India International Coffee Festival plans larger and more global edition for 2027

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In this photo essay, we showcase more exhibitors at IICF 2026, along with expert insights.

Bengaluru recently hosted the 2026 edition of the India International Coffee Festival (IICF) at Chamara Vajra, Jayamahal Road. See our earlier coverage of the World Coffee Conference in 2023 here.

“We estimate that 20,000 visitors attended the three-day IICF event. The energy on the floor was indicative of strong commercial engagement,” Hamsini Appadurai, President of the Specialty Coffee Association of India (SCAI), tells YourStory.

The festival featured India’s geo-tagged coffee varieties such as Coorg Arabica Coffee, Wayanad Robusta Coffee, Chikmagalur Arabica Coffee, Araku Valley Arabica Coffee, and Bababudangiris Arabica Coffee. There were also international brands such as MilkLab (Australia), Astoria Coffee Machines (Italy), and Probat Coffee Roasters (Germany).

IICF had parallel workshops on Farm to Cup: Post-Harvest Processing 101; Robusta Tasting: Processing Methods; Roasting Fundamentals: Profile Building & Tasting; Coffee Species Showcase & Guided Tasting; Manual Brewing and Espresso Brewing; and Marketing Specialty Coffee: Storytelling & Tasting;

There were panel discussions on a range of provocative topics: Why Biodiversity Is the Foundation of Coffee’s Future; and The New Coffee Farmer: Balancing Yield, Quality, and Profit in a Changing Market.

Many visitors said they appreciated the opportunity to learn about coffee trends and network with coffee lovers and industry professionals. “Exhibitors were pleased with the promotion of the shared vision and passion of the industry,” Appadurai adds.

She explains that the Australia delegation places IICF right up there along with other global events such as World of Coffee Dubai, World of Coffee Indonesia, World of Coffee Bangkok, FHA Singapore, and Melbourne International Coffee Expo.

“The festival was a rich source of inspiration and strategic thinking. One initiative already taking shape for the next edition is a dedicated micro-lot auction for roasters, an exciting development that we believe will add significant value to the specialty coffee ecosystem,” Appadurai says.

Last year, Nestlé India strengthened its premium at-home offering by bringing Nespresso to the country. “With this, we cater to consumers seeking super premium coffee experiences at home,” says Sunayan Mitra, Director – Coffee and Beverages, Nestlé India.

It has expanded its NESCAFÉ Ready-to-Drink cold coffee portfolio, and developed NESCAFÉ Ice Roast. At IIFC, it showcased Duo Gusto, a pioneering solution that dispenses both hot and cold beverages from a single machine. “Innovation in cold beverages is equally central to Nestlé’s out-of-home strategy,” he adds.

Next year’s IICF will have more stalls. “We would like to secure a larger venue, and significantly increase our international visitor footprint. The vision is to position IICF as a truly world-class destination event for the global specialty coffee industry,” Appadurai describes.

“Coffee is an experience, not merely a beverage We are witnessing a meaningful shift from coffee as a functional caffeine fix to coffee as a lifestyle and cultural statement,” observes Komal Sable, Co-Founder, South India Coffee Company.

Gen Z is driving experimentation and discovery. “Younger consumers are far more open to exploring new formats and alternative milk pairings,” she adds.

Sustainability and ethical sourcing are now baseline expectations. “But they must coexist with convenience. Today’s consumer demands transparency and responsibility, delivered in formats that fit seamlessly into a fast-paced lifestyle,” Sable explains.

Coffee makers are responding to these trends and shifts. “They need to be agile, transparent, and have stronger storytelling. Responsibility must begin at the origin,” she affirms.

Producers also bear a responsibility to better educate roasters, buyers and end consumers about the expertise, risk and dedication involved in cultivating quality coffee. “When that story travels clearly through the value chain, it builds a deeper, more authentic respect for origin,” Sable suggests.

Coffee thus lends itself well to purpose-led enterprise. “It brings together agriculture, branding, community, and commerce in a deeply meaningful way. The growth of specialty coffee and direct-to-consumer models has also lowered the barriers to entry,” she says.

More women are stepping into roles that were historically male-dominated. “These include estate leadership, green buying, roasting, and supply chain management,” she observes, citing diverse examples from Kaveri Coffee, Coromandel Coast, Sangameshwar Coffee, and Coffee Mechanics.

“Creating intentional platforms that spotlight women in coffee is essential not only for representation but also for building lasting confidence, access and opportunity within the ecosystem,” Sable emphasises.

Coffee today is not simply about selling a beverage. “It is about shaping culture. And women are trailblazing that shift in remarkable ways across every level of the industry,” she says with pride.

However, the coffee industry is facing challenges like unpredictable rainfall, rising temperatures, and shifting crop cycles that directly affect quality, yields and costs at origin. “Supporting producers and investing in long-term ecosystem partnerships is not a choice — it is essential to the future of coffee,” she cautions.

SCAI and the Coffee Board of India are committed to driving knowledge transfer within the industry. “We will have expanded workshops, masterclasses and curated learning experiences. The best is very much yet to come,” Appadurai signs off.

Now what have you done today to pause in your busy schedule and harness your creative side for a better world?

(All photographs taken by Madanmohan Rao on location at IICF 2026.)

source: http://www.yourstory.com / Your Story / Home> Food & Beverages / by Madanmohan Rao / March 08th, 2026

Hit by wildlife raids, farmers in Kushalnagar opt to grow chia

Agriculture

The trend began when a local farmer earned substantial profits from chia, while others suffered losses due to wildlife conflict and adverse weather.

Chia has a short growing cycle of 100 to 120 days, requires minimal maintenance, and is relatively pest- and disease-resistant.Photo | Express

Madikeri :

Abandoned farmlands along forest fringes are a common sight in South Kodagu, as farmers often struggle with crop loss due to raids by wild elephants and boars. But farmers in the Kushalnagar belt have found a promising solution, growing chia seeds.

A low-maintenance, high-value crop, chia is now being successfully harvested by farmers across Maruru, Chinnehalli and 6th Hoskote in Kushalnagar taluk, offering significant returns. The trend began when a local farmer earned substantial profits from chia, while others suffered losses due to wildlife conflict and adverse weather.

“Mahesh, a farmer from Maruru, started cultivating chia about eight years ago. Once others realised that this crop is largely safe from wildlife raids, many farmers adopted it,” said KS Murthy, a farmer from Kudige. Local farmers learned the cultivation process from Mahesh and others, sparking wider adoption in the region.

Chia is untouched by wildlife: farmer

Chia has a short growing cycle of 100 to 120 days, requires minimal maintenance, and is relatively pest- and disease-resistant. “It costs around Rs 25,000 to cultivate one acre, which can yield up to six quintals of seeds. This year, a quintal sold for Rs 16,000,” explained Mahesh, highlighting the crop’s profitability and farmer-friendly nature.

Another farmer, Mahadev, shared his relief, “Earlier, wild animals often destroyed my paddy crops, making it hard to repay loans. Chia is untouched by wildlife and truly a blessing for those living near forests.”

Farmers sell dried chia seeds, which has emerged as a dependable source of income, at the HD Kote market.

Over 30 farmers in the Kushalnagar belt are now cultivating chia, though it is not yet a notified crop under the District Horticulture Department. “Farmers can still receive guidance and support at the Raitha Samparka Kendra in Kushalnagar,” said Shashidhar,Deputy Director of the Horticulture Department.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Karnataka / by Prajna GR / March 05th, 2026

MP urges FM to waive interest on Kodagu Coffee Co-op

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Mysuru MP Yaduveer Wadiyar met Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in New Delhi on Thursday and submitted a request seeking a waiver of interest payable by the Kodagu Coffee Growers’ Cooperative Society Ltd. to the Coffee Board of India.

During the meeting, Wadiyar highlighted the financial strain on the cooperative society and urged the minister to intervene in the interest of protecting small coffee growers.

He requested that the Centre consider waiving the interest dues in line with an assurance reportedly given in 2015. According to the MP, such a move would help safeguard the livelihoods of thousands of coffee growers and workers in Kodagu while sustaining a cooperative institution that has served the region for nearly seven decades.

Wadiyar also raised concerns regarding taxation issues affecting tobacco growers and other stakeholders.

He emphasized the need for a balanced policy approach that protects the interests and livelihoods of farmers dependent on the tobacco sector while ensuring regulatory compliance.

source: http://www.indiancooperative.com / Indian Cooperative / Home> Coop News Snippets / by Amit Amana / March 06th, 2026

A cookbook with stories

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Records, All, Women/Girls (wef. Sept 03rd, 2022), , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

I was recently invited to Kaveri Ponnapa’s book launch that I had been looking forward to.

 Many in Mysuru may not recognise her name, but anyone who has even a passing interest in Coorg or the culture of small, distinct communities of this land would certainly know her remarkable work, ‘The Vanishing Kodavas.’

Just like her previous book, which was rich with history, culture and stunning imagery, her latest work, ‘Coorg: The Cookbook — Recipes and Stories from a Golden Land,’ is both beautiful to look at and deeply satisfying to read.

This book nourishes not just the appetite but jogs the memory, too.

‘Coorg: The Cookbook’ has been in the making since 2012 and the patience shows. It is thoughtfully structured into sections such as rice-based dishes, meats, seafood, vegetarian dishes, foraged foods, pickles, sweets and beverages.

Each section opens with a gentle historical introduction explaining how and why these foods became part of the Coorg dining table. It tells us why it is not just about how to cook, but also about understanding why Kodavas cook the way they do.

The book also includes sections on foundational pantry ingredients and the spices and herbs that define Coorg cuisine. For readers unfamiliar with some ingredients, the author thoughtfully offers alternatives.

There is even a section explaining how to use the book, making it as accessible to an outsider who may not be familiar with Coorg cuisine at all. That said, even a Kodava like me had some surprise discoveries.

The first surprise I encountered in the book was that while modern Coorg is synonymous with coffee plantations, it was earlier primarily a land of paddy farmers.

No wonder rice sits at the centre of not only Kodava cuisine but also culture. Appropriately, the first dish the book introduces is the humble yet iconic ‘Akki Otti’ or rice roti.

Another delightful revelation is the long-held myth that Coorg cuisine is dominated by pork. Yes, Coorg is famous for its pork dishes, but the book reminds us that Coorg food is far more diverse.

Of the 132 recipes in the book, just 36 are non-vegetarian dishes and only 6 of them are pork! The remaining dishes feature chicken, mutton, fish and crab.

Meanwhile, there are 45 vegetarian recipes! which include an array of ‘pallyas’ & ‘chutneys.’

So, the notion that Coorg cuisine is dominated by the hog is hogwash.

What also struck me personally were the dishes I had never heard of before. There are recipes such as ‘Miniature Jackfruit Pancakes’ (Coorg name: ‘Chatti Puttu’) and the intriguingly named ‘Steamed Rice Parcels with Hitchhiker Elephant Ear Leaves’! (Coorg name: ‘Mara Kembe Puttu’).

But what truly elevates this book beyond the realm of a cookbook are the stories quietly interwoven along with the recipes. Food, after all, is rarely just about taste; it is about people, places and memories.

Reading about the ‘Nende Kari’ or the ‘Crab Curry,’ transported me back to my childhood in Coorg. I remembered being sent to the paddy fields with my cousin to catch crabs for dinner. We would return with a small mug full, often with bleeding fingers. Crabs can put up quite a fight.

While our grandmother prepared the ‘Nende Kari’ (Crab Curry), we sat near the fireplace listening to her tell stories of elephants straying into plantations, of wild boar hunts and town gossip, all while the aroma of spices slowly filled the kitchen.

This is the kind of book that eventually becomes an heirloom, something to be preserved, treasured and passed down through generations. Kaveri Ponnapa herself writes, “Recipes are cultural inheritances.”

This is why ‘Coorg: The Cookbook’ feels more than just pages of recipes. It takes you on a journey down memory lane.

For many Kodavas living far from their homeland, the book may well feel like a bridge back to traditions that are slowly fading. That alone is reason enough to own a copy.

In many ways, to use a culinary euphemism, this book pairs beautifully with Kaveri’s earlier work, ‘The Vanishing Kodavas.’

One documents the culture, the other documents the cuisine. Culture and cuisine, the two pillars that define every community.

Kaveri Ponnapa observed that “Kodavas are vanishing,” but with her books, she has made sure they will not be forgotten.

P.S. : You can order your copy athttps://kaveriponnapa.com/coorg-the-cookbook/coorg-the-cookbook/

e-mail:  vikram@starofmysore.com

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Columns in Black & White> Top Stories / by Vikram Muthanna / March 03rd, 2026

Kodagu road reconstruction, health sector receive boost in state budget

Business & Economy, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Leaders, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The state budget has sanctioned Rs 20 crore for the reconstruction of damaged roads and bridges following incessant rainfall in regions including Virajpet, Madikeri and Ponnampet.

Madikeri :

Road connectivity and the health sector in Kodagu have received a boost in the state budget presented by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. While Congress members termed it a progressive budget, BJP leaders criticised it as a “useless budget” with no special consideration for the district.

The state budget has sanctioned Rs 20 crore for the reconstruction of damaged roads and bridges following incessant rainfall in regions including Virajpet, Madikeri and Ponnampet.

Developmental projects for the Kodava Development Board, funds for the welfare of tribes who form a significant population in the district, and the health sector have also received support in the budget.

Virajpet Hospital will be upgraded from a 200 bed capacity to 400 beds, the budget assures funds for the upgradation of Kushalnagar Community Hospital. (File photo)

While Virajpet Hospital will be upgraded from a 200 bed capacity to 400 beds, the budget assures funds for the upgradation of Kushalnagar Community Hospital. Ponnampet will also get a new community hospital.

However, stakeholders in the tourism sector said the budget does not mention any special funds for tourism development.

Nagendra Prasad, president of the Kodagu District Chamber of Commerce and Industry Association, said that although Kodagu generates increased revenue for the state through tourism and liquor sales, no funds have been sanctioned for tourism infrastructure in the district.

“From property tax of hospitality facilities to GST, the tourism sector contributes immensely to the state revenue. But unfortunately, this revenue is not being invested back to further improve the sector,” he opined.

Meanwhile, former BJP MLA K. G. Bopaiah criticised the budget as a “useless” one and a “record budget of complete failure”. He said the budget is not people friendly and added that for the 17th time the Chief Minister has made “only promises, declarations and vague plans without any absolute focus”.

He recalled that the BJP government had sanctioned special funds to the district as per the Nanjundappa report due to heavy rainfall and said, “We used to sanction up to Rs 100 crore as a special package for the district. But for the past three years, the state has neglected Kodagu,” he alleged.

He further alleged that there is no plan or precision in the sanctioning of funds for mitigation projects to curb wildlife conflict.

Dharmaja Uthappa, district president of the Congress party, said the budget is progressive and that the Kodava Development Board, road connectivity and the health sector have received a boost.

“Even the issue of wildlife conflict is addressed and it is overall a pro development budget,” he opined.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Karnataka / by Express News Service / March 06th, 2026

Who Is Madan Mandanna? Meet the Supportive Father of Rashmika Mandanna

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Records, All, Women/Girls (wef. Sept 03rd, 2022), , , , , , , , , , , ,

Madan Mandanna, father of Rashmika Mandanna, has stayed away from the spotlight but has always supported her. Here’s everything you need to know about her father and the role he played in her journey.

Image Credit : Instagram

A Pillar of Support

Madan Mandanna, father of actress Rashmika Mandanna, has mostly stayed away from the public eye, but he has been a strong support for his daughter throughout her journey. Born in a Kodava Hindu family in Virajpet, Kodagu, Karnataka, he played a key role in shaping Rashmika’s values and career.

Image Credit : Instagram

Entrepreneurial Roots

Madan is a successful businessman who runs a coffee estate and owns a function hall called Serenity in Virajpet. His work shows the family’s entrepreneurial spirit, long before Rashmika became a household name in films.

image credit : X

Family First

Though he avoids the limelight, Rashmika often credits her father for teaching her important life lessons like hard work, humility, and determination. These values have helped her navigate the challenges of the entertainment industry successfully.

image credit : Instagram

Close-Knit Family

Madan is married to Suman Mandanna, a homemaker. Together, they raised Rashmika and her much younger sister, Shiman Mandanna. Rashmika occasionally shares glimpses of her parents on social media, showing the love and close bond in their family.

From Humble Beginnings to Stardom

Despite her fame as a pan-India actress, Rashmika often reflects on her modest upbringing. Her family faced financial struggles, but Madan’s guidance and support were crucial in helping her rise from Virajpet to becoming one of India’s most popular and loved stars.

source: http://www.newsable.asianetnews.com / Asianet News / Home> English> Entertainment / by Nancy Tiwari / March 05th, 2026

“There’s whole science to tennis-ball cricket”: Robin Uthappa backs BRPL

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New Delhi :

As the Beyond Reach Premier League (BRPL) continues to position tennis-ball cricket within a structured framework, former Indian cricketer Robin Uthappa shared his reflections on how the format shaped his own journey as a batter.

Recalling his childhood days, Uthappa highlighted how tennis-ball cricket was more than just a pastime; it was foundational to his development as a batter, according to a release.

“I’ve played different forms of tennis-ball cricket. We’ve played leg cricket, hand cricket, and cricket in small 30-40 yard spaces,” Uthappa said during a conversation with Sushil Sharma, Co-Founder & CEO of BRPL.

“We had a road on the off side, a road on the leg side, and houses in front and behind. You could score only on the roads, and if you wanted to hit a four or six, you had to clear the house in front, which even had a window pane,” he added.

According to Uthappa, those unconventional playing conditions directly shaped his batting strengths.

“By virtue of playing there, my game developed in that fashion. I like playing down the ‘V’, hitting straight over the top. My attacking shots are always straight, trying to put your foot in long-off and long-on. That instinct was built by playing tennis-ball cricket,” he explained.

He further emphasised that tennis-ball cricket is far more technical than many assume.

“It depends on the kind of tennis ball you’re playing with. Some are dense, some less dense, and the lighter ones are actually harder to hit. Today, you even get tennis-ball bats. There’s a whole science to this. It’s not just haphazard anymore,” said Uthappa.

BRPL is open to aspiring and semi-professional cricketers aged 18-40, welcoming participants from 28 states and 8 Union Territories across India. (ANI)

(This content is sourced from a syndicated feed and is published as received. The Tribune assumes no responsibility or liability for its accuracy, completeness, or content.)

source: http://www.tribuneindia.com / The Tribune / Home> Sports / by ANI / March 01st, 2026

More than just coffee: Inside a sanctuary of sustainability that’ll make you fall in love with the wild side of Coorg

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As guests leave Poomaale, Sunith Reddy hopes they’ll take back a new appreciation for nature and a sense of comfort in the wild; he wants to ‘rewild the human.’

Poomaale Estate offers a chance to be part of a community that’s redefining the relationship between humans and the environment (Pic: Beforest.co/poomaale-2-0-collective)

In the heart of the Western Ghats, where the mist clings to ancient canopies and the soil breathes with life, Poomaale Estate, a collective managed by Beforest, is challenging the traditional boundaries between real estate, travel, agriculture, and conservation.

What began as a personal quest for ‘slow life‘ by Sunith Reddy, CEO and co-founder of Beforest, has evolved into a sophisticated ecological model. “I started thinking about growing my own food and watching the sunset,” Sunith tells HT Lifestyle, reflecting on his 2018 exit from the corporate world.

“But in reality, it was about fixing broken pipes and battling pests. I wondered: can life really flow? Can food grow on its own? That is how the idea of food forests captured my imagination,” he adds.

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A forest that works

Unlike traditional ‘protected areas’ that exclude human activity, Poomaale operates as a working forest. The estate balances a productive coffee plantation with strict conservation by mimicking natural cycles.

Sunith explains: “Imagine coffee as a living system. Instead of adding synthetic fertilisers, we use the nitrogen provided by leaves shed from the canopy trees. We connect the output of one element to the input of another. It moves from being a line to a circle.”

He shares that this ‘circular’ approach has yielded staggering ecological results:

⦿ 90 percent increase in the species richness indeX (SRI).

⦿ 50 percent of the estate dedicated exclusively to a ‘wilderness zone’.

⦿ Zero irrigation: The estate runs entirely on harvested surface water, offsetting approximately 12 million litres of water annually.

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The four returns of success

For Sunith, success isn’t measured just by coffee yields: Beforest utilises the ‘4 returns framework’ to monitor the landscape’s health over a 20-year generational timeline:

⦿ Return of inspiration: a sense of purpose in the land.

⦿ Return of social capital: rebuilding the fabric of local human connections.

⦿ Return of natural capital: enhancing biodiversity.

⦿ Return of financial capital: creating long-term, reliable income.

“Most of our rural landscapes are being depleted on all four fronts,” Sunith notes, pointing out that many villagers now aspire only to move to cities. “We want to reverse that. When a system spontaneously encourages these four capitals to grow, that is when Poomaale is successful,” he adds.

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Guardians of the land

The estate’s health is meticulously monitored by resident experts, including Aranya Bagchi, hospitality manager and naturalist. He says, “The presence of certain species indicates a healthy ecosystem.”

“Frogs have sensitive skin; their presence highlights a clean space. Similarly, having a diversity of dragonflies — the apex predators of the insect world — means our water is uncontaminated,” Aranya adds.

This commitment to the environment has turned Poomaale into a sanctuary for those fleeing urban exhaustion. In the Poomaale collective, living a forest-friendly life is not just about changing address, it is a shift from being a consumer to a steward of the land.

Dr Madhavi, a homeowner at Poomaale from Hyderabad, describes the move as a transition from a ‘suffocating concrete jungle to a serene jungle’.

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She says, “Buying property here was a profitable investment, gaining healthy life years as returns. It brings back childhood memories of grandparents’ homes. My future grandchildren will have similar memories in this pristine nature bed.”

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‘Rewilding’ the human

Ultimately, the goal of the Poomaale collective is more than just co-ownership; it is about intentional community. By integrating with local Kodava culture — including architecture modelled after traditional homes — the project seeks to foster a deep-seated gratitude for the land.

“We want to get guests used to the wild — the bees, the bugs, and the free-flowing water. A guest who was uncomfortable walking at night starts enjoying stargazing by day three. We don’t want to make this an escape from life, but life itself. Our entire agenda is to rewild the human,” Sunith concludes.

This article was produced following a three-day hosted stay at the Poomaale Estate in Coorg, upon editorial invitation

source: http://www.hindustantimes.com / Hindustan Times / Home / by Sanya Panwar / March 01st, 2026