The fifth World Coffee Conference (WCC) 2023 has brought together coffee enthusiasts and stakeholders from around the globe to Bengaluru, India. This quadrennial event, hosted for the first time in India, spans four days and focuses on sustainability through circular economy practices, regenerative agriculture, and innovations in the coffee sector. With over 24,000 attendees representing 80 nations, the conference provides a platform for dialogue.
Prominent participants in the Indian coffee industry, including Nestlé India, Tata Coffee, Bru, Blue Tokai, and Narasu’s Coffee, are engaged in discussions about financial mechanisms, quality control, startup initiatives, and trade opportunities.
Mr. Matt Chitharanjan, Co-founder and CEO of Blue Tokai Coffee Roasters, highlighted the significance of the WCC for India, emphasizing its focus on coffee-producing nations and the chance it provides to showcase India’s growing coffee community and industry advancements.
The Indian coffee market, valued at approximately US$0.5 billion in 2023, is projected to grow at a compound annual rate of 9.04% until 2028, according to Statista. The conference includes visits to coffee estates in Coorg, Chikkamagalur, and Kodagu Valley to spotlight India’s coffee production.
Mr. Piyush Goyal, Minister of Commerce and Industry, emphasized the WCC’s commitment to sustainability, waste reduction, and inclusivity, promoting a greener future for the coffee industry.
An exhibition tracing the coffee value chain, from bean to cup, has garnered significant interest. Major coffee-producing states in India, such as Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu, each have pavilions showcasing their diverse coffee offerings.
The World Coffee Conference (WCC) is a collaborative effort involving the International Coffee Organisation, the Coffee Board of India, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the Government of Karnataka, and various coffee industry partners.
