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Discover the Rich Heritage and Unique Flavor of Indian Coffee

COFFEE

India’s relationship with coffee dates back to the 17th century, when the legendary Baba Budan smuggled seven raw beans from Yemen and planted them in the hills of Chikmagalur, Karnataka. From those seven seeds grew a thriving tradition. Over the centuries, Indian coffee has evolved from a small-scale cultivation into a globally recognized origin known for shade-grown, hand-picked, and meticulously processed coffee. At Tropical Trading Co, we are proud to share India’s finest coffees with the world — a cup steeped in history, biodiversity, and flavor.

GI-Tagged & Specialty Coffees of India

Indian coffee’s uniqueness is legally protected by Geographical Indications (GI). Coffees like Coorg Arabica, Bababudangiri Arabica, Chikmagalur Arabica, and Wayanad Robusta hold GI tags — a mark of authenticity, traceability, and terroir.

India is also home to an emerging specialty coffee movement, with growers innovating in fermentation, processing, and sustainable practices. We source from farms pushing the boundaries to offer micro-lots, single-origin, and limited-edition beans that meet the standards of discerning global roasters.

​A Diverse Landscape of Coffee Varieties

India produces both Arabica and Robusta coffee — each with unique flavor profiles shaped by their microclimates. From bold, full-bodied Robusta beans grown at lower elevations to the delicate, floral Arabica beans cultivated on high-altitude estates, Indian coffee offers a versatile flavor spectrum for every palate.

What Makes Indian Coffee Stand Out?

Unlike most major coffee-growing regions, Indian coffee is shade-grown under a forest canopy, intercropped with spices, fruits, and other native flora. This biodiversity imparts a distinctive, nuanced flavor to the beans and promotes ecological harmony. Insects, birds, and animals co-exist with coffee — creating a truly sustainable, organic ecosystem.

Moreover, the terrain of Indian coffee farms — often located on sloped, high-altitude estates — makes mechanized harvesting impractical. That’s why Indian coffee is still hand-picked, ensuring only ripe cherries are selected, improving quality and consistency in the cup.

Eco-Conscious Processing Methods

India offers all major processing methods — washed (wet), natural (dry), monsooned, and honey-processed.
We’re especially excited about the honey process — a hybrid method that retains the mucilage of the coffee cherry, enhancing sweetness and body while reducing water usage by up to 50% compared to traditional washed methods. It’s a sustainable and flavor-rich alternative that’s gaining traction with specialty roasters worldwide.

Key Coffee Growing Regions in India

1. Chikmagalur, Karnataka

  • Elevation: 900–1,400 meters

  • Rainfall: 1,500–2,000 mm/year

  • Notes: Birthplace of Indian coffee. Ideal for shade-grown Arabica. Cool temperatures, rich loamy soils.​

2. Coorg (Kodagu), Karnataka

  • Elevation: 800–1,100 meters

  • Rainfall: 2,500–3,500 mm/year

  • Notes: Largest coffee-producing district. Known for Robusta and intercropping with pepper and cardamom.

3. Wayanad, Kerala

  • Elevation: 700–900 meters

  • Rainfall: 2,000–3,000 mm/year

  • Notes: Lush forests, tribal farms, and high-quality Robusta beans.

4. Shevaroy Hills, Tamil Nadu

  • Elevation: 1,200–1,500 meters

  • Rainfall: 1,000–1,800 mm/year

  • Notes: Cooler climate yields complex, fruity Arabicas.

5. Araku Valley, Andhra Pradesh

  • Elevation: 900–1,100 meters

  • Rainfall: 1,200–1,800 mm/year

  • Notes: Tribal-run organic farms. Emerging as a specialty Arabica hub with global recognition.

​What We Offer

At Tropical Trading Co, we supply and ship:

  • Green coffee beans (Arabica & Robusta)

  • Roasted whole beans and ground coffee

  • High-quality instant coffee (spray-dried and agglomerated)

Whether you're a large-scale importer or a boutique roastery, we tailor our offerings to suit your scale and taste.

Flexible Trade Terms and Packaging

We work with:

  • Importers preferring FOB, CIF, or CFR terms

  • Roasteries and small-batch buyers who need DDP delivery straight to their door

Our flexible MOQs, customized packaging solutions, and reliable logistics support make us the ideal sourcing partner for Indian coffee. From jute bags with GrainPro liners to vacuum-sealed pouches — we adapt to your needs.

Let’s Brew a Partnership

We are passionate about coffee — not just as a product, but as a living heritage, a sensory journey, and a bridge between cultures. Whether you're looking for traceable specialty lots or commercial volumes, we’re here to deliver excellence in every bean.

Contact us today to discuss your sourcing needs or request samples. Let us help you discover the true taste of India — one cup at a time.

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