Thoroughly natural and instinctive is how one can identify Arati Monappa’s designs. With an experience of more than 20 years in the business of fabric and fashion designing, Arati Monappa is the probably one of the few designers who personally ensure that their products are natural and that their creations are purely energy efficient and eco-friendly ones.
Her Emergence as a Natural Designer
Arati Monappa started her career as a designer from Ahmedabad. The label Arati that came into the scene nearly 20 years back saw its birth in 1995. Arati had been working in collaboration with a team of craftsmen who specialized in handicrafts, right from designing fabrics for export as well as dyeing them. Arati’s flair for designing blended finely with the craftsmen’s handicraft resulting in the culmination of the brand Arati.
A Look at Her Metamorphosis
Before the designer label Arati shot into the scene, her works were primarily marketed under the brand name Melange, a leading chain of women’s ethnic apparels. After launching her label, the designer, who had been in touch with different groups of craftsmen, decided to involve them under her umbrella project. She did this in an effort to improve their living standards.
Arati, in association with the All India Artisans and Craftworkers Welfare Association, brought the terms and conditions on table keeping the welfare of the artisans as the primary motive behind their employment.
While on one side, the workers were employed to encourage their work and direct it in the right direction under her flagship, on the other hand, Arati ensured that the profits earned were being utilized for providing better living conditions, education to their children and making more equipments and basic infrastructure available to them that they’d be able to utilize for other clients as well.
Her Achievements Along the Way
The year 1996 witnessed Arati invading the domain of home furnishings. The crafting and designing procedures remained the same, but the labour required was intense. The designs were eye-catching, each one redefining uniqueness while serving as a fine example of exceptional handicraft in fabric.
This was followed by an exhibition of Arati’s sari designs by the Silk Export Promotion Council in Paris. Arati was no longer a national name; she had evolved into an international brand name many recognized with.
The next year, in 1998, Arati migrated from Ahmedabad to the business centre of the nation, Mumbai. Her unique designs became a rage and to maintain her distinct style, Arati completely avoided going fully commercial. Her designs were limited too, with only a few put up at exhibitions and rest made to order.
In the year 2000, Arati was awarded the Kingfisher Fashion Award along with a few others as one of the leading names in design from the southern peninsula. The designer also targeted the Lakme Fashion Week with her array of earthy palettes of red, blue, green and different shades of brown and black, the ramp sure beheld the magic of simplicity and originality fashion could be remoulded into just with someone’s ideas working in a fine balance with the fading handicraft.
The motifs, texture of fabrics and their arrangements on the cloth to reproduce something completely unique requires extreme imagination from Arati. Arati’s natural work with silks, motifs, coconut fibre and combs to get the designs and above all, her instincts to find that right blend of colour, fabric and pattern make her a class apart.
She currently works from her boutique, Serenity, which is based out of Bangalore. Arati still uses minimalistic advertisements to keep her costs low and utilize more funds for the welfare of all artisans and craftsmen.
source: http://www.karnataka.com / Karnataka.com / Home> Personalities / by Madur / November 04th, 2011
Akriti Negi and Jashwanth Bopanna open up about their relationship; former says ‘We’ve grown so much together’
Akriti Negi and Jashwanth Bopanna, winners of Splitsvilla 15, recently opened up about their strong connection, reflecting on the bond they’ve built since meeting on the reality show. The couple, known for their undeniable chemistry, shared some heartfelt thoughts on their growing relationship during their appearance on RJ Anmol and Amrita Rao’s show ‘Couple of Things’.
Akriti revealed, “I just knew this was the person I wanted to build my life with,” highlighting the immediate spark she felt when she first met Jashwanth. Equally committed, Jashwanth talked about how their relationship has blossomed over the past five months, saying, “There’s always something new to learn, and that’s what makes our relationship special.”
Adding to the emotional moment, Akriti expressed, “We’ve grown so much together, and every day feels like a new adventure. It’s incredible to see how far we’ve come since our time on the show.” Their journey is a testament to the strength of their bond, with fans eagerly watching what’s next for this inspiring couple.
Akriti and Jashwanth’s relationship has captivated audiences since their winning moment on Splitsvilla 15, but their bond goes beyond what was seen on screen. The couple emphasized how they’ve been intentional about building a partnership grounded in trust, communication, and personal growth. Akriti shared how every challenge they face only brings them closer, stating, “We are constantly evolving, and every obstacle is an opportunity for us to grow together. Jashwanth has been my biggest supporter, and his belief in me has helped me see my own potential in ways I hadn’t before.”
The couple’s journey reflects not just romantic love, but a deep friendship where they inspire and uplift each other in all aspects of life.
For Jashwanth, their relationship’s success lies in their ability to remain present and nurture each other’s individuality. He explained, “We don’t try to change one another; instead, we embrace our differences and use them to complement our relationship. That’s what makes our bond stronger. We’re constantly learning from each other and growing in ways that make us better, both as individuals and as a couple.” Their dynamic has become a source of inspiration for many young couples, showing that with mutual respect and support, any relationship can thrive and evolve into something truly special. Their candid reflections on Couple of Things have further endeared them to fans, who are eager to follow their journey ahead.
source: http://www.msn.com / MSN / timesofindia.indiatimes.com / Times of India – Entertainment / etimes.in / September 18th, 2024
Sarthak overcame a poor start to post his sixth win in the Pro-Stock 301-400cc Open category ahead of Chiranth and veteran Rajini Krishnan (RACR Castrol Power1 Ultimate).
Tasmai Cariappa
Chennai :
Teenagers and TVS Racing team-mates Sarthak Chavan (Pune) and Chiranth Vishwanath (Bengaluru) split the day’s honours with a victory apiece in the two premier Pro-Stock categories on a day of stirring action in the fourth and penultimate round of the MRF MMSC FMSCI Indian National Motorcycle Racing Championship at the Madras International Circuit, here on Saturday.
Sarthak overcame a poor start to post his sixth win in the Pro-Stock 301-400cc Open category ahead of Chiranth and veteran Rajini Krishnan (RACR Castrol Power1 Ultimate).
The result in the Pro-Stock 165cc Open class race was the reverse with Chiranth coming through an up-and-down six laps, the last of which saw him and Sarthak coming together, but staying in the saddle to complete the race with KY Ahamed, recovering from a viral fever, made it a 1-2-3 for TVS Racing.
Meanwhile, Chennai’s Ryhana Bee, seeking to regain the National title in the Girls category (Stock 165cc) after three years, scored a lights-to-flag win after topping the practice and qualifying sessions with her new team, Rockers Racing.
Mysuru’s 22-year-old Tasmai Cariappa (Motul Sparks Racing) kept his nerves in a tense finish to score his maiden win the Novice (Stock 165cc) race while Pradeep C, a private entrant from Bengaluru, wrote his own script in winning the Stock 301-400cc (Novice) race after starting from P4.
TVS India One-Make Championship :
Coimbatore’s Raj Kumar C upstaged favourites to record his first win of the season in the Open (Apache RR 310) category as he finished well ahead of Manoj Yesuadian (Chennai) and championship leader Senthilkumar C (Coimbatore).
CS Kedarnath from Tirupati held off Bengaluru’s Harshith Bogar and Akarsh Jangam (Hyderabad) in a tight finish as the trio finished the Rookie (Apache RTR 200) race in close formation that also included Tejash BA (Tumakuru) in P4. Less than a second separated the quartet. It was Kedarnath’s second win of the season.
The results (Provisional, all 6 laps unless mentioned):
The company aims to expand to 35 stores across the country by the second quarter of next fiscal year.
First Coffee raised USD 1.2 million in a seed funding round led by Beenext. The round also saw participation from other leading investors such as Ashish Gupta (Helion Venture Partners), AngelList India, Ritesh Malik (Founder, Innov8), Sahil Malik (Founder, Da Milano), Chandini Purnesh (Owner, Harley Coffee Estate), Aman Arora (Co-Founder, Board – Keventers), Agastya Dalmia (Director, Keventers), Aman Bahel (Apex Group), Nakul Dev Chawla (Art Mumbai) and Shriram Nene.
The youth-oriented brand will deploy the funds to drive the company’s expansion and bring its premium speciality coffee experience to more locations across the country, as per a press release. First Coffee aims to expand its store presence in key urban areas across New Delhi and national capital region (NCR) and tier 1 cities in north India. First Coffee will focus mainly on small format quick service restaurant (QSR) outlets in high-footfall areas such as malls, corporate parks, high streets and metros.
The company is set to open 35 stores across the country by the second quarter of next fiscal year. The funds raised will also be used for hiring and amplifying marketing efforts.
“First Coffee is uniquely placed where they are not just selling a product but rather a coffee experience, blending tech, sustainability and coffee. Under the abled leadership of Sohrab and Shiv, industry veterans in the space of quick service restaurants, the brand is creating a new standard in India’s speciality coffee market,” commented Anirudh Garg, Partner at Beenext, on First Coffee and its offerings.
To enhance customer experience and streamline operations, First Coffee, founded by Sohrab Sitaram and Shiv Dhawan in 2024, claimed to integrate experiential big data with analysis powered by artificial intelligence, creating a technology-driven retail model. Using shade-grown coffee and eco-friendly methods like man-made lakes for irrigation and traditional insect traps, First Coffee ensured that its coffee is sustainably sourced while providing premium quality.
Shiv Dhawan, Co-founder of First Coffee, Spoke on the brand’s distinct positioning, “We are the first brand to bring true speciality coffee scoring 91 per cent on the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) scale to the Indian market. At First Coffee, we’re not just serving coffee; we’re crafting a unique, premium experience while still catering to the fast-paced lifestyle of our customers. We’re committed to delivering exceptional coffee at a competitive price point, making world-class coffee accessible to everyone.”
source: http://www.bwdisrupt.com / BW Disrupt / Home> Invest News / by BW Online Bureau / September 26th, 2024
Coffee Dasara is expected to make its debut during this year’s Madikeri Dasara 2024.
Madikeri MLA Mathar Gowda, who held a meeting with officials and representatives from various coffee growers’ associations in Madikeri on Wednesday, said the Coffee Dasara scheduled to be held on October 6 and 7 at Gandhi Maidan in Madikeri should serve to provide useful information related to innovation in the coffee sector is provided to the people.
The stalls to be put up as part of Coffee Dasara can also feature cafes.
He said Coffee Dasara should provide information related to alternative farming like bamboo farming, dairy farming, apiculture or rearing honey bees to the visitors.
Apart from officials from the Coffee Board, agriculture experts and representatives from Karnataka Growers’ Association and Kodagu Planters’ Association should be invited to Coffee Dasara so that they can share their valuable knowledge with the people.
According to Madikeri Dasara’s Cultural Sub-Committee president Anil H.T., Coffee Dasara will feature 32 stalls, which will remain open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on October 6 and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on October 7.
Seminars on agriculture sector will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on both days with experts from the field of agriculture participating in the programmes. A logo related to Coffee Dasara will soon be released, he added.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Karnataka / by The Hindu Bureau / September 25th, 2024
In the memorandum submitted to the ministry by CA Subbaiah, the president of the Association, the members allege that the draft notification readied by the HLWG of the Western Ghats is not based on factual data.
Western Ghats (Representative Image)
Madikeri :
The Kodagu District Small Growers’ Association has submitted a memorandum to the Central Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change opposing the High Level Working Group (HLWG) report on the Western Ghats (WG).
The growers have objected to the draft notification for creating an Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA) in the Western Ghats as they allege that the criteria to identify the ESAs have not been done factually.
In the memorandum submitted to the ministry by CA Subbaiah, the president of the Association, the members allege that the draft notification readied by the HLWG of the Western Ghats is not based on factual data. The memorandum explains that the ESA has been recognized in areas with high biological richness with low and medium fragmentation where the population density is lower than 100 persons per square kilometer.
However, in the memorandum, the growers share that ‘the inhabitants of the WG are compelled to suffer regulations under the proposed draft notification’.
The association alleges that the Karnataka state government has not woken up to the ground realities and has not initiated attempts at the panchayat level to assess implications of implementing the proposed ESAs.
“While global climate change is a grave matter and has to be treated at the national level, it is not fit that only a part of the population in the country has to bear the burden of mitigating the challenge,” alleges the association.
While the growers state that they have no reservations for the prohibition on establishment of heavy industries, mining, thermal and other commercial projects, they demand that the locals be allowed to extract stone and sand for their own needs. Further, the association opposes the concession given to hotels/hospitality set-ups to continue functioning at ESAs if they have waste water setups as the growers opine that this is ‘pandering to cooperate and capital interests’.
While the forum acknowledges the Wayanad disaster in Kerala, they share that faulty execution of development projects without proper consideration of geological factors as the reason for the disaster.
“The responsibility of environmental degradation and habitat loss vests with the government and corporate. Mining, industries, large power projects etc were not set up by the inhabitants of Western Ghats. The forest bureaucracy and the mainstream environmental NGOs are solely responsible for the state of affairs in the Western Ghats and this needs to be corrected,” demands the association through the memorandum submitted to the central ministry.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Karnataka / by Pragna G R / September 25th, 2024
The species identified are — Coffea stenophylla, Coffea racemosa, Coffea liberica and Coffea excelsa.
Representative Image
Bengaluru :
As climate change is affecting harvesting and cropping patterns of all agriculture produce, coffee growers too are facing challenges. To address the issue, researchers are working on climate-resilient coffee varieties.
Centre for Excellence of Central Coffee Research Institute (CCRI) in Kodag is concentrating on four wild varieties which are found to be climate resilient. The species identified are — Coffea stenophylla, Coffea racemosa, Coffea liberica and Coffea excelsa.
New coffee varities will have to be blended
“There is resistance in these wild varieties as they have stood the natural test of time. They have strength in their roots, have high yields and can withstand high temperatures. The four varieties are different from the existing and popular Arabica and Robusta coffees. During research, these varieties were found growing naturally in the wild and even in the estates of some coffee growers,” said Jeena Devasia, Divisional Head, Plant Breeding and Genetics, CCRI, Chettahalli substation, told The New Indian Express.
During the study, researchers found historical evidence to show that Robusta is equal to Coffea stenophylla in taste and texture. “If all goes well, consumers will soon get a new climate-resilient coffee variety to choose from,” she said.
Researchers said wild varieties are found all over India. Some are also found in the Himalayan zone, growing naturally as trees. “The region under coffee cultivation is gradually increasing in India,” added Jeena.
Some companies are exporting some of the wild coffee varieties that are growing in their estates. Komal Sable, South India Coffee Company Partner, said they are exporting around 5.5 tonnes of green Coffea excelsa to the US, UK, Netherlands, Switzerland and other places. While some countries are consuming it as single origin and others are blending it, he added.
Explaining the advantages and disadvantages, coffee tasters and traders said it could be difficult for consumers to immediately accept the new variety as they have a set taste suiting their platter. The new varieties are climate resilient and need less pesticides. They are less acidic in nature and are more sweet. Some even have a fruity flavour and are less bitter.
Coffee Board officials said that when these varieties are launched in the domestic market, they will have to be blended to meet the consumers’ demand.
Experts said there are around 120 globally identified and accepted coffee varieties. The list continues to have additions and deletions depending upon research and quality reports. Tests and tasting is an ongoing process and is the need of the hour, they added.
Karnataka produces
72,020 metric tonnes of Arabica coffee
1,76,000 metric tonnes of Robusta coffee
Total area under coffee production — 2,48,020 acres (70.5% of coffee-growing areas in the country)
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Karnataka / by Bosky Khanna / September 24th, 2024
Want to live longer? Here’s how coffee could help you beat the odds as the ultimate wellness drink.
Is coffee the new superfood? 6 health benefits you didn’t know about (File Photo)
Coffee has become an integral part of the daily routine for many people around the world, including in India, where its consumption is steadily rising. While coffee is often associated with providing an energy boost, it is also enriched with several health benefits.
In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Neleema Rana George, Head – Coffee Works and Technology at Kelachandra Coffee, delved into these aspects while also focusing on coffee consumption trends, both domestic and global, an overview of the Indian specialty coffee industry and the ever-growing café culture.
The Global Coffee Landscape
The world consumes approximately 10 billion kilograms of coffee, every year, according to the International Coffee Organization (ICO). Coffee is the second most valuable primary commodities next to petroleum across the globe. That is a daily average of 2.25 billion cups and about 815 billion cups per year. Europe leads the race, accounting for nearly 30% of the world’s coffee intake, with Finland being the highest per capita consumer. North America, particularly the United States, also ranks high, with Americans drinking over 400 million cups of coffee daily. Asia, especially India, is also witnessing the growing interest towards coffee, driven by urbanization, lifestyle changes, and the growth of café culture. Beauty is that we are growing coffee under shade and is growing in Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats, known for its biodiversity which will capture all the volatiles (kairomones) from the shade trees and providing a mesmerizing mouth feel.
Coffee in bed(Shutterstock)
Coffee as an Experience: The Rise of Coffee Drinkers and Café Culture
India, traditionally a tea-drinking nation, has shown a notable shift towards coffee consumption over the past two decades. The Coffee Board of India reports that domestic coffee consumption has been growing steadily at 5-6% annually, driven by the youth demographic and the rise of café culture. India is one of the leading coffee producers, with the southern states of Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andra Pradesh and extended to North-Eastern region contributing about 3-4% of the global coffee output.
The coffee and café culture pioneered by the Indian Coffee House was modernized by Café Coffee Day. This trend of offering coffee as a social experience was further capitalized on by Starbucks, Barista, and the subsequent chain of cafés. This coffee culture is estimated to be worth over INR 3,000 crore (approximately USD 400 million) in 2023 and is expected to grow significantly as urban millennials embrace the trend. For them, coffee is not just a beverage; it is now considered a source of health benefits as well.
Health Benefits of Coffee: Backed by Science
Coffee is considered more than just a beverage; it’s a powerhouse of antioxidants, stimulate your brain and nutrients that can positively impact your health. Coffee is a complex mixture of chemicals that provides significant amounts of chlorogenic acid and caffeine. Here are six science-backed health benefits of coffee, relevant to both global and Indian consumers:
1. Lowered Risk of All-Cause Mortality
A study published in the British Medical Journal found that coffee drinkers were less likely to die from any cause compared to non-drinkers. This can be attributed to the high levels of antioxidants in coffee that help combat oxidative stress.
2. Positive Effects in Improving Cardiovascular Health
Coffee is a rich source of antioxidants, surpassing even green tea in its antioxidant content. These compounds help combat oxidative stress, potentially reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer. Research published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology shows that drinking two to three cups of coffee daily is linked to a lower risk of coronary heart disease, which is particularly relevant in India due to its high prevalence of cardiovascular conditions. Additionally, coffee consumption has been associated with a reduced risk of various cancers, including prostate and endometrial cancer and may help mitigate neurological, metabolic, and liver conditions.
3. Minimised Challenges of Type 2 Diabetes
Drinking coffee, whether caffeinated or decaffeinated, is linked to a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes, a growing health concern in India. Several studies suggest that coffee drinkers experience a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes, with a meta-analysis published in the Archives of Internal Medicine indicating that each daily cup of coffee is associated with a 7% reduction in risk.
4. Protective Effects on Liver Health
Coffee has been shown to have significant protective effects on the liver, with research indicating a lower risk of liver diseases such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. A study published in the Journal of Hepatology found that drinking four cups of coffee per day could reduce the risk of liver cirrhosis by up to 80%. Given the rising incidence of liver-related disorders in India, this benefit is particularly noteworthy.
5. Reduced Risk of Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s Disease and Depression
Regular coffee consumption has been associated with a reduced risk of neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson’s disease, depression, and cognitive disorders such as Alzheimer’s. This is particularly relevant in India, where the elderly population is rapidly growing. A study published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease found that coffee drinkers had up to a 65% lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s.
6. Improved Cognitive Function:
Caffeine, the primary active ingredient in coffee, is known to enhance brain function. It blocks the inhibitory neurotransmitter adenosine, leading to increased levels of other neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine. This results in improved mood, memory, and cognitive performance.
Use sugar-free pellets to sweeten your coffee. (Shutterstock)
The Right Quantity and Way of Drinking Coffee
While coffee offers numerous health benefits, consuming it in the right quantity and manner is crucial. For most healthy adults, up to 400 milligrams of caffeine per day—equivalent to about four 8-ounce cups of coffee—is considered safe. Here are some tips to maximize the benefits of coffee:
Time of Day: It’s best to consume coffee in the morning or early afternoon to avoid disrupting sleep.
Avoid Excessive Additives: To keep your coffee healthy, limit the use of sugar, flavored syrups, and high-fat dairy. Opt for black coffee or add a small amount of milk or plant-based alternatives.
Stay Hydrated: Since coffee is a mild diuretic, it’s essential to balance it with adequate water intake throughout the day.
Moderation and Balance: While coffee offers several health benefits, it should be part of a balanced diet. Pairing coffee with nutrient-rich foods and maintaining a healthy lifestyle are key to enjoying its benefits.
Singer Taylor Swift’s preferred coffee is a grande non-fat caramel latte(File Photo)
Neleema Rana George emphasised, “Coffee, when enjoyed in moderation, offers a range of health benefits that go beyond its well-known role as an energy booster. From its potential to reduce the risk of chronic diseases to its positive effects on cognitive function and mood, coffee stands out as a valuable component of a balanced diet. As its consumption grows, particularly in rapidly urbanizing regions like India, understanding how to maximize its benefits becomes increasingly important.”
She concluded, “Embracing coffee as part of a mindful and health-conscious lifestyle can enhance your well-being, offering both pleasure and positive health outcomes. By opting for quality coffee and enjoying it in moderation, you not only indulge in a beloved daily ritual but also support sustainable practices and contribute to a growing coffee culture. So, the next time you savor a cup of coffee, appreciate it not just for its taste but also for its potential to positively impact your health, hence consume with feel.”
source: http://www.hindustantimes.com / Hindustan Times / Home / by Zarafshan Shiraz, New Delhi / September 22nd, 2024
The new Board members will play a pivotal role in implementing the company’s strategic plans for the future and strengthening the corporate governance.
AXISCADES Technologies Ltd., a leading end to end technology and engineering solutions provider, has announced the appointment of Lt Gen Codanda Poovaiah Cariappa (Retd) and Mr. Rajendra Moholkar as Independent Directors to the Company’s Board of Directors.
The new Board members will play a pivotal role in implementing the company’s strategic plans for the future and strengthening the corporate governance. Lt Gen Cariappa and Rajendra Moholkar join the Board with over 40 years of experience, following their extensive stints with the Indian Army and Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) respectively.
Lt Gen C P Cariappa
Lt Gen Cariappa’s strategic expertise spans key strategic roles, including Military Secretary to the President of India, Principal Staff Officer to the Chief of Army Staff and Master General Sustenance, where he oversaw the sustenance of 12 lakh Indian Army troops.
Rajendra Moholkar
Rajendra Moholkar joins the AXISCADES Board following his extensive career with Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) as Company Secretary. His experience also includes leadership roles at TCS e-Serve Limited, Citigroup global Services Limited and ICICI Securities and Finance Co. Ltd and also senior level positions across leading organizations such as Raymond group, Mahindra & Mahindra, and Blaze Advertising.
source: http://www.autocarpro.in / Autocar Professional / Home> News / by Autocar Pro News Desk / September 19th, 2024
The cost of unroasted coffee beans has hit a ‘historically high level,’ says analyst Judy Ganes.
Countries like Colombia, Ethiopia, and Uganda have stepped up their coffee production. (Wikimedia Commons photo)
Coffee prices are rising around the world, and a surprising factor behind it is the world’s smelliest fruit – the durian. In cities like London and New York, the price of a cup of coffee could soon reach £5 or $7.
The cost of unroasted coffee beans has hit a “historically high level,” said analyst Judy Ganes. This price increase is caused by a combination of crop failures, market problems, and low supplies.
In 2021, a frost in Brazil, the largest producer of Arabica beans, ruined coffee crops. To fill the gap, buyers turned to Vietnam, which produces Robusta beans, often used in instant coffee. But Vietnam experienced its worst drought in nearly 10 years, hurting coffee production even more.
On top of this, many farmers in Vietnam have started switching from growing coffee to planting durian, a fruit that’s very popular in China. The durian is so profitable that some farmers earn five times more from it than coffee. As a result, coffee exports from Vietnam dropped by 50% in June 2024.
Many farmers in Vietnam have started switching from growing coffee to planting a fruit called Durian. (Wikimedia Commons photo)
Countries like Colombia, Ethiopia, and Uganda have stepped up their coffee production, but they haven’t been able to fully make up for the shortage. This has caused the price of both Arabica and Robusta beans to reach near-record levels.
Paul Armstrong, who runs a coffee roasting business, warns that UK coffee drinkers might soon be paying over £5 for a cup. He says rising coffee prices are due to a “perfect storm” of issues affecting the coffee supply chain.
The upcoming coffee crop in Brazil is important for stabilizing prices. However, experts worry that long-term climate change could reduce coffee-growing areas by 50% by 2050, leading to even higher prices in the future.
To help, some suggest adding a small tax to support more sustainable farming practices.
(With inputs from BBC)
source: http://www.indianexpress.com / The Indian Expres / Home / by Express Web Desk / September 16th, 2024
WELCOME. If you like what you see "SUBSCRIBE via EMAIL" to receive FREE regular UPDATES.
Read More »
