Agricultural Commodities
Green Coffee Beans
Indian Arabica, Robusta and Monsooned Malabar green coffee.
Overview
India grows coffee under a natural shade canopy, mainly in Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Robusta makes up roughly 70% of production and Arabica the rest, and the two serve different buyers: Arabica for premium and specialty roasts, Robusta for espresso body, blends and instant coffee.
DVG supplies unroasted green coffee beans across Arabica, Robusta and Monsooned Malabar, for roasting and blending.
Forms, grades & specifications
Grade, moisture and defect count are certified through Coffee Board laboratory testing for each lot.
Arabica
Mild, aromatic Arabica used in premium and specialty roasts, graded under Coffee Board grades.
| Grades | Plantation AA, A, PB (Peaberry) |
|---|---|
| Profile | Mild, aromatic |
| Growing | Shade-grown under natural forest canopy |
| Regions | Chikmagalur, Coorg (Karnataka); Araku Valley (Andhra Pradesh) |
| Origin | India |
Robusta
Bold, strong Robusta used in blends, espresso body and instant coffee.
| Grades | Cherry AB |
|---|---|
| Profile | Strong, bitter; blends and instant coffee |
| Growing | Shade-grown under natural forest canopy |
| Regions | Karnataka; Wayanad (Kerala) |
| Origin | India |
Monsooned Malabar
Indian green coffee given a distinctive character by monsoon ageing on the Malabar Coast.
| Process | Monsoon ageing |
|---|---|
| Region | Malabar Coast |
| Origin | India |
Applications
- Roasting
- Blending and espresso bases
- Instant coffee manufacturing
Packaging & commercial
- Packing, bag size and container loading are agreed per order and confirmed with the quotation.
- Moisture is controlled throughout, because high moisture risks mould and ochratoxin A (OTA) contamination.
Origin & sourcing
India's coffee is grown mainly in Karnataka (over 70% of production), Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Named origins include Chikmagalur and Coorg Arabica, Araku Valley Arabica, Wayanad Robusta and Monsooned Malabar. The estate or origin of a specific lot is confirmed with the quotation.
Quality & documentation
- Lot grade (AA, A, AB), moisture content and defect count are certified through Coffee Board laboratory testing.
- Cupping notes and a quality certificate are available on request for each shipment.
Export information
- HS code
- 0901.11 covers green (unroasted, non-decaffeinated) coffee.
- Coffee Board
- Coffee exports from India go through the Coffee Board of India, which issues the export permit (Form-C), the Certificate of Origin and the quality certificate for each shipment.
- Documents
- Commercial invoice, packing list, Bill of Lading, phytosanitary certificate, and FSSAI certificate where the destination requires it.
Questions buyers ask
What is the difference between Arabica and Robusta?
Arabica is mild and aromatic and is used in premium and specialty roasts. Robusta is stronger and more bitter, with a heavier body and higher caffeine, and is used in espresso blends and instant coffee. Robusta is roughly 70% of India's production.
What do AA, A, AB and PB mean?
They are Coffee Board grades. For Arabica, Plantation AA, A and PB (Peaberry, a single round bean) are commonly traded grades. Robusta is commonly traded as Cherry AB.
What is Monsooned Malabar?
Monsooned Malabar is Indian green coffee exposed to the monsoon winds on the Malabar Coast, which changes the bean's character. It is a distinct style rather than a grade.
Who certifies the quality of a lot?
The Coffee Board of India issues the quality certificate for each shipment, covering grade, moisture content and defect count.
Related knowledge
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