India’s coffee trade expands its global footprint, with exports to more than 140 nations and a record-breaking value of $2.13 billion in FY2025-26. Efforts to promote GI-tagged coffees and support growers are underpinning this growth despite logistical disruptions.
India’s coffee trade has widened its global reach, with the government saying shipments went to more than 140 countries during FY2025-26. According to the Commerce and Industry Ministry, exports rose strongly to markets including the United Arab Emirates, Libya, Australia, South Korea, Egypt, Kuwait and the UK, while new destinations such as Djibouti, Micronesia and Timor-Leste also appeared on the map.
The ministry said the Coffee Board has stepped up efforts to promote geographically indicated, or GI, coffees and support growers, including farmers in Wayanad. Jitin Prasada, Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, said “Wayanad Robusta Coffee” is a registered GI product and that the board acts as the authorised user registrar for GI-tagged coffees. He said it is running awareness campaigns, tasting sessions, buyer-seller meetings and trade-fair participation to build recognition for Indian coffee. The board is also backing small and tribal growers through its Integrated Coffee Development Project.
The broader export picture has been equally strong. Maritime Gateway reported that India’s coffee exports reached a record $2.13 billion in FY26, lifted by demand for both Arabica and Robusta beans. That growth came despite disruption in Gulf shipping routes in March, when around 300 coffee containers were delayed and freight costs jumped on the India-Gulf corridor.
Other industry data shows the mix of India’s coffee trade is changing as value grows faster than volumes. The Economic Times reported that exports in calendar 2025 fell 4.47% by volume to 3.84 lakh tonnes, but rose 22.5% in value to $2.06 billion. Instant coffee helped offset weaker shipments of raw beans, while Italy, Russia and Germany remained the biggest markets.
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