India – the world’s second most populous country, is a vast country in South Asia. It has a diverse terrain and a history stretching back over 5000 years. As the world’s largest democracy it’s economy is one of the fastest growing in the world – and so varied form IT to banking, finance, agriculture and manufacturing as well as mining and minerals – India is a truly global player. Given its size, India understandably has many varied climates, terrain, flaura and fauna. Despite its economic success, India still has the largest number of child labourers, and people living below the WTO poverty line.
India’s history with coffee
India has a long history with coffee dating back to the late 1800’s. Today, most coffee is produced in the hills of South India. The state of Karnataka produces almost three quarters of all Indian Coffee. Over 250,000 producers grow over 5million bags of coffee. The vast majority of coffee farmers in India are small holders, with a number of very large plantations producing much of the volume. Roughly two thirds of the coffee produced in India are robust varietals. A large exporting nation, roughly 80% of Indian production is exported, given the local propensity for Tea. Traditionally Indian coffee has been known as one of lower quality, driven by the typical lower varietals and lower altitudes that coffee is produced. However in recent years huge strides have been made to improve the quality of production. Washed Robusta’s from Kaapi Royale have become the first R graded estates in the world, and areas such as Araku Valley have focussed on producing uniquely specialty quality coffee.
Kudremukh – Melkodige Estate
Grown in the heart of the Western Ghats, our Kudremukh – Melkodige Estate coffee hails from one of the world’s most treasured ecological zones. Nestled in the Chikkamagaluru District of Karnataka, Kudremukh is both a majestic mountain range and a UNESCO-recognised biodiversity hotspot. This unique environment is also home to the Kudremukh National Park—an area celebrated for its rich flora and fauna.
The Melkodige Estate, where this coffee is cultivated, benefits from a distinctive microclimate. Its west-facing slopes bask in the intense warmth of the Indian sun by day, while nightfall brings a dramatic drop in temperature, thanks to cool, moisture-laden clouds drifting in from the Arabian Sea. This natural fluctuation enhances the coffee’s flavour profile, contributing to a well-balanced cup with remarkable depth and complexity.
Expect a coffee that’s not only shaped by nature, but also by the commitment to sustainable cultivation in one of India’s most enchanting landscapes.
Origin: Indian
Estate: Melkodige
Region: Near Balehonnur close to ‘Kudremukh’ Western Ghat Range
Grade: PLA A
Processing: Washed
Tasting Notes: Plum Jam, Black Treacle, Balanced.
Harvest Year: 21/22
