India - The Birthplace of Shade-Grown Coffee
India is not just a land of vibrant culture and ancient traditions—it is also the birthplace of shade-grown coffee. For centuries, coffee has been cultivated here in harmony with nature, under the canopy of fruit trees and alongside aromatic spices. This unique agroforestry system has shaped India’s coffee into some of the most flavourful and sustainable in the world.
A Legendary Beginning
The story of Indian coffee begins in the 17th century with a saint named Baba Budan. Legend has it that he smuggled seven coffee beans from Yemen during a pilgrimage to Mecca and planted them in the hills of Chikmagalur, Karnataka. These seven beans laid the foundation for India’s coffee industry, which now spans sixteen distinct varieties grown across thirteen geographical regions. Today, India is celebrated as one of the world’s most unique coffee origins.
Shade-Grown Coffee: Nature’s Way
Unlike sun-grown coffee, which relies on monoculture and deforestation, Indian coffee thrives in the shade of fruit trees like mangoes, oranges, bananas, and jackfruit. These trees create a biodiverse ecosystem where coffee grows alongside spices such as pepper, ginger, cloves, and cardamom. This natural environment allows coffee cherries to mature slowly, developing a complex flavour profile with notes of dark chocolate, caramel, forest fruits, and warming spices.
India’s Place in the Global Coffee Landscape
India is one of the world’s most distinctive coffee origins, contributing to both the Arabica and Robusta varieties. While countries like Brazil and Vietnam dominate global coffee production, India stands out for its shade-grown practices, biodiversity, and unique terroirs. From the misty hills of Chikmagalur and Coorg to the lush plantations of Tamil Nadu and Kerala, each region imparts its character to the coffee it produces.
At Coromandel Coast, we are proud to showcase India’s diverse coffee terroirs. By sourcing beans from different regions, we highlight the unique flavours and stories behind each cup. Whether it is the bright acidity of a Chikmagalur Arabica or the bold richness of a Coorg Robusta, our coffees celebrate the richness of India’s coffee heritage.
Championing the Unique: Excelsa and Speciality Robusta
In addition to traditional Arabica and Robusta, India is one of the few origins where Excelsa—a rare and exotic coffee species—is cultivated.
Since 2021, we have been championing Excelsa, a coffee known for its complex, fruity, and tart flavour profile. Our Excelsa blends Climate Change and Pandya have been crowned with the coveted Great-Taste awards which is a testament to India’s diversity and innovation in coffee cultivation.
We are also proud to showcase speciality Robusta since 2017, a variety often overlooked in the global coffee scene. Grown in India’s unique terroirs, our speciality Robusta boasts a smooth, rich flavour with notes of dark chocolate and nuts, challenging the perception that Robusta is inferior to Arabica.
Coromandel Coast: Honouring India’s Coffee Legacy
At Coromandel Coast, we are passionate about bringing India’s coffee heritage to the world. As an Indian-origin-focused roaster, we source and roast shade-grown, speciality-grade coffee that reflects the land, the people, and the traditions behind it. From the legendary hills of Chikmagalur to the spice-laden plantations of Kerala, every bean tells a story.
Our mission is to celebrate India’s coffee diversity while promoting sustainable practices that benefit farmers, ecosystems, and coffee lovers alike. By championing unique varieties like Excelsa and speciality Robusta, we aim to put India on the global coffee map as an origin of exceptional quality and innovation.
Join the Journey
When you choose Coromandel Coast, you are not just enjoying a cup of coffee—you are experiencing the flavours, stories, and traditions of India. From the small-holder farmers who cultivate these beans to the biodiverse ecosystems that nurture them, every sip connects you to a legacy that spans centuries.
To learn more about our coffees, explore our range of single-origin and speciality blends. Together, let us celebrate India’s coffee heritage and share it with the world—one cup at a time.