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From bean to brew: Unraveling the coffee supply chain in India
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Wednesday, 15 November, 2023, 13 : 00 PM [IST]
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Devanshi Tripathi
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Coffee isn't just a morning pick-me-up; it's a global phenomenon that touches the lives of millions. From the moment a coffee bean is planted in the verdant coffee-producing regions of India to when it's carefully brewed and relished by coffee aficionados, it embarks on a captivating journey through the Indian coffee supply chain. In this in-depth exploration, we'll take you from seed to cup, unveiling the intricacies and processes that make your daily brew possible.
The Genesis of Coffee: Farming and Cultivation in India
Our journey through the coffee supply chain in the country commences at its source – the coffee farms that adorn the picturesque landscapes of India. These farms are primarily found in regions with specific climatic conditions, nestled in the Western and Eastern Ghats and the Nilgiri hills. Here's a glimpse of how the Indian coffee journey begins:
Planting: The journey starts with the selection of coffee seeds, chosen to thrive in India's unique climate and soil. These seeds are lovingly planted in nurseries, where they germinate into coffee seedlings. Once robust enough, they are transplanted to coffee estates across the country.
Cultivation: Coffee plants require meticulous care, including regular pruning and fertilization. It takes several years for these plants to mature and bear fruit, which we know as coffee cherries. The cultivation process also involves diligent pest control and disease prevention.
Harvesting: Coffee cherries are plucked when they attain peak ripeness. The two primary methods for harvesting coffee in India are selective picking, where only ripe cherries are collected, and strip picking, which involves harvesting all cherries, ripe or not.
Processing: Following the harvest, the coffee cherries undergo processing to extract the coffee beans. In India, both the dry method and wet method are used. The dry method involves sun-drying the cherries, while the wet method includes pulping, fermenting, washing, and drying the beans.
Navigating the Coffee Supply Chain: Processing and Milling
After the coffee beans are liberated from the cherries, they progress to the next stage within the coffee supply chain.
Hulling and Polishing: Post the initial drying, coffee beans may still retain an outer layer called parchment. Hulling is the process of removing this parchment layer, revealing the green coffee beans beneath. In certain cases, beans are polished to enhance their appearance.
Grading and Sorting: Coffee beans are meticulously sorted and graded based on size, weight, and quality. This step is pivotal in determining the destiny of the beans within the supply chain. Superior beans are often segregated for the specialty coffee market, while lower-grade beans may serve mass-market coffee products.
Exporting: Green coffee beans from India are generally dispatched to coffee-exporting companies within the country. These companies play a vital role in the global coffee trade, selling beans to international buyers or directly to coffee roasters worldwide.
Transforming Green Beans: Coffee Roasting in India
Upon reaching the importing country, green coffee beans undergo the transformative process of roasting. Roasting is the stage where coffee beans undergo a profound metamorphosis, evolving in both flavor and aroma. Here's what transpires during this pivotal step:
Roasting: In India, green coffee beans are roasted at varying temperatures and durations, depending on the desired flavor profile. The roasting process induces chemical reactions that change the beans' color, aroma, and flavor. The beans expand and release that enchanting coffee aroma, developing a roasted flavor.
Blending: Some coffee brands in India opt to blend beans from different sources or regions to achieve a particular flavor or aroma. This step enables the creation of distinct and consistent coffee profiles.
Grinding: Roasted beans are ground in India to the preferred consistency, contingent on the brewing method. Espresso requires a fine grind, while a French press necessitates a coarse grind.
The Final Stages: Brewing and Savoring
The journey of coffee beans culminates in the hands of the Indian consumer, where they are brewed and sipped in a multitude of ways.
Brewing Methods: Coffee aficionados in India have a vast array of brewing methods to select from, including filter brewing, espresso, pour-over, French press, and more. Each method draws out unique flavors from the coffee grounds, offering a diverse coffee experience.
Flavor Profiling: Coffee experts often describe coffee in the country in terms of flavor profiles. These profiles encompass a spectrum of attributes, from acidity and body to aroma and flavor notes. Beans from different regions or varietals offer distinct flavor profiles, providing Indian consumers with a broad spectrum of options to explore.
Sustainability and Ethical Sourcing: The Indian coffee industry has been embracing sustainability and ethical sourcing. Many consumers in the country are now looking for certifications such as Rainforest Alliance or UTZ, which ensure that coffee is produced in an environmentally friendly and socially responsible manner.
Challenges and Future Trends in the Indian Coffee Supply Chain
While the Indian coffee supply chain is a captivating journey, it faces its share of challenges. Climate change, pests, and diseases can all impact coffee production in the country, potentially affecting the availability and quality of coffee. Sustainable farming practices, such as shade-grown coffee and agroforestry, have gained traction as strategies to combat these challenges.
Another significant trend in the Indian coffee market is the burgeoning specialty coffee sector. As more consumers in India become discerning coffee connoisseurs, the demand for unique and high-quality beans has surged. This trend has led to an increased focus on single-origin coffee and direct trade relationships between Indian roasters and coffee farmers.
Furthermore, technology plays a pivotal role in the Indian coffee supply chain. Innovations in harvesting, processing, and quality control have improved efficiency and consistency in coffee production.
The Indian coffee supply chain is a captivating journey, starting from the planting of a coffee bean to its final destination in your cup. It comprises a multitude of stages, each with its unique processes and intricacies. Understanding this journey allows us to appreciate the intricate and interconnected world of coffee production and consumption. From the hands of the farmer to the cup of the consumer, the story of coffee is one of dedication, craftsmanship, and the pursuit of that perfect, aromatic brew. The next time you savor your morning cup of coffee, take a moment to cherish the remarkable journey that brought it to your table, nurtured by the diverse landscapes of India.
(The author is founder at North Star Cafe)
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