Indian Coffee
Exporter from India
Bulk supplier of Indian Arabica and Robusta coffees from the Western Ghats: Plantation A and AA, Peaberry, Robusta Parchment, Cherry, plus the three flagship Indian specialty grades Monsoon Malabar AA, Mysore Nuggets Extra Bold and Robusta Kaapi Royale. Green beans, custom-roasted and instant coffee for roasters, importers, blending houses and private label brands worldwide.
Why roasters and importers
source coffee from India
India is the seventh-largest coffee exporter globally and a top-five producer of Robusta. Coffee cultivation here predates tea by over 200 years, with a unique shade-grown tradition under silver oak that produces beans with exceptional density, low acidity and complex cup character.
India produces approximately 350,000 to 370,000 tonnes of coffee annually, with around 70% exported to over 60 countries. Italy, Germany, Belgium, Russia, the United States, Turkey, Switzerland, Spain and Jordan are among the largest destinations, with growing demand from the Middle East, Australia and Southeast Asia for specialty grades.
What makes Indian coffee distinctive is the combination of geography and tradition. The Western Ghats coffee belt sits at 700 to 1,800 metres in Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu, with volcanic soils, biennial monsoon rainfall of 2,000 mm or more, and a strict practice of shade cultivation under silver oak. The result is dense, low-acid beans with the body and roundness that espresso blenders prize. The Indian Coffee Board enforces a rigorous grading and certification system that classifies every export lot by bean size, processing method and defect count.
At Alstoe India Exports, we supply green beans, custom-roasted whole or ground coffee and 100% pure instant coffee sourced from the producing belts of Coorg (Kodagu), Chikmagalur, Wayanad, Nilgiris and Araku Valley. Every consignment is Q-graded, SCA cup-scored where applicable and packed in GrainPro-lined 60 kg jute bags for moisture protection during transit. Sample-first, traceable to estate, with full Coffee Board and ICO documentation.
Three formats. One reliable origin.
From raw green beans for roasters to custom-roasted whole bean for retail and 100% pure spray-dried instant coffee for FMCG brands, we cover the full value chain from a single, traceable Karnataka-sourced supply base.
Hand-harvested green coffee from estates at 800 to 1,500 metres in Coorg and Chikmagalur. Available in all standard Indian Coffee Board grades: Plantation A, AA, PB and Cherry for Arabica; Parchment AA, A, AB and Cherry for Robusta. Q-graded and cup scored at NABL labs.
Drum-roasted to your exact profile within 5 days of green bean approval, then nitrogen-flushed in valve bags for maximum freshness retention. Custom Agtron levels from 25 (dark) to 70 (light), full private label and OEM service from 200 kg minimum.
Manufactured from 100% Karnataka Arabica or Robusta blends. Available in spray-dried (smooth granules) or agglomerated (larger crystals) form, with 100% solubility in hot and cold water within 5 seconds. Full OEM, private label, sachet and bulk options.
9 commercial grades
of Indian coffee
The most frequently requested grades for global export. All grades available washed (Plantation/Parchment) or natural (Cherry); all sample-first with SCA cup scoring before shipment. Full grade reference table below for the complete Indian Coffee Board classification.
Arabica · Washed
800 × 400 PX
The benchmark grade of Indian washed Arabica. Balanced acidity, medium body, smooth chocolate and nutty notes. The single most exported Indian Arabica, used as the foundation for premium blends by roasters across Europe and North America.
Arabica · Washed
800 × 400 PX
Premium tier of Indian washed Arabica. Larger beans, denser cup, and a more refined flavour profile than Plantation A. Preferred by specialty roasters, single-origin programmes and premium retail brands across Europe and Japan.
Arabica · Peaberry
800 × 400 PX
Naturally occurring peaberries: single rounded beans formed when only one seed develops inside a cherry instead of two. Denser, more flavour-concentrated cup with brighter acidity. Scarcity drives premium pricing; favoured by single-origin specialty programmes.
Arabica · Natural
800 × 400 PX
Naturally processed Arabica with the cherry fruit dried intact around the bean, producing a fruitier, fuller-bodied cup with stronger sweetness and lower acidity than washed grades. Popular with espresso blenders looking for body and crema.
Robusta · Washed
800 × 400 PX
The largest washed Robusta grade available from India. Big, uniform beans with thick crema, chocolate and nutty notes. The premium choice for high-end espresso blends needing intensity, body and visual appeal in the whole bean.
Robusta · Washed
800 × 400 PX
Sold internationally under the Coffee Board trade name Kaapi Royale. Clean cup, bold and powerful with reduced harshness compared to natural Robustas. The Robusta of choice for premium Italian espresso blenders.
Robusta · Washed
800 × 400 PX
Mixed-screen washed Robusta combining A and B grade sizes for cost-effective commercial blends. Reliable supply, consistent cup, balanced body. Widely used in instant coffee manufacture and commodity espresso programmes.
Robusta · Natural
800 × 400 PX
Premium sun-dried Robusta with full-bodied, earthy flavour and pronounced sweetness from the fruit drying process. Strong crema, low acidity. Common in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean espresso traditions.
Robusta · Natural
800 × 400 PX
High-volume natural-process Robusta combining A and B sizes. The workhorse Robusta for instant coffee manufacture and large-scale commercial espresso blends. Reliable cup, competitive pricing, large continuous supply.
Every Indian Coffee Board grade,
in one table
The complete Indian Coffee Board grading classification covering both species (Arabica, Robusta) across both processing methods (Washed / Natural). Use this as a procurement reference; all grades are sourceable through our network.
| Grade Code | Trade Name | Screen Size | Typical Cup | Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arabica · Plantation (Washed / Wet Processed) | ||||
| PL AAA | Plantation AAA (Mysore Nuggets territory) | 19/64 inch (7.5 mm+) | 83-86 cup | Specialty single-origin, premium retail |
| PL AA | Plantation AA | 18/64 inch (7.1 mm) | 83-86 cup | Premium retail, specialty blends |
| PL A | Plantation A | 17/64 inch (6.75 mm) | 82-85 cup | Most exported, versatile blends |
| PL B | Plantation B | 16/64 inch (6.35 mm) | 80-83 cup | Commercial blends, value retail |
| PL C | Plantation C | 15/64 inch (5.95 mm) | 78-82 cup | Bulk commercial |
| PL PB | Plantation Peaberry | 6.5 mm+ | 84-87 cup | Specialty single-origin |
| PL PB Bold | Plantation Peaberry Bold | 7 mm+ | 85-88 cup | Premium specialty |
| PL Bulk | Plantation Bulk | Mixed sizes | 75-79 cup | Industrial blends, instant |
| Arabica · Cherry (Natural / Dry Processed) | ||||
| AC AAA | Mysore Nuggets Extra Bold | 19/64 inch (7.5 mm+) | 83-86 cup | Flagship specialty (see specialty section) |
| AC AA | Arabica Cherry AA | 18/64 inch | 82-85 cup | Espresso blends, premium roasting |
| AC A | Arabica Cherry A | 17/64 inch | 80-83 cup | Commercial blends, body component |
| AC B | Arabica Cherry B | 16/64 inch | 78-81 cup | Value blends |
| AC PB | Arabica Cherry Peaberry | 6.5 mm+ | 82-86 cup | Specialty natural peaberry |
| AC Bulk | Arabica Cherry Bulk | Mixed sizes | 75-79 cup | Industrial blends, instant |
| Robusta · Parchment (Washed / Wet Processed) | ||||
| PR AAA | Robusta Parchment AAA | 19/64 inch (7.5 mm+) | 80-83 cup | Premium espresso blends |
| PR AA | Robusta Parchment AA | 18/64 inch | 79-82 cup | Premium espresso component |
| PR A | Robusta Kaapi Royale | 17/64 inch | 78-82 cup | Flagship washed Robusta (see specialty) |
| PR AB | Robusta Parchment AB | 15/64 to 17/64 | 76-80 cup | Commercial espresso, instant base |
| PR B | Robusta Parchment B | 14/64 to 15/64 | 75-78 cup | Commercial blends |
| PR C | Robusta Parchment C | Below 14/64 | 72-77 cup | Value blends, industrial |
| PR PB Bold | Robusta Parchment Peaberry Bold | 7 mm+ | 80-83 cup | Specialty Robusta peaberry |
| PR PB | Robusta Parchment Peaberry | 6 mm+ | 78-81 cup | Specialty espresso component |
| Robusta · Cherry (Natural / Dry Processed) | ||||
| RC AAA | Robusta Cherry AAA | 19/64 inch (7.5 mm+) | 79-82 cup | Premium natural Robusta |
| RC AA | Robusta Cherry AA | 18/64 inch | 78-82 cup | Natural espresso, body builder |
| RC A | Robusta Cherry A | 17/64 inch | 76-80 cup | Mid-tier commercial |
| RC AB | Robusta Cherry AB | 15/64 to 17/64 | 76-80 cup | Commercial workhorse, instant |
| RC B | Robusta Cherry B | 14/64 to 15/64 | 74-78 cup | Industrial blends |
| RC C | Robusta Cherry C | Below 14/64 | 72-76 cup | Instant coffee manufacture |
| RC PB Bold | Robusta Cherry Peaberry Bold | 7 mm+ | 78-81 cup | Specialty natural peaberry |
| RC PB | Robusta Cherry Peaberry | 6 mm+ | 76-80 cup | Espresso component |
Three coffees that put
Indian origin on the world map
India's three globally recognised specialty grades have distinct trade names, production histories and cup characters that set them apart from standard commodity coffees. All three are available from Alstoe with full Coffee Board specialty certification.
India's most iconic specialty coffee. Natural Arabica beans are exposed to the monsoon winds on India's Malabar Coast for 12 to 16 weeks, during which the beans absorb humidity, swell to nearly twice their original size and turn from green to pale gold. The result is a uniquely bold, earthy, low-acid cup with a heavy body and aged character that no other origin can replicate. Beloved by Italian espresso roasters.
Premium washed Arabica selected for the largest bean size in the Indian coffee crop, with a screen size of 19/64 inch (about 7.5 mm) and above. Bluish-green colour, polished appearance, smooth body with mild acidity and a clean, lingering finish with chocolate and citrus notes. The flagship of Indian washed Arabicas, sourced from Chikmagalur, Coorg, Biligiris, Shevaroys and Bababudangiris.
The Coffee Board's official trade name for premium washed Robusta (Parchment A grade). Carefully wet-processed Robusta with screen size 17/64 inch and above, producing a clean cup that retains Robusta's signature body and crema while eliminating the harshness of natural-process Robustas. The Robusta of choice for European espresso roasters.
Four ways Indian coffee
is processed at origin
Processing method has more impact on the cup than almost any other factor. Indian estates use all four major methods, each producing a distinctly different flavour profile from the same green bean.
The plant varieties behind
Indian Arabica and Robusta
India grows several traditional and improved coffee cultivars, each with distinct cup profiles, disease resistance and yield characteristics. Single-cultivar lots are available for specialty buyers; commercial grades are typically blended across cultivars.
Kent
India's oldest selected Arabica cultivar, originally found on the Doddenguda Estate in Chikmagalur. Naturally propagated and now grown in Kenya and Jamaica as well. Known for clean, balanced cup with mild acidity and good body. Less rust-resistant than newer cultivars.
Selection 795 (S795)
Cross-bred at the Central Coffee Research Institute. Strong rust resistance, large bean size, balanced cup with bright acidity. The most widely planted Arabica in India today; backbone of Plantation A and AA grades.
Cauvery (Catimor)
Compact, high-yielding Catimor selection developed for Indian conditions. Strong rust resistance and good cup with chocolatey body. Increasingly planted at lower Arabica altitudes where yield matters more than altitude character.
Selection 5B & Sln 9
Improved high-yielding Arabicas developed for Indian growing conditions. Sln 9 is a recent release with strong leaf rust tolerance. Both contribute to Plantation A and AA commercial grades.
Selection 274 (S274)
The most widely cultivated Robusta variety in India. Large bean size, high yields, good crema generation. Backbone of Parchment AA, A and AB grades; default Robusta for most Indian commercial export lots.
Congensis × Robusta (CxR)
Cross between Coffea congensis and Robusta, developed for improved cup quality and disease resistance. Smoother, less harsh cup than standard Robusta. Used in premium washed Robusta lots and Kaapi Royale.
Where Indian coffee
actually comes from
Indian coffee is concentrated in the Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot, with smaller production from the Eastern Ghats and Northeast. Five main belts account for over 95% of national output, with distinct cup profiles and ideal grade matches per region.
Coorg (Kodagu), Karnataka
Chikmagalur, Karnataka
Wayanad, Kerala
Nilgiris & Shevaroys, Tamil Nadu
Araku Valley, Andhra Pradesh
Technical specifications
tested per shipment
Every consignment is screened, cup-scored and lab-tested before dispatch. The Quality Report supplied with every shipment includes physical, chemical, microbiological and cup parameters. Custom tolerances and additional tests can be added at buyer request.
Physical & Cup Parameters
- Moisture content10% to 12% (digital meter)
- Bean colourUniform bluish-green to grey-green
- Screen size uniformityMin 90% on stated screen
- Defect count (SCAA)Max 5 per 300g (specialty)
- Foreign matterBelow 0.5%
- Cup score (SCA scale)Per grade (76 to 88)
- Bean density0.65-0.70 g/ml (Arabica)
- Cup qualityQ-grader cupped, scored
Chemical & Microbiological
- Ochratoxin A (OTA)Below 5 ppb (EU limit)
- Aflatoxin totalBelow 10 ppb
- Pesticide residueEU Reg 396/2005 compliant
- Heavy metals (Pb, Cd, As)Within EU and FDA limits
- SalmonellaAbsent in 25g
- E. coliBelow 10 CFU/g
- Yeast & mouldBelow 10,000 CFU/g
- Caffeine contentArabica 1.2%, Robusta 2.2-2.7%
Six things coffee importers
complain about. Solved.
There is a reason many international roasters quietly stop sourcing from Indian suppliers after one or two contracts. We have spoken to importers across Italy, Germany, the US and the UAE; the same six problems come up every time. Here is how we directly address each one.
Pre-shipment sample looks great. Container arrives looking different.
The single biggest complaint. The sample roast cups cleanly; the bulk shipment shows higher defects, lower density and a different cup profile. The buyer pays for a grade they did not receive.
Composite sampling & cup-score lock
Samples are drawn composite-style from front, middle and back of every container load before dispatch, not from a single cleaned lot. Cup score is locked in writing with the order confirmation. If the warehouse sample at destination falls below the locked score, the lot is replaced or refunded.
Lost traceability. No idea which estate, which lot, which harvest.
Most Indian exporters source aggregated lots from auction or curing yards with no farm-level documentation. Importers cannot meet retail traceability requirements, certify single-origin claims or respond to consumer transparency demands.
Estate, altitude, harvest date on every lot
Every consignment ships with a complete lot card: estate name, GPS location, altitude, cultivar mix, processing method, harvest date and drying location. We supply photos of the estate and millsite on request for retail-facing single-origin programmes.
Exporter goes silent after payment.
50% advance is wired. The exporter stops responding promptly. Shipping schedule slips. Documents arrive late or incomplete. The container clears customs slowly because the BL is dated wrong, or the COA is missing.
Single export manager · 24h response · WhatsApp updates
One named export manager from your first inquiry to final port clearance. Personal mobile and WhatsApp number shared with you. Status updates at every milestone (roasting, packing, lab testing, fumigation, loading, BL issued, vessel departed). Documents shared within 24 hours of loading.
Cup score inflation. Specialty claims do not hold up at the cupping table.
The supplier quotes a cup score of 84 points. The roaster cups it at destination and rates it 79. The buyer either accepts the loss, fights for compensation, or never orders again.
SCA Q-grader cupping with calibrated scores
Cup scores are issued by SCA-certified Q-graders, not by self-assessment. Where buyers request, we arrange a joint cupping session at our Karnataka cupping lab via video call, or send samples for independent cupping by SGS, Bureau Veritas or the buyer's preferred lab. If the destination score is significantly below the locked score, we make it right.
Moisture damage and OTA contamination on arrival.
Coffee absorbs ambient moisture during a 25-35 day sea voyage in a steel container at high humidity. Standard jute bags do not protect against this. Result: moisture spikes to 14-16%, mold develops, and Ochratoxin A levels can breach the EU 5 ppb limit, triggering rejection at customs.
GrainPro-lined jute bags & OTA testing
Standard packaging is 60 kg jute bags with GrainPro hermetic inner liners that hold moisture stable throughout transit. Every consignment includes an OTA test report from a NABL lab. For sensitive markets we can include a desiccant pack in the container and provide humidity monitor data on arrival.
Pricing surprises between quote and invoice.
The quote is competitive, the order is placed; then "market has moved" and a higher invoice arrives. The buyer either pays the surprise or walks away with a damaged relationship.
Locked pricing windows, transparent ICE-linked formulas
Quotes are locked for a defined window (typically 7 to 15 days). For longer-term contracts we offer ICE-linked pricing formulas with transparent differentials, hedged against London-Robusta and NY-Arabica futures. No surprise invoicing; no "market moved" surcharges between confirmed order and BL.
Industry-standard packaging,
destination optimised
Green beans ship in moisture-controlled GrainPro-lined jute. Roasted coffee ships nitrogen-flushed in valve-bag retail packaging or kraft bulk sacks. Instant coffee in food-grade kraft drums or super sacks. All packaging compliant with EU, FDA and ICO standards.
Bulk Coffee Packaging
Industry standard for green coffee export, with moisture protection critical to avoid OTA risk during sea transit.
- 60 kg jute bags (industry standard)
- GrainPro hermetic inner liners (moisture barrier)
- PP woven bags (alternative for shorter transit)
- Big Bags / Super Sacks (bulk container loads)
- 20 ft FCL: 18-20 MT loaded
Roasted Coffee Packaging
Nitrogen-flushed valve bags preserve freshness for 12-18 months from roast date. Bulk packs for blending houses.
- 200 g, 250 g, 500 g, 1 kg valve bags (retail)
- Nitrogen-flushed for oxygen-free preservation
- One-way degassing valve (CO2 release)
- 5 kg, 10 kg, 25 kg kraft sacks (bulk)
- Private label artwork from 200 kg MOQ
Instant Coffee Packaging
Bulk and retail formats for FMCG brands, food service and OEM coffee mixes.
- 2 g, 3 g, 4 g single-serve sachets (custom)
- 50 g, 100 g, 200 g retail jars or pouches
- 25 kg food-grade kraft drums (bulk)
- 500 kg food-grade super sacks (industrial)
- OEM and private label with full artwork
Who buys Indian coffee from us
Our coffee range serves the entire coffee value chain, from specialty single-origin roasters to large-volume instant coffee brands. We recommend grade, processing and form based on your specific application.
Specialty Roasters
Independent roasteries and specialty chains running single-origin programmes, espresso bars and direct-trade relationships looking for traceable lots with strong cup scores.
Recommended: Plantation AA, PB, Monsoon Malabar, Mysore Nuggets EBCoffee Importers & Traders
Green coffee importers and trading houses serving onward roasters across Europe, North America, Middle East and Asia, looking for reliable container-load supply.
Recommended: Plantation A, Robusta Parchment A/AB, Cherry AABlending Houses
Commercial blending operations producing espresso blends, ground coffee, and house brands for retail and food service. Need consistent volume and price stability.
Recommended: Plantation A, Kaapi Royale, Robusta AB, Cherry ABPrivate Label Brands
Retail and DTC coffee brands needing roasted whole bean, ground or instant coffee under their own brand artwork. Full OEM capability with custom roast profiles.
Recommended: Roasted whole bean, ground, instant OEMInstant Coffee Manufacturers
FMCG brands and instant coffee processors needing large-volume green Robusta and Arabica base, or finished instant coffee for further packaging.
Recommended: Robusta Parchment AB, Cherry AB, Plantation Bulk, finished instantHoReCa & Food Service
Hotels, restaurants, cafes, vending operators and airlines requiring custom-blended whole bean or ground coffee with consistent cup quality and reliable replenishment.
Recommended: Custom roasted blends, ground coffee, instant sachetsFrom your first inquiry
to vessel loading
A five-step process for sourcing coffee from India. Standard turnaround from confirmed order to vessel loading is 20 to 30 days for green beans, 25 to 35 days for roasted (including roast profile development), 30 to 45 days for instant coffee.
Complete coffee export
paperwork, destination-specific
Standard Documents (Every Shipment)
- Commercial InvoicePer order
- Packing ListPer container
- Bill of Lading (BL)Issued by carrier
- ICO Certificate of OriginInternational Coffee Organization
- Coffee Board RCMC CertificatePer consignment
- Phytosanitary CertificatePlant Quarantine, India
- Quality Report (Cup & Lab)SCA score + lab COA
- Fumigation CertificateBy authorised agency
Destination-Specific Documents
- EU Health CertificateEU markets
- EUDR Compliance StatementEU (deforestation regulation)
- FDA Prior NoticeUSA imports
- USDA Organic / EU OrganicOrganic certified lots
- Fairtrade / Rainforest AlliancePer buyer request
- Halal CertificateMiddle East, SE Asia
- Insurance CertificateCIF / CIP shipments
- SGS / BV / Intertek inspectionPer buyer request
Coffee import
questions, answered
The questions roasters, importers, blending houses and private label brands ask most often before placing the first coffee order from India. For anything not covered, get in touch and we respond within 24 hours.
What is the difference between Plantation and Cherry coffee from India?
What is Plantation A coffee and why is it India's most exported grade?
What is Monsoon Malabar coffee?
What is Mysore Nuggets Extra Bold?
What is Kaapi Royale?
What is peaberry coffee and why does it cost more?
What is the typical MOQ for Indian coffee export?
How do you verify cup scores before shipment?
How do you protect against Ochratoxin A (OTA) during transit?
Can you supply organic certified Indian coffee?
How does Indian coffee pricing work? Are you ICE-linked or fixed-price?
From which Indian ports do you ship coffee?
What payment terms do you accept?
What is the Indian coffee harvest season?
Ready to source coffee from India?
Share the grade, form (green, roasted or instant), target cup score, required quantity in MT and destination port. We respond within 24 hours with detailed specs, locked cup score, sample availability and a transparent quotation. 500g samples dispatched within 48 hours for qualified buyers.