Coffee Exports Rise to 4 lakh tonnes in 2022

Shipments increased 18% over the previous year's $945 million in dollar terms, while exports increased 26% in rupee terms to Rs 8,762 crore (Rs 6,984 crore in 2021). During the calendar year, the per unit value realized increased by 23% to Rs 2,18,923.82 per tonne, up from Rs 1,77,406.89 the previous year.

Overall shipments were 4 lakh tonnes, up more than 2% from the previous year's 3.93 lakh tonnes, according to permits issued by the state-run Coffee Board. Shipments of instant coffee increased by 10% to over 1.34 lakh tonnes, up from 1.21 lakh tonnes in the same period last year.

This included increased re-exports of more than 99,513 tonnes (91,960 tonnes). Lower grade coffee is imported from countries such as Vietnam and re-exported after being converted into value-added instant coffees.

"The year 2022 has been very good for the Indian coffee growers and exporters as our exports hit a new record both in value and volume terms. The disruption in the Brazilian supply chain, as well as the post-Covid rebound in consumption, triggered demand for Indian coffees. The Coffee Board's handholding assistance to exporters and buyers also contributed to record shipments," as per KG Jagadeesha, CEO and Secretary of the Coffee Board.

Green coffee shipments, primarily arabicas, fell slightly, while robustas increased marginally. Arabica parchment exports fell by 35,624 tonnes (37,802 tonnes). Similarly, arabica cherry shipments fell to 8,918 tonnes (12,253 tonnes). Robusta parchment exports increased to 29,757 tonnes (28,842 tonnes), while robusta cherry exports increased to 1.91 lakh tonnes (1.91 lakh tonnes). Roasted seed exports were also marginally higher at 121.22 tonnes (85.36 tonnes), while roast and ground coffee shipments were marginally higher at 288 tonnes (270 tonnes).

Italy remained the largest buyer of Indian coffees, despite volume declines of about 14% over the previous year. Italy purchased 61,717 tonnes in 2022, compared to 71,513 tonnes in 2021. Germany, the second-largest buyer, increased purchases to 43,822 tonnes (34,204 tonnes in 2021). In 2022, the Russian Federation surpassed Belgium to become the third largest buyer of Indian coffee. Russia purchased 34,102 tonnes of Indian coffees, mostly instant coffees, up from 27,288 tonnes the previous year.

CCL Products India Ltd remained the largest exporter in 2022, shipping approximately 40,549 tonnes (39,992 tonnes in 2021). Vidya Herbs Pvt Ltd and Sucden India Pvt Ltd have surpassed Allanasons Pvt Ltd and NKG India Coffee Pvt Ltd to become the second and third largest coffee exporters in India, respectively. Vidya Herbs, which has increased its shipments significantly, exported 29,712 tonnes (16,822 tonnes in 2021), while Sucden Coffee India Pvt Ltd exported 29,363 tonnes (25,934 tonnes).