Discovering Coffee from India

A Journey That Began with Seven Seeds

Legend has it that coffee came to India in the 17th century, when the Sufi saint Baba Budan smuggled seven beans from Yemen and planted them in the hills of Karnataka.  From those humble beginnings grew an industry that is today both steeped in tradition and alive with innovation. Unlike many coffee-producing countries, India cultivates its coffee under shade; often intercropped with spices like cardamom and pepper. This gives Indian coffee its distinctive character: complex, aromatic, and deeply tied to its environment.

India’s Place in the Global Coffee Story

India is now one of the world’s largest coffee producers, contributing around 3.5% of global production. Around 70% of its coffee has historically been exported, but domestic interest is growing fast too. Cafés, roasters and younger drinkers are changing how coffee is bought and talked about in India. The out-of-home coffee sector is expected to grow by 15–20% a year, reaching up to $3 billion by 2028. Global demand for specialty coffee is also rising. Drinkers want coffee with origin, traceability and a clear flavour profile. India is well placed for that shift because it produces coffee with both structure and character.

At the heart of coffee are two primary species: Arabica and Robusta.

• Arabica is prized for its delicate, aromatic profile—often floral, fruity, and nuanced. It commands higher prices and dominates specialty coffee markets.
• Robusta, by contrast, is bold, full-bodied, and higher in caffeine. It is more resilient to climate and disease and forms the backbone of many espresso blends.

India produces both, roughly 30% Arabica and 70% Robusta, making it one of the few countries able to offer both premium complexity and reliable strength in a single origin.

Why We Only Stock Roasted Beans

At Maharaja Drinks, we are often asked why we don’t sell green beans or pre-ground coffee. The answer is simple: quality and integrity.

Green beans are the raw agricultural product, typically destined for large-scale roasting and export. While India exports significant quantities of unroasted coffee, the real transformation happens during roasting—when sugars caramelise, aromas develop, and the character of the bean is revealed.

Pre-ground coffee, meanwhile, sacrifices flavour for convenience. Once ground, coffee begins to lose its aromatic compounds within minutes.

By offering only roasted whole beans, we ensure that what reaches your cup reflects the true craftsmanship of the Indian producer and roaster.

The Brands We Believe In

Our selection is carefully curated to showcase the very best of Indian coffee:

• Araku - Grown by tribal communities in the Araku Valley, this coffee is celebrated globally for its organic practices and beautifully balanced, fruity profile.
• Blue Tokai - A pioneer of India’s specialty coffee movement, known for transparency, traceability, and exceptional roasting standards.
• Rossette - A brand that brings together heritage and modernity, delivering approachable yet distinctive Indian coffees.

Each of these producers reflects a different facet of India’s coffee renaissance: ethical sourcing, innovation, and a deep respect for terroir.

A New Chapter for Indian Coffee

India’s coffee story is still developing. More drinkers are paying attention to origin. More producers are focusing on quality. More roasters are giving Indian beans the care they deserve.

For us at Maharaja Drinks, that makes Indian coffee an important part of the wider drinks conversation.

Join the Conversation

We believe coffee is best enjoyed as a shared experience.

If you’ve discovered something remarkable about Indian coffee, whether it’s a tasting note, a travel story, or a brewing insight, we’d love to hear from you. 

Selected contributions will be published on our website, and those contributors will receive a £50 Maharaja Drinks gift card as a thank you.

The story of coffee is never finished, and the next chapter might just be yours.