India’s instant, value-added coffees are increasing their presence in the premium markets of Japan, Korea, and the Middle East.

According to the Coffee Board of India, the nation’s share in global coffee exports has seen an increase in both value and volume, thanks to a shift from green coffee to more value-added and soluble varieties.

For instance, 94% of India’s coffee exports consisted of green coffee just a few decades ago, but today, value-added coffee makes up 38% of the export portfolio. India has now become the second-largest producer of instant coffee, following Brazil.

The Coffee Board of India highlighted that India is internationally recognized for its sun-dried, handpicked coffee cultivated under a two-tier agro-forestry system. It is among the few countries producing both Arabica and Robusta coffee varieties, with 13 types of Arabica and 3 types of Robusta cultivated in the country. Arabica coffee contains less caffeine compared to Robusta.
Arabica offers a sweeter and smoother flavor, while Robusta tends to be more bitter.

Over the past decade, the number of coffee export markets has expanded from 105 to 128. As a result, the export basket has diversified, with the European Union’s share in India’s total coffee exports declining from 54% to 46%.

While India’s export share to high-value markets like South Korea and Japan has risen, West Asia is becoming a popular export destination. Demand for Monsoon Malabar coffee is increasing in Scandinavian countries, and Indian Robustas are finding greater use in espressos across Europe.