Indian Coffee Export: Bulk Arabica & Robusta Sourcing Guide for International Buyers and Roasters

India produces some of the world's most distinctive coffee, grown under shade in the forests of Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu. Indian coffee is valued by international roasters and specialty buyers for its unique flavour profiles, low acidity, and consistent quality. With over 3.5 lakh coffee growers and annual exports exceeding 400,000 metric tons, India is a significant force in the global coffee trade. This guide helps international buyers and roasters understand how to source Indian coffee in bulk.

Indian Coffee Varieties for Bulk Export

• Arabica (Plantation A and Plantation B): Grown at 1,000-1,500 metres elevation in Chikmagalur, Coorg, and Nilgiris. Mild, low-acid cup with notes of chocolate and fruit. Preferred by specialty roasters in Europe, Japan, and USA.

• Robusta (Cherry AB and Parchment AB): Grown in lower elevations in Karnataka and Kerala. Full-bodied, high caffeine, earthy notes. Widely used in espresso blends by European buyers.

• Monsooned Malabar: A uniquely Indian process where dried green beans are exposed to monsoon winds for 12-16 weeks. Results in a distinctive pale yellow bean with low acidity, heavy body, and musty, earthy, woody flavour. Highly valued by specialty roasters in Germany, Italy, and the Middle East.

• Specialty and Micro-lot Coffees: Small-batch, estate-grown coffees with traceability to specific farms. Cupping scores typically 83-88+. Demanded by third-wave coffee roasters.

Quality Grading System for Indian Coffee Export

The Coffee Board of India regulates quality grading for all exported coffee. The primary grades are: Plantation A (Arabica, screen size 17-18, premium grade), Plantation B (Arabica, screen size 15-16), Cherry AB (Robusta, mixed screen), Parchment AB (Robusta, unwashed), and Monsooned Malabar AA (largest screen size, premium monsooned). Each grade has defined moisture, defect count, and screen size specifications. Exporters must register with the Coffee Board and obtain a Coffee Board license before exporting.

Certifications Available for Indian Coffee

Indian coffee estates and processors can obtain several internationally recognized certifications that command premium pricing in export markets: Rainforest Alliance (sustainability and biodiversity), Fairtrade (social equity and fair prices for farmers), Organic (NOP for USA, EU Organic for Europe, NPOP for Indian organic standard), UTZ Certified (now merged with Rainforest Alliance), and 4C (Common Code for the Coffee Community — entry-level sustainability). Certified coffees attract 10-30% premium over commodity prices.

Packaging and Minimum Order for Indian Coffee Export

Indian green coffee is typically exported in 60kg or 70kg GrainPro-lined jute bags for specialty grades, and in 60kg plain jute bags for commodity grades. A 20-foot FCL holds approximately 320-330 bags (19.2-23 MT). For sample orders, 10-50kg samples are available from most exporters. Roasters looking for trial lots can often source 200-500kg as a pallet shipment. Minimum commercial orders are typically 1-2 MT for specialty grades and 5+ MT for commodity grades.

Coffee Board of India Export Regulations

All Indian coffee exports are regulated by the Coffee Board of India under the Coffee Act 1942. Exporters must be registered with the Coffee Board and obtain an Export Permit for each shipment. The Coffee Board also provides phytosanitary certification and quality grading at major ports. Imports from India are facilitated mainly through Chennai, Mangalore, Cochin, and Mumbai ports. Aarav Broking works with Coffee Board-registered exporters to ensure full compliance for international shipments.

Source Premium Indian Coffee Through Aarav Broking

Aarav Broking connects international coffee roasters, wholesalers, and importers with verified Coffee Board-registered exporters in Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu. We facilitate sample shipments for quality evaluation, provide cupping reports and lot profiles for specialty buyers, and manage bulk commercial orders from container to vessel quantities. Whether you need a consistent supply of commercial Robusta or single-origin specialty Arabica, we source it with full traceability and proper documentation.

Contact our coffee trade desk at trade@aravbroking.com or WhatsApp +91 8306190481 for sample availability, FOB pricing, and cupping reports.