The surge in Indian coffee exports in 2024 to a record high of $1.684 billion was fueled by increased demand from European countries such as Italy and Germany. This 45% jump in dollar value terms can be attributed to a variety of factors, including a surge in global coffee prices due to poor weather conditions affecting key coffee-producing countries like Brazil and Vietnam. India, being the seventh largest producer of coffee, benefitted from this trend and emerged as the fifth largest exporter in the world.
One significant driver of the increased demand for Indian coffees was the proposed implementation of the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) norms, which led to roasters and traders in Europe buying coffees in advance. This proactive approach by European buyers contributed to the growth in Indian coffee shipments, which saw an overall increase of 7% in volume terms.
Italy remained the largest buyer of Indian coffees, with volumes reaching 78,048 tonnes in 2024, a 40% increase from the previous year. Germany and the Russian Federation followed as the second and third largest buyers, respectively. Among the top exporters of Indian coffee were CCL Products India Ltd, NKG India Coffee Pvt Ltd, Olam Food Ingredients India Pvt Ltd, Vidya Herbs Pvt Ltd, and Louis Dreyfus Company India Pvt Ltd.
Overall, the robust performance of the Indian coffee export sector in 2024 underscores the country’s growing prominence in the global coffee trade. With continued demand from key markets and favorable market conditions, the outlook for Indian coffee exports remains promising in the coming years.