Coffee lovers and stakeholders from all over the world have convened in Bengaluru for the fifth World Coffee Conference (WCC) 2023. The four-day event, held every four years and for the first time in India, aims to debate sustainability through circular economy, regenerative agriculture, and innovation in the coffee sector. More than 24,000 delegates representing more than 80 nations have attended the conference.
Nestlé India, Tata Coffee, and Bru, as well as artisanal brands like Blue Tokai and Narasu’s Coffee, are among the major participants in the Indian coffee landscape. The conference provides a forum for Indian coffee producers and manufacturers to discuss finance mechanisms, quality control, startup ideas, and trade potential.
Co-founder and CEO of Blue Tokai Coffee Roasters, Mr. Matt Chitharanjan, offered his thoughts on the event’s significance. He said, “The WCC is unique in its focus on coffee-producing nations, offering India an excellent opportunity to showcase its growing coffee community and industry advancements”.
The Indian coffee market is estimated to be valued US$ 0.5 billion in 2023 and increase at a compound annual growth rate of 9.04% until 2028, according to Statista. The event has scheduled visits to coffee estates in Coorg, Chikkamagalur, and Kodagu Valley to highlight India’s coffee output.
The Minister of Commerce and Industry, Mr. Piyush Goyal, stressed the conference’s commitment to sustainable practices. He said, “As we gather in Bengaluru, the WCC underscores the critical importance of sustainability, waste reduction, and inclusivity in shaping a greener future for the coffee industry”.
An exhibition depicting the full coffee value chain, from bean to cup, has been set up, and people are showing a lot of interest. India’s major coffee-producing states, including Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu, each have a pavilion to display the wide variety of coffees they produce.
The World Coffee Conference (WCC) is a collaborative effort of the International Coffee Organisation, the Coffee Board of India, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the Government of Karnataka, and numerous coffee industry partners.
