Indulge: How is India's speciality coffee scene brewing?
Feb 16, 2025
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Raghunath Rajaram, a design guru and co-founder of Aramse, alongside finance whiz Namisha Parthasarathy and coffee expert Binny Varghese, delve into India's burgeoning specialty coffee scene. They discuss the shift from tea to coffee culture and the challenges faced by smallholder farmers. Transparency in coffee sourcing is highlighted as essential for ethical consumption. From tips on choosing the perfect roast to the rising popularity of cafes in smaller cities, the trio reveals how to navigate this flavorful landscape with confidence.
India's specialty coffee market is burgeoning, projected to exceed $1 billion by 2032, indicating a significant cultural shift toward coffee consumption.
Understanding roast levels is vital in specialty coffee, as it greatly influences flavor profiles from fruity light roasts to robust dark roasts.
Ethical sourcing remains a challenge in the coffee industry, necessitating consumer awareness about transparency and authenticity in certifications like fair trade.
Deep dives
The Rise of Specialty Coffee in India
India has traditionally been seen as a tea-drinking nation, but recent trends indicate a significant shift towards coffee consumption. Although the country is known for producing a large amount of coffee, specialty coffee has historically not been a prominent aspect of Indian culture. However, current statistics suggest that over 44% of the Indian population drinks coffee, and the industry is projected to exceed $1 billion by 2032, growing at an average rate of 9% annually. This transformation highlights the rising popularity of specialty coffee within India as consumers seek more refined and unique coffee experiences.
Understanding Coffee Roasts
When selecting coffee, knowing the roast level is crucial, as it significantly influences the flavor profile. Specialty coffee ranges from light to dark roasts, each offering distinct taste characteristics, with lighter roasts presenting fruity and floral notes, while darker roasts are more robust and bold. Traditional coffee drinkers who prefer instant varieties might find the transition easier starting with medium or dark roasts before exploring lighter options. The shift toward light roasts can be a rewarding journey, inviting coffee drinkers to appreciate a broader spectrum of flavors.
Brewing Coffee at Home
For those looking to brew coffee at home, it is essential to first identify personal preferences regarding coffee style and flavor. Beginners might benefit from experimenting with different brewing methods available at cafes to understand what they enjoy before investing in equipment. A basic setup might include a good grinder, which should consume the majority of the budget, as it has the most impact on coffee quality. By starting with simplicity and focusing on quality ingredients, home brewers can enhance their coffee experience without overwhelming themselves with complex gadgets.
The Importance of Barista Skills
The role of baristas in specialty coffee cannot be overstated, as they are vital in ensuring that high-quality ingredients are transformed into great beverages. Essential skills include understanding espresso extraction, steam milk correctly, and employing proper techniques for consistency. Missteps in espresso preparation or milk steaming can lead to disappointing coffee experiences, regardless of the quality of the raw beans. Therefore, proper training and a commitment to quality at every stage of preparation significantly enhance the overall coffee-drinking experience.
Navigating Coffee Certifications
The coffee industry faces challenges in defining ethical sourcing and ensuring transparency throughout the supply chain. As consumers demand ethically sourced products, the lack of standardized definitions complicates the authenticity of certifications like fair trade and organic. These factors can lead to confusion and skepticism among consumers regarding what constitutes ethically sourced coffee. It is essential for consumers to stay informed and look for transparency in sourcing practices, which fosters accountability and supports fair compensation for producers in the coffee value chain.
While India has long been known as a tea-drinking nation, the specialtiy coffee scene is rapidly growing, with consumption on the rise and the industry projected to surpass $1 billion by 2032. But is this growth as promising as it seems? In this episode, host Sandip Roy speaks to Raghunath Rajaram and Namisha Parthasarathy, founders of Aramse, an independent speciality coffee company and content platform, along with Binny Varghese, co-founder of the Barista Training Academy and an SCA-certified Barista.
Produced by Shashank Bhargava Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
In episode image (from left to right): Raghunath Rajaram, Binny Varghese, and Namisha Parthasarathy.