? Ideas Brewing: The Rise of India’s Coffee Startups

India’s coffee industry has developed an exciting startup culture, combining traditional roots with modern innovation. Let’s dive into the vibrant scene of coffee startups that are reshaping how India enjoys its coffee—from bean to brew.

A Sip of History: India’s Coffee Legacy

India’s love affair with coffee began in the 17th century when Baba Budan, a Sufi saint, smuggled seven beans from Yemen into Chikmagalur, Karnataka. This bold move marked India’s entry into the global coffee world. Today, India ranks among the top 10 coffee-producing nations globally, known for its distinctive shade-grown Arabica and Robusta varieties.

?? The Grounds of Great Coffee: India’s Prime Coffee Estates

India’s top coffee is grown in the misty hills of the Western Ghats, where beans thrive in cool, shaded environments. The country’s key coffee regions include:

• Chikmagalur and Coorg (Karnataka): The heart of the coffee belt, known for balanced Arabica with fruity, floral notes.
• Araku Valley (Andhra Pradesh): A community-driven, organic coffee haven grown by Adivasi tribes.
• Wayanad (Kerala): Famous for eco-friendly plantations and organic coffee.
• Nilgiris (Tamil Nadu): Known for boutique, nuanced coffee farms.

These estates are the foundation for many D2C brands and specialty coffee startups, propelling India onto the global specialty coffee map.

The Big Beans

From exotic single-origin coffees to unique blends, startups have transformed coffee drinking into a cultural ritual. Some key players include:

• ARAKU Coffee : Organic, community-driven, and globally appealing, Araku’s mission extends beyond coffee to social impact.
• Blue Tokai Coffee Roasters : A pioneer in the Indian specialty coffee market, renowned for direct-from-estate sourcing and "cool-factor" cafes across cities.
• Country Bean : Specialising in flavoured instant coffee, it has captured the attention of younger coffee enthusiasts.
• Dope Coffee Roasters : Known for fresh beans, funky branding, and unique blends.
• Hatti Food and Beverages Pvt Ltd : Taking authentic South Indian Filter Kaapi to the rest of the world. Bengaluru born, globally adored.
• Sleepy Owl Coffee : Innovators of cold brews and ready-to-drink products that combine convenience with quality.
• Subko Specialty Coffee Roasters, Bakehouse and Fine Cacao : Bringing Mumbai’s cosmopolitan flair to traditional brewing techniques, Subko roasts small batches for a cult following.
• Third Wave Coffee Roasters : Known for upscale cafes and their commitment to single-origin brews.

These brands are redefining coffee culture by focusing on storytelling, traceability, and digital-first marketing, appealing to younger, discerning audiences.

Rising Roasters Stirring the Pot

1. abCoffee – A versatile coffee brand focusing on premium-quality beans that cater to various taste profiles and brewing methods.
2. Aeka's Coffee – Specialises in single-origin, hand-roasted coffee beans with a focus on Indian estates, promoting a deep, earthy flavour.
3. Ainmane – Offers specialty coffee sourced from their own estates in Coorg, emphasising quality and sustainability.
4. Beanly Coffee – Known for its innovative, ready-to-brew drip bags and instant coffee sachets, bringing convenience to specialty coffee.
5. Bili Hu Coffees – Showcases Indian-origin coffee, often partnering with estates across India to create unique flavour profiles.
6. BiziBean Coffee – Aims to make specialty coffee affordable, sourcing directly from farmers for an authentic at-home coffee experience.
7. Black Baza Coffee Co. – Focuses on biodiversity and eco-conscious practices, partnering with farmers for sustainable, wildlife-friendly coffee.
8. Bloom Coffee Roasters – Curates a range of artisanal coffee with an emphasis on traceability and single-origin offerings.
9. bonhomia – Known for its coffee capsules, Bonhomia brings the convenience of single-serve brewing with Indian coffee.
10. Coffee By Di Bella ? – Australian-origin brand, now in India, offering gourmet coffee experiences and focusing on high-quality beans.
11. Coorg Consolidated Commodities – Operates coffee estates in Coorg, providing quality coffee directly from Karnataka’s heartland.
12. Democratic Coffee – A new-age coffee brand aiming to bring craft coffee closer to the Indian consumer with direct trade practices..
13. Flavour Culture – Strives to redefine Indian coffee with a focus on unique, high-quality blends suitable for various brewing methods.
14. GOSIP – Emphasises approachable Indian coffee, often collaborating with local producers to create a blend of traditional and modern flavours.
15. Halli Berri Coffee and Cottages – Coorg-based and women-led, this brand emphasises estate-grown coffee with a focus on quality and heritage.
16. HumbleBean Coffee – Works closely with estates to bring consumers single-origin beans that capture India’s diverse coffee landscapes.
17. Indian Bean Chronicles Coffee Stories – Curates coffee from across India’s estates, focusing on high-quality beans with an Indian story.
18. Kaapi Machines – Supplies coffee machinery, targeting cafés and businesses looking for top-grade equipment for high-quality coffee.
19. Kaapi Solutions – Specialises in coffee machines for commercial use, serving cafes and premium hospitality clients across India.
20. KCROASTERS by @Koinonia – Known for its attention to roasting techniques, providing fresh, handcrafted coffee to a discerning audience.
21. Kerehaklu – Focuses on small-batch coffee grown on its own estates, emphasising eco-friendly practices and sustainable sourcing.
22. Lasthouse.coffee – Curates coffee grown in the Western Ghats, blending coastal charm with an emphasis on environmental stewardship.
23. Maverick & Farmer Coffee Roasters – Offers unique, experimental coffee sourced from their estate, blending traditional Indian beans with modern roasting techniques.
24. Nithara Coffee – Committed to producing single-origin, estate-grown coffee that emphasises authentic Indian flavours.
25. Quaffine – India’s first homegrown cold brew coffee liqueur, merging coffee and spirits for a distinct beverage experience.
26. Seven Beans Coffee Company – A collaboration with Italian roasters, focusing on bringing Italian techniques to Indian coffee.
27. SLAY Coffee – Offers on-demand coffee in convenient formats, focusing on high-quality coffee that’s easy to enjoy on the go.
28. SoCoffee – Celebrates Indian coffee’s diversity, promoting the stories and landscapes behind each unique blend.
29. Subko Specialty Coffee Roasters, Bakehouse and Fine Cacao – A craft roaster that highlights Indian terroir, single-origin, and carefully curated blends from various estates.
30. The Coffee – Provides high-quality coffee sourced from India’s best estates, focusing on consistency and approachable flavours.
31. The Flying Squirrel – A Coorg-based brand known for its artisanal approach, sourcing coffee from their family-run estates.
32. Toffee Coffee Roasters – Delivers artisanal coffee with a smooth, toffee-like finish, suitable for diverse brewing methods.
33. Tulum – Inspired by global coffee culture, Tulum blends Indian beans with an international coffee experience.
34. WoodiPeck’s – Highlights unique Indian coffee blends, focusing on eco-friendly practices and sustainable farming.

These players are gaining momentum by catering to India’s increasingly sophisticated coffee palates.

Groundbreaking Grounds: Fun Facts About India’s Coffee Culture

• Shade-Grown Specialty: Over 90% of India’s coffee is shade-grown, enhancing flavour and promoting biodiversity.
• Unique Terroir: Indian coffee boasts a distinctive flavour profile, with spicy, nutty, and chocolaty notes.
• Strong Exports: Despite growing local demand, 70% of India’s coffee is exported, particularly to Italy, Germany, and Russia.
• The Rise of Craft Coffee: The new Indian coffee consumer is gravitating towards single origins, cold brews, and artisanal blends.

Steaming Up Support: Coffee Incubators and Industry Boosters

India’s coffee startups benefit from a robust ecosystem of support:

• Indian Institute of Plantation Management (IIPM): Based in Bangalore, it offers specialised courses and support for agri-startups, including coffee.
• NABARD (National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development): Provides venture capital to agri-businesses impacting coffee.
• Araku Valley Coffee Community: A cooperative that incubates young coffee entrepreneurs, teaching sustainable practices and global marketing.

Kings of the North

While South India’s coffee has long been the backbone of the country’s coffee culture, the North East is rapidly emerging as a new contender, offering unique flavours and high-altitude advantages.

• Altitude Advantage: The North East’s cooler climates and higher altitudes produce bold, complex flavours that make for a rich, aromatic experience.
• Flavours as Wild as the Terrain: While southern coffees are rich and earthy, the North East’s coffee is floral and fruity, with bold notes reflecting its mountainous terroir.
• New Sustainability Stars: The North East is making a mark with ethical, fair trade practices that empower local farmers.
• Unique Stories in Every Cup: Brands like Nagaland Coffee and Altura tell the stories of the region’s tribal farming methods and community-driven initiatives, infusing each cup with character.

Emerging brands like 7000 Steps and été Coffee are bringing the North East’s natural terroir into the spotlight with distinct floral and fruity notes.

What’s Brewing Next for India’s Coffee Culture?

With Gen Z and millennials driving coffee consumption, innovative products such as nitrogen-infused cold brews, ready-to-drink options, and even mushroom coffee are on the rise. As incomes rise and awareness of high-quality coffee grows, India is poised to become a hub for specialty coffee in Asia.

The Final Sip

India’s coffee startup ecosystem is an energising blend of tradition, social impact, and innovation. With a focus on sustainability, flavour, and community, India’s coffee scene is set for continued growth. So, the next time you sip your cup of coffee, remember that it’s not just about the brew—it’s about the story in every sip. Cheers to India’s vibrant coffee journey!

Writing: Ryan Frantz , Reeta Jose

Editing: Teja Lele