Chennai:
For purists, kaapi frothy boiled milk mixed with decoction – is the quintessential hallmark of tradition and this steaming aromatic beverage is the first energy drink that sets the day in motion. For coffee lovers, there’s nothing like coffee that satiates the palate when sipped after tiffin or taken to destress.The saga of coffee consumption continues to increase in the southern states, particularly Tamil Nadu. Coffee consumption in the country has grown to about 90 grams per capita per year from 60-70 grams about 12 years ago.
Annually, coffee consumption has been increasing by 2.8 per cent since the last five years, as against 2.4 per cent in the previous five-year period. However, the average consumption is 4-5 kg per capita, per annum in most developed countries. Finland, for instance, has the highest per capita consumption of 12 kg per annum.Compared to some of the developed countries, coffee consumption in India has been low as the predominant consumers are from the south.
Tea is drunk in the northern parts of the country. On an average, 3.04 lakh MT of coffee is produced in south India, with Karnataka contributing to the bulk of coffee production (2.11 lakh MT). About 70 per cent of the domestic production is exported. Aiming to bring more acreage and consumers under coffee, the Coffee Board of India has identified new areas in West Bengal and Himachal Pradesh for coffee plantations in the coming years. In the traditional areas of Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, the board is focusing on increasing productivity through replanting of old trees.
The increasing popularity of coffee chains like Cafe Coffee Day, Barista Lavazza and Costa Coffee, in particular, among the younger generation, has made coffee drinking more fashionable, although value-added products and instant coffee is on the rise with other categories of consumers.
India is the seventh largest coffee producer in India and the third largest in Asia and during 2013-14 fiscal, the country’s coffee exports stood at 3,13,025 metric tonnes, generating a revenue of US $ 793.22 million. Indian coffee is exported to over 45 countries and about 50 per cent of the exports in 2013-14 was to Europe. Italy is the largest market importing over 25 per cent from India, followed by Germany, Belgium, Turkey and the Russian Federations. So, the next time you try cappuccino or latte, think of Indian coffee beans.
source: http://www.deccanchronicle.com / Deccan Chronicle / Home> Nation> Current Affairs / DC Correspondent / October 26th, 2014
