Coffee Exports Jump 26.6% YoY To 1.74 Lakh Tonnes In Early 2026: Coffee Board

New Delhi, May 5 (KNN) India’s coffee exports increased 26.6 per cent year-on-year (YoY) to 1.74 lakh tonnes during January–April 2026, led by strong growth in robusta and instant coffee shipments, according to data from the Coffee Board of India.

Exports stood at 1.37 lakh tonnes in the corresponding period last year. India exports a mix of arabica, robusta and instant coffee.

Export Value and Realisations Improve

In value terms, coffee exports rose to Rs 936.57 crore from Rs 757.07 crore a year earlier. Unit value realisation also edged up to Rs 4,94,766 per tonne, compared with Rs 4,75,023 per tonne in the same period last year, PTI reported, citing the coffee board data.

Robusta Leads, Arabica Declines

Robusta exports recorded a sharp 36 per cent rise to 85,168 tonnes, up from 62,736 tonnes a year ago. Instant coffee shipments also increased to 20,332 tonnes from 17,504 tonnes, while re-exports of instant coffee rose to 38,169 tonnes from 30,274 tonnes.

In contrast, arabica exports declined significantly by 58 per cent to 30,589 tonnes, compared with 72,479 tonnes in the year-ago period.

Sector Shows Signs of Structural Shift

Industry experts said India’s coffee sector is gaining momentum in 2026, with its role in the global market gradually evolving beyond its traditional position as a robusta-focused exporter.

Rising export values, higher imports for processing, and steady domestic consumption indicate a sector at a potential turning point.

Record Output Expected

The Coffee Board has projected record production of 4,03,000 tonnes for the 2025–26 crop year (October–September), with output expected to grow across key producing states such as Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

Arabica production is estimated at around 1,18,000 tonnes, while robusta output is expected to exceed 2,84,000 tonnes, supported by improved yields and favourable moisture conditions.

Climate Risks Persist

Despite the positive outlook, experts cautioned that weather volatility and climate-related risks remain key challenges for the sector going forward.

(KNN Bureau)