Sunalini Menon started working for the Coffee Board of India in 1971. Image CoffeeLab
The Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) has announced the candidates for its latest SCA Board of Directors Elections.
Following nominations and then interviews with the SCA Nominations Committee, Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman and CEO of DMCC; Sunalini N. Menon, President of Coffeelab Limited; and Karsten Ranitzsch, Global Head of Coffee at Nestlé Nespresso S.A have been shortlisted.
From 1 to 30 September, a Nominations by Petition period will commence. Applicants not selected through the nominations and interview process who collect at least 100 signatures from SCA professional members or the primary contact of a company member can be added to the final ballot by petition.
The final ballot will be announced on 13 October. SCA members will be invited to vote for the new director from 1 to 30 November, with the result of the election to be announced on 15 December.
The SCA Board of Directors consists of 15 volunteer members, supported by CEO Yannis Apostolopoulos and the SCA staff. According to the organisation, the board supports the work of the SCA and provides mission-based leadership and strategic governance.
The SCA is the world’s largest coffee trade association. It was established in 2017 with the merger of the Specialty Coffee Association of America and the Specialty Coffee Association of Europe.
source : http://www.gcmag.com / Global Coffee Report / Home> News / by Kathryn Lewis / August 28th, 2026
Total coffee shipments, including re-exports, rose to 318,287 tonnes by August 23, driven by robusta and instant coffee, even as rising inventories and Brazil’s harvest outlook pushed global prices lower
India’s coffee exports are running well ahead of last year’s pace, powered by strong shipments of robusta and a sharp increase in instant coffee re-exports. But the export momentum is unfolding against a more complicated backdrop: global coffee prices have started to retreat as expectations of a faster Brazilian harvest and rising robusta inventories weigh on the market. According to the Coffee Board’s Daily Coffee Market Report dated August 24, 2026, India’s total provisional coffee exports, including re-exports, reached 318,287 metric tonnes between January 1 and August 23, 2026, compared with 258,066 metric tonnes during the corresponding period last year. That represents an increase of roughly 23.3 per cent, highlighting the strong momentum in India’s coffee trade during the first eight months of the year.
Indian coffee exports alone, excluding re-exports, stood at 239,828 tonnes, up from 193,975 tonnes during the corresponding period last year. This translates into a growth of nearly 24 per cent, with robusta emerging as the largest contributor to the increase.
Robusta Leads the Export Charge
The biggest movement came from robusta cherry, where provisional exports climbed to 135,480 tonnes, compared with 105,223 tonnes a year earlier. That is an increase of nearly 29 per cent, making robusta cherry by far the largest category in India’s coffee export basket during the period. Arabica parchment exports rose to 39,380 tonnes, from 31,400 tonnes in the same period last year, while Arabica cherry shipments increased to 10,360 tonnes, compared with 8,715 tonnes. In contrast, robusta parchment exports slipped marginally to 18,896 tonnes from 19,230 tonnes. Roasted coffee seed exports rose to 72 tonnes, against 51 tonnes in the previous year, while roast and ground coffee increased to 343 tonnes from 290 tonnes.
The other major contributor was instant coffee. Provisional exports of Indian instant coffee rose to 35,297 tonnes, compared with 29,066 tonnes in the corresponding period last year. In addition, provisional instant coffee re-exports reached 78,459 tonnes, up from 64,090 tonnes a year earlier. This took total instant coffee shipments, including re-exports, to 113,756 tonnes, compared with 93,156 tonnes last year.
The numbers underline an important feature of India’s coffee trade. While green coffee continues to dominate exports, the role of value-added and re-exported instant coffee has become increasingly significant. Of the total 318,287 tonnes shipped during the period, instant coffee, including re-exports, accounted for more than one-third of the total export volume.
Global Coffee Prices Turn Lower
The export strength, however, is coming at a time when international coffee markets are losing some of their recent momentum. According to the Coffee Board’s market analysis, coffee prices settled sharply lower in the latest trading session, with robusta falling to a one-week low. The market came under pressure on expectations that drier weather in Brazil could accelerate the country’s coffee harvest. At the same time, rising inventories added to concerns over robusta supply.
ICE robusta inventories climbed to an 8.75-month high of 4,732 lots, adding further pressure to the market. December Arabica futures declined by 2.02 per cent, or 6.65 US cents per pound, to close at 322.65 US cents per pound. September ICE robusta futures fell by 2.81 per cent, or $104 per tonne, to settle at $3,598 per tonne. The futures curve also reflected a softer price outlook across later contracts. Arabica futures for September 2026 were quoted at 358.75 US cents per pound, equivalent to about Rs 757.06 per kg, while the December 2026 contract stood at 322.65 US cents per pound, or approximately Rs 680.88 per kg. The March 2027 contract was lower at 309.75 US cents per pound, equivalent to around Rs 653.65 per kg.
Robusta futures showed a similar pattern. September 2026 robusta was quoted at $3,598 per tonne, equivalent to approximately Rs 344.40 per kg, while the November 2026 contract was at $3,618 per tonne, or around Rs 346.31 per kg. The January 2027 contract stood at $3,600 per tonne, equivalent to approximately Rs 344.59 per kg. The Coffee Board report used an exchange rate of Rs 95.72 per US dollar.
Indicator Prices Show a Wide Arabica-Robusta Gap
The International Coffee Organization’s group indicator prices also showed the continued premium commanded by Arabica.
Other Mild Arabica was quoted at 370.78 US cents per pound, or approximately Rs 782.44 per kg, compared with 370.03 US cents per pound in the previous reading. Robusta, meanwhile, was quoted at 182.18 US cents per pound, or about Rs 384.45 per kg, marginally lower than the previous level of 182.20 US cents per pound. The difference between Arabica and robusta prices remains substantial, although the global market is increasingly being shaped by expectations around supply conditions, particularly in Brazil, and the movement of exchange-traded inventories.
Karnataka Prices Remain Firm
Despite the correction in international futures, raw coffee prices in Karnataka remained firm as of August 23.
Arabica parchment was quoted between Rs 25,000 and Rs 25,500 per 50 kg, while Arabica cherry traded in the range of Rs 13,700 to Rs 15,000 per 50 kg. Robusta parchment was priced between Rs 18,000 and Rs 18,500 per 50 kg, while robusta cherry was quoted at Rs 10,000 to Rs 11,000 per 50 kg. At the auction level, Arabica Plantation PB was quoted at Rs 708 per kg, while the AA grade stood at Rs 700 per kg. Grade A was priced at Rs 671 per kg, BBB at Rs 574 per kg, and C at Rs 416.50 per kg.
In the robusta segment, Robusta Parchment AA was quoted at Rs 450 per kg, while BBB was priced at Rs 395 per kg and AAA at Rs 381 per kg. Robusta Cherry AB was quoted at Rs 406 per kg, with BBB at Rs 393 per kg and AAA at Rs 379 per kg. The Coffee Board data also showed differentials across coffee categories. Arabica Plantation A was quoted at New York +15 to +18, while Arabica Cherry AB was at New York -25 to -30. Robusta Parchment AB carried a differential of LIFFE +1,300 to +1,500, while Robusta Cherry AB was quoted at LIFFE +350 to +415.
Export Growth Meets a More Difficult Pricing Environment
The bigger question for India’s coffee sector is whether the strong volume performance can continue if global prices remain under pressure.
The Coffee Board’s latest report points to two forces working in opposite directions. On one side, Indian exports are showing strong growth across several categories, with robusta cherry and instant coffee emerging as the biggest drivers. On the other, expectations of faster harvesting in Brazil and a build-up in robusta inventories are beginning to weigh on international benchmark prices. For exporters, that could mean a shift from a market defined largely by strong volumes to one where realisations become increasingly important. Higher shipments do not automatically translate into proportionately higher export earnings if benchmark prices continue to soften.
For now, India’s coffee industry has a substantial volume cushion. Total shipments have already crossed 318,000 tonnes before the end of August, while Indian-origin coffee exports alone are approaching 240,000 tonnes. Robusta cherry has consolidated its position as the dominant export category, while instant coffee continues to strengthen India’s presence in the higher-value segment of the trade.
The months ahead will determine whether this export momentum can be sustained in a changing global market. Brazil’s harvest progress, global inventory levels, currency movements and the direction of Arabica and robusta futures will all influence the price Indian exporters can command. The current numbers, however, leave little doubt about one thing: India is shipping significantly more coffee into the global market than it did a year ago. The next challenge will be to ensure that volume growth is matched by sustainable realisations.
Tamara Leisure Experiences (TLE) has written another chapter in its success story by winning five key awards at the FHRAI 56th Annual Convention. The awards are a testimony of TLE’s focus on leadership, innovation in food and beverage, engagement of employees, performance of properties and social wellness. The awards appreciate TLE for providing experiences with a ‘people’ and a ‘purpose’ touch and incorporating ‘place’ through real time experiences offered during their stays.
The awards reflect the diverse strengths of TLE’s hospitality portfolio. At The Tamara Coorg, Mohd Jafar was honoured as Hotel Front Office Manager of the Year – Luxury Hotels (Male), recognising his contribution to delivering exceptional guest service. Chef Baranidharan M from O by Tamara Coimbatore received the title of Executive Chef of the Year – Midscale Hotels (Male) for his culinary leadership and innovation. Jijo Mathew from O by Tamara Thiruvananthapuram was recognised as Human Resources Manager of the Year – Upscale Hotels (Male), highlighting the group’s strong focus on talent development and workplace excellence.
Further strengthening TLE’s achievement, O by Tamara Coimbatore was awarded Best Upscale Hotel of the Year, while Amal Tamara received the award for Best Wellness Resort. The recognition celebrates Amal Tamara’s unique approach to holistic Ayurvedic wellness and its efforts to provide transformative wellbeing experiences. Together, these accolades underline TLE’s continued pursuit of excellence across its properties and its dedication to redefining contemporary hospitality.
Speaking on the recognition, Samir M.C., CEO, Tamara Leisure Experiences, said, “These recognitions are particularly meaningful because they reflect the different elements that come together to define Tamara – our people, our destinations and the experiences we create. We have always believed that responsible and memorable hospitality is built through authentic engagement with our guests, our teams and the places in which we operate. To see this philosophy recognised across both individual and property categories is a strong affirmation of the work our teams do every day.”
The FHRAI 56th Annual Convention, hosted from August 21 to 23, 2026, at Taj Ganges, welcomed over 1,000 delegates from India and international markets, including policymakers, hospitality leaders and key stakeholders from across the tourism and hospitality sector. The event provided a significant platform for discussions, partnerships and industry collaboration, focusing on the changing priorities and future direction of Indian hospitality.
The recognition highlights TLE’s core belief that hospitality should extend beyond delivering memorable guest stays and create a positive impact on people, communities and the destinations where its properties operate. This commitment is reflected through its strong focus on local employment, with nearly half of its workforce recruited from surrounding communities. By generating employment opportunities and supporting local livelihoods, TLE ensures its properties remain deeply connected with regional traditions, cultural identity and the natural landscapes that define each destination.
With modern travellers increasingly searching for authentic experiences, cultural connections and meaningful journeys, TLE continues to develop hospitality concepts that celebrate a strong sense of place. From the nature-inspired luxury of The Tamara Coorg and stylish urban experiences at O by Tamara to the personalised Ayurvedic wellness offerings at Amal Tamara, each property reflects a unique interpretation of responsible hospitality. Through its philosophy of Responsible and Memorable Hospitality, TLE focuses on preserving local heritage, strengthening communities and creating experiences that deliver lasting value for guests and the destinations they visit.
source: http://www.travelandtourworld.com / Travel andTour World (TTW) Home> Hotel News / by Benny Mehera / August 25th, 2026
While the main event spans 42 km, the 21 km race offered Bhavani a strategic platform to venture into long-distance racing and ski-marathon formats.
Madikeri :
In a notable achievement for Indian winter sports, Thekkada Bhavani from Kodagu has secured a silver medal at the Merino Muster cross-country skiing event held at Snow Farm in New Zealand.
Competing in the Women’s 30s age category for the 21 km race on August 22, Bhavani completed the course in 1:34:38, making her the first Indian woman to both participate in and win a medal at an official Worldloppet Skiing Federation event.
The Merino Muster stands as one of New Zealand’s premier long-distance cross-country skiing competitions and serves as a key leg on the international Worldloppet circuit.
While the main event spans 42 km, the 21 km race offered Bhavani a strategic platform to venture into long-distance racing and ski-marathon formats.
Bhavani’s remarkable finish in New Zealand is another addition to her recent international successes.
During the 2025-26 winter season, Bhavani earned distinction as the first Indian woman to win an International Skiing and Snowboard Federation (FIS) medal.
She also holds the honour of being the first Indian cross-country skier to qualify and race in the FIS Cross-Country Ski World Cup, expanding her competitive range from sprint and distance races into long-distance endurance circuits.
Bhavani is currently undergoing an extended international training program at Snow Farm. Her preparation and international exposure have been made possible through financial and logistical backing from the Reliance Foundation and the Government of Karnataka, which contributed Rs 10 lakh through its Department of Youth Empowerment and Sports to support her training.
Reflecting on her achievement, Bhavani noted that competing in her first Worldloppet race served as an important test of her endurance training.
She expressed that earning a category win in the 21 km event provides substantial confidence as she prepares for the upcoming international season.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home / by Express News Service / August 25th, 2026
In a press release, the department said it had noticed the promotion of such activities through social media.
The department warned that unauthorised entry into adjoining forest areas beyond the boundaries of private land constitutes a punishable forest offence under the Karnataka Forest Act, 1963. | Photo Credit: File photo
The Forest Department has cautioned the public against organising commercial mass trekking and tourism activities in Nelji, Peruru and surrounding areas, which are known for their rich floral wealth, including Strobilanthes species, and natural water sources.
In a press release, the department said it had noticed the promotion of such activities through social media. The areas are located close to forest regions and form part of a sensitive wildlife habitat frequented by wild elephants.
The department warned that unauthorised entry into adjoining forest areas beyond the boundaries of private land constitutes a punishable forest offence under the Karnataka Forest Act, 1963.
It also prohibited activities that could damage the sensitive shola-grassland ecosystem, including plucking, trampling or destroying native vegetation. Unauthorised drone flights over forest areas are also prohibited under the applicable forest and wildlife protection laws, the release added.
The department said uncontrolled tourism activities in sensitive zones frequented by elephants could pose a serious threat to human life. In the event of wildlife conflict, injury, loss of life or any other untoward incident during such tourism activities, the organisers and agencies concerned would be held directly responsible under applicable civil and criminal laws, the department said.
Any violations would be reported to the competent district authorities for further appropriate administrative action, the Range Forest Officer said, in the release.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Karnataka / by The Hindu Bureau / August 25th, 2026
A group photo of the new office-bearers of Pommale Kodava Okkuta, Ramakrishnanagar, who were elected at the Annual General Body (AGM) meeting held at Kodava Samaja, Mysuru, recently.
Seen are (from left) Kanjithanda Ashika Kushalappa – Vice-President; Cheruvalanda Shalini Palangappa – Special Invitee; Chimmanamada Veena Shashikumar – Committee Member; Chenanda Lalitha, Mukkatira Subbaiah – President; Mookachanda Mohan Kumar – chief guest; Kattera A. Changappa – Secretary; Kannambira Palangappa – Special Invitee; Bollarappanda Ajay Madaiah – Treasurer; Kalkanda Girish Nachappa, Machimanda Poonacha and Mookachanda Naveen Nanjappa – Committee members
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Photo News / August 25th, 2026
Rohan Bopanna slammed the country’s trimmed squad for the upcoming Asian Games 2026 after 5 players were removed by the Sports Ministry from the list of 12 submitted by All India Tennis Association (AITA).
File photo of Rohan Bopanna / @ Getty Images
Legendary Indian tennis player Rohan Bopanna slammed the country’s trimmed squad for the upcoming Asian Games 2026 after 5 players were removed by the Sports Ministry from the list of 12 submitted by All India Tennis Association (AITA). In a post shared on Linkedin, Bopanna said that athletes should be given the chance to prove themselves on the court and their chances should not be determined on paper. “I’m a proud Indian. And today, I want to speak up for these tennis players who deserve better. They didn’t ask for mercy. They asked for a chance,” Bopanna said in the post.
The Sports Ministry removed the names of Manas Dhamne, Vaishnavi Adkar, Sahaja Yamalapalli, Vaidehee Chaudhari and Prarthana Thombare from the list submitted by the AITA.”The move reduced India’s women’s singles options, including the exclusion of Sahaja Yamalapalli, currently the country’s highest-ranked women’s singles player.”
Bopanna pointed out that the five players already proved themselves on the court thanks to their performances.
“Dhamne. Adkar. Yamalapalli. Vaidehee. Thombare. Five players — including India’s No. 1 and No. 2 in women’s singles, who earned their rankings the hard way. No shortcuts. No favors. They competed internationally, qualified and proved where they stand.”
The final squad featured 7 players – Sumit Nagal and Dhakshineswar Suresh in men’s singles, Yuki Bhambri, N Sriram Balaji and Anirudh Chandrasekhar in men’s doubles, while Ankita Raina and Ruturaj Bhosale were the two women who found a place.
“If outcomes are already decided, why have qualifications at all? Why rankings?” Bopanna said.
“This isn’t just a call about five athletes. It’s a message to every parent, every sponsor who backed them before the country did, who bet on merit and results, not on being pre-approved,” he added. “Telling these players they’re ‘not medal prospects’ tells every one of those parents and sponsors: your judgment doesn’t matter here.”
Bopanna further said that the authorities need to look beyond just medal potential on the paper.
“Let them walk onto the court. Let their years of work count for something. Let sport decide. Not a spreadsheet.”
source: http://www.sports.ndtv.com / NDTV /Home> Sports> Tennis>News / by NDTV Sports Desk / August 25th, 2026
Acclaimed Bharatanatyam artiste from Kodagu, Mukkatira Shilpa Nanjappa, has been selected for the prestigious Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar for 2024 by the Sangeet Natak Akademi (SNA) under the category ‘Overall Contribution and Scholarship in the Performing Arts.’
The award is India’s highest honour for performing artistes under the age of 40. Shilpa is the first person from Kodagu and the first Kodavathi to receive the coveted recognition.
Candidates are nominated by eminent artistes and previous SNA awardees and are evaluated on the strength of their body of work and contributions to the performing arts.
In the ‘Overall Contribution and Scholarship’ category, artistes are expected to demonstrate not only excellence in performance but also significant contributions through research, teaching, curation and allied activities.
In Shilpa’s case, the award recognises more than a decade of work in documenting, preserving and promoting Kodava culture and heritage through academic research, alongside a distinguished performing career spanning nearly three decades.
She was awarded the prestigious two-year Fellowship for Cultural Resources and Training (CCRT) for 2019-2021. Her topic was ‘Adaptation of Kodava language/literary compositions into the classical format and Bharatanatyam’.
Shilpa Nanjappa is the daughter of Allaranda Uthappa and Kaveriamma couple. She is married to Mukkatira Pavan Nanjappa.
Stamp of approval for Kodava culture
Born in Bengaluru and at present settled in Kodagu after her marriage, Shilpa Nanjappa is also an ‘A’ grade artiste of Doordarshan. Speaking to Star of Mysore, Shilpa said that being nominated itself was a significant honour because nominations come from senior members of the fraternity.
“When members of the dance community hold me in such high regard, that recognition alone feels significant. For the first time in my life, an award is not about me; it is about the work, the community and a stamp of approval for Kodava culture and heritage,” she said.
“I have dedicated more than a decade to propagating and preserving this tradition. I hope this recognition helps the Kodava language reach places it has never reached before. This award is a huge acknowledgement for micro-culture representation in larger cultural spaces and is integral to the survival of micro-cultures,” she said.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / June 16th, 2026
Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar (DKS) arrived at Bhagamandala in Kodagu amidst rains this morning. This is his first visit to Kodagu after becoming the CM.
The Chief Minister was welcomed at the helipad in Cauvery College grounds by his Political Secretary A.S. Ponnanna, District Minister Narendra Swamy, Deputy Commissioner Somashekar, IGP (Southern Range) Dr. M.B. Boralingaiah, Superintendent of Police R.N. Bindu Mani, Kodagu District Congress President Dharmaja Uttappa, Guarantee Schemes State Vice-President Meharoz Khan, Arun Machaiah and others.
Shivakumar, who visited Bhagandeshwara Temple at Bhagamandala along with his wife Usha, performed puja and had the darshan of the deity.
He will later fly to Madikeri in a chopper to take part in the wedding of former Karnataka Youth Congress President Mohammed Haris Nalapad, son of Shantinagar MLA N.A. Haris, being held at a private resort in Mekeri near Madikeri.
The wedding of Nalapad is being held from Aug. 15 to 20 and the Nikah ceremony is scheduled to take place today at the resort.
Nalapad is reportedly entering into marriage for the second time. He is set to marry the third daughter of S.I. Muneer, a Congress leader from Kodagu, who is associated with the Kodagu District Congress Committee.
The wedding celebrations are expected to continue over several days at the private resort, with guests from political and entertainment circles likely to attend the functions.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / August 16th, 2026
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