India to Host First-Ever World Coffee Conference in Bengaluru, September 25-28

India is set to make history as it prepares to host the prestigious World Coffee Conference (WCC) for the first time. The event, organized by the International Coffee Organization (ICO), will be held in Bengaluru from September 25 to September 28, marking the fifth edition of the global gathering.

The International Coffee Organization is a significant intergovernmental organization dedicated to promoting coffee trade and fostering cooperation among coffee-producing and consuming nations. With India's emergence as a major player in the coffee industry, the country's Coffee Board will collaborate with the ICO to organize this landmark conference.

At a preview ceremony for WCC 2023, held on Monday, the logo for the event was unveiled. The CEO and Secretary of the Coffee Board of India, K G Jagadeesha, announced that Indian tennis star Rohan Bopanna would be the brand ambassador for the conference.

This conference is not only a matter of pride for India but also holds great promise for the country's coffee farmers. Jagadeesha highlighted that WCC 2023 would be the first such event to take place in Asia. It is expected to provide a global platform to showcase the unique flavors and varieties of coffee produced in India, opening up new opportunities and markets for the country's coffee farmers.

The central theme of WCC 2023 is 'Sustainability through Circular Economy and Regenerative Agriculture.' The conference will feature a diverse range of programs, including conferences, exhibitions, skill-building workshops, CEOs & global leaders forum, and a growers conclave. These programs aim to address the challenges faced by the coffee industry while promoting sustainable and regenerative practices.

With participants from over 80 countries, the conference is set to become a melting pot of ideas and expertise from different corners of the world. Producers, curers, roasters, exporters, policymakers, and researchers will come together to discuss the future of the coffee industry and exchange knowledge on best practices and innovative approaches.

In the past, the World Coffee Conference has been held in various coffee-rich nations, such as England (2001), Brazil (2005), Guatemala (2010), and Ethiopia (2016). Now, with India as the host country, it is a testament to the country's growing influence in the global coffee market.