Top 10 Coffee Producing States in India: Regions, Varieties, and Coffee Brands

India is among the top coffee-producing countries in the world, widely known for its different coffee plantations and unique flavor profiles from different regions.

Most coffee cultivation happens in the southern part of the country, with few states producing Arabica and Robusta coffee varieties.

Let us talk about the top 10 coffee producing states in India, their coffee characteristics, their contribution to the country’s coffee industry, and which is the largest coffee-producing state in India.

Top 10 Coffee Producing States

 1. Karnataka

• Region: Western Ghats, Chikmagalur, Coorg, and Hassan
• Production Share: 71% of India’s total coffee output
• Key Varieties: Arabica and Robusta
• Famous Brands: Coorg Coffee, Chikmagalur Coffee

Karnataka, which is the largest coffee-producing state of India, contributes to more than two-thirds of the country’s coffee cultivation.

Coffee cultivation mainly happens in the Western Ghats, particularly in Coorg (Kodagu), Chikmagalur, and Hassan.

These regions are widely known for their shade-grown coffee and rich soil, which bring out beans with complex flavors.

The state's weather and altitude provide perfect conditions for growing both Arabica and Robusta.

Arabica beans from Karnataka are known for their mild acidity and rich aroma, while robusta beans from the region are said to be prized for their firm body and earthy flavours, often used in coffee blends and instant coffee.

While the demand for high-quality coffee is high on the other hand robusta beans from this region are often in demand for use in espresso blends and instant coffee, making Karnataka an important player in domestic and international coffee markets.

The state contributes significantly to India’s coffee exports, with a large portion of the Arabica being exported to Europe and the US, where the demand for high-quality coffee is substantial

• Coorg Coffee:  It is known for its slight acidity and fruity undertones, Coorg’s Arabica beans are highly looked after.
• Chikmagalur Coffee: The root of Indian coffee, cultivating beans with rich aromas and smooth textures.

2. Kerala

• Region: Wayanad, Idukki, Palakkad
• Production Share: 21%
• Varieties: Robusta and Arabica

Kerala holds the second position in coffee producing states in India, mainly cultivating Robusta beans.

The Wayanad district is especially famous for its high-quality Robusta beans, which are widely known for their full-bodied flavor and low level of acidity.

Coffee cultivation in Kerala aids from its hot and humid weather conditions and rich soil, especially in regions like Idukki and Palakkad, which also cultivates  Arabica beans.

• Wayanad Robusta: It is acclaimed for its smooth, full-bodied flavor, commonly used in espresso blends.

3. Tamil Nadu

• Region: Nilgiri Hills, Yercaud, Kodaikanal, Shevaroy Hills
• Production Share:  Around 5 %
• Varieties: Arabica and Robusta

Tamil Nadu is known for its high-altitude Arabica coffee and holds the third position in coffee producing states in India.

The cold weather and fertile soil of this region result in coffee with strong acidity and fruity flavors. The Shevaroy Hills in the state also cultivate notable shade-grown Arabica coffee, which is famous for its delicate flavors.

• Nilgiri Coffee:  It is Famous for its pleasing aroma and medium body.
• Yercaud Coffee:  It is Known for its nutty and floral notes.

4. Andhra Pradesh 

• Region: Araku Valley, Visakhapatnam
• Production Share: Growing but still under 2%
• Key Varieties: Arabica
• Famous Brands: Araku Coffee

Araku Valley in Andhra Pradesh has come out as one of the most sensational new coffee regions in India and holds the fourth position in coffee producing states in India.

The valley is Located in the Eastern Ghats, this tribal region generates high-quality organic Arabica coffee. The coffee that comes from this region is famous for its organic cultivation methods, rich flavor, and chocolatey notes.

• Araku Coffee: This variety of coffee is continuously gaining acceptance globally for its complex, fruity flavor and rich aroma, cultivated through sustainable agricultural methods by local tribal communities.

5. Odisha

• Region: Koraput
• Production Share: Around 2%
• Key Varieties: Arabica
• Famous Brands: Koraput Coffee

Koraput in the southern part of  Odisha is another high-flyer in India’s coffee landscape and holds the fifth position in coffee producing states in India.

The cool climate, high altitude, and rich soils make it the perfect place for growing Arabica coffee.

Coffee cultivation in this region has been established as a component of sustainable farming initiatives, with a main focus on organic practices.

• Koraput Coffee: Known for its mild and balanced flavor profile, with a slight amount of fruit and nuts. The coffee from this region is looked after for its high quality and smooth texture.

6. Assam 

• Region: Dibrugarh, Cachar
• Production Share: Less than 1%
• Key Varieties: Robusta and Arabica
• Famous Brands: Cachar Coffee

Assam is mainly known for its tea cultivation and has also moved into coffee production. The Cachar district is a vital point for coffee cultivation in Assam, and the state’s coffee-growing regions aid from the region’s unique soil and climatic conditions.

The coffee industry of Assam has grown rapidly in recent years, as programs aimed at diversification from tea cultivation to coffee. 

Thanks to a suitable climate and fertile soil, Assam is undertaking a major mark as a coffee-producing region, it is providing opportunities for local farmers and supporting the growing Indian coffee industry

• Cachar Coffee: The coffee produced here is generally characterized by earthy and spicy undertones, with a medium body, which makes it appropriate for blends.

7. Tripura

• Region: North Tripura, Gomati
• Production Share: Small but growing
• Key Varieties: Arabica and Robusta

Tripura, another northeastern state, has seen amplified interest in coffee cultivation, specifically in its hilly regions.

Coffee farming here is still in its early phase, but the growth possibility is quite high stating the favorable conditions for both Arabica and Robusta varieties of Coffee.

Tripura is fast emerging as a promising coffee-producing state, as more and more farmers shift from traditional crops to coffee farming.

The government has also taken measures to boost coffee growing by providing subsidies and encouraging sustainable agriculture, helping to increase coffee production each year

• Tripura Coffee:  It is known for growing coffee with a unique flavor profile, mixing both sweet and bitter notes, it is mainly used for local consumption but is gradually making its way into main markets.

8. Nagaland

• Region: Mon, Mokokchung
• Production Share: Emerging producer
• Key Varieties: Arabica

Nagaland’s coffee cultivation is recently developed, but the state has been acknowledged for its attempt to encourage sustainable coffee farming. The hilly terrains and tropical climate of Nagaland give the perfect environment for the cultivation of Arabica coffee.

The rapid growth in coffee production in Nagaland is due to various programs to improve the agricultural production of the state.

With an increased focus on organic and eco-friendly coffee, Nagaland is on its way to becoming a key state in India’s speciality coffee industry, contributing to the local economy and the country’s coffee export yield.

• Nagaland Coffee:  Known for its moderate acidity and smooth texture, Nagaland’s Arabica beans have begun to make their way in the market, especially in organic and specialty coffee markets.

9. Manipur

• Region: Ukhrul, Senapati
• Production Share: Small-scale
• Key Varieties: Arabica and Robusta

Manipur is another northeastern state which is making progress in coffee cultivation, especially in its high-altitude regions. Coffee from Manipur is acclaimed for its capacity to grow in organic and sustainable farming practices.

Manipur's coffee industry is growing rapidly as more farmers opt for coffee farming due to higher cost advantages compared to traditional crops Government support and growing demand for specialty organic coffee have played a key role in this transformation, positioning Manipur as an emerging state in India’s coffee market.

• Manipur Coffee: The coffee from Manipur is described by its light body and fine aroma, with a sweet and fruity flavor profile that intrigues specialty coffee lovers.

10. Meghalaya

• Region: Khasi Hills, Jaintia Hills
• Production Share: Emerging producer
• Key Varieties: Arabica

Meghalaya has beneficial conditions for coffee cultivation due to its cold weather and altitude. The state's main aim is organic coffee production, mainly in the Khasi and Jaintia Hills, regions widely known for their natural beauty and fertile soil.

• Meghalaya Coffee: Coffee from this region has a fruity flavor with a slight taste of citrus and chocolate, credited to the unique terroir of the Khasi Hills.

Conclusion 

The coffee industry in India is entwined with the country's geographical and climatic conditions, enabling coffee producing states in India to thrive.

From Karnataka, which is the largest coffee-producing state in India, to the newly emerging regions in the northeastern states, each state has its blends of flavors and climatic conditions for coffee growing.

The direction of organic farming and sustainable agriculture for the production of coffee means only growth for the industry in India.

From the full-bodied Robusta of Kerala to the aromatic Arabica from Tamil Nadu or the Organics from Andhra Pradesh and Odisha, coffee producing states in India have immense importance as major contributors to India’s claim in the international market.

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