coffee products, including instant coffee and roasted coffee, offer opportunities to capture greater value within the domestic economy.
India already has an established instant coffee manufacturing and export industry. Expanding investments in processing technology, packaging, quality control and international branding could strengthen its competitive position.
Speciality coffee is another emerging opportunity. International consumers increasingly show interest in coffee with identifiable origins, distinctive flavour profiles and carefully managed processing methods.
Indian coffee-growing regions such as Coorg and Chikkamagaluru have the potential to build stronger international identities in this segment.
Greater emphasis on traceability, consistent quality and direct relationships with international buyers could help Indian producers access premium markets.
A Promising Development for India’s Agricultural Exports
India’s coffee export performance during April–September 2026 represents an encouraging development for the country’s agricultural trade.
The nearly 25% increase in export volumes demonstrates the growing reach of Indian coffee in international markets. Export earnings of $1.17 billion further underline the economic importance of the industry.
At the same time, the slower growth in dollar earnings compared with shipment volumes highlights the need to improve average realisations through quality enhancement, product diversification and value addition.
With Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu continuing to anchor domestic production, and international demand creating opportunities for processed and speciality coffee, India has considerable scope to strengthen its position in the global coffee business.
The next phase of growth will depend not just on how much coffee India exports, but also on how effectively the country builds premium products, strengthens its brands and captures a larger share of the value generated across the international coffee supply chain.
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