image credits: Collector & DM, Koraput
Koraput Coffee has earned national acclaim by securing two Fine Cup Awards and a fourth-place ranking in the Flavour of India – The Fine Cup Award 2024. The awards were announced at the India International Coffee Festival 2025, held in Bangalore on April 26 and 27. This milestone, the first dual recognition for Odisha in a national coffee competition of this stature, positions Koraput among India’s top four coffee-producing regions. Koraput Coffee is guided by the Tribal Development Co-operative Corporation of Odisha Ltd. (TDCCOL).
Flavour of India: Showcasing Coffee Excellence
Organized by the Coffee Board of India under the KYK (Know Your Kappi) Drive 2024, the Flavour of India competition is a prestigious national initiative to identify and promote the country’s finest coffees. It evaluates entries based on taste, aroma, and traceability, emphasizing sustainable and ethical production. The India International Coffee Festival, where the awards are presented, brings together producers, roasters, and coffee enthusiasts. The Fine Cup Award, a coveted honour in the Indian coffee industry, recognizes not only flavor but also the integrity of the coffee’s origin. Koraput Coffee’s Arabica Washed and Arabica Natural varieties excelled in this rigorous evaluation, earning praise for their superior quality and fragrance.
The Unique Appeal of Koraput Coffee
Grown in the high-altitude hills of Koraput district, at 2,800 to 3,400 feet in Odisha’s Eastern Ghats, Koraput Coffee is a 100% Arabica premium roast. Its distinctive flavor, with citrusy grapefruit notes, mild jaggery-like sweetness, and a caramel-chocolate finish, has captivated coffee lovers. It is cultivated in biodiverse “coffee gardens” alongside mango, jackfruit, and pepper. The coffee benefits from organic, shade-grown practices. The region’s cool climate, fertile soil, and traditional tribal farming methods yield a low-acidity brew, making Koraput Coffee a standout in India’s specialty coffee market.
Origins and Vision of Odisha’s Koraput Coffee
Koraput Coffee’s journey began in the 1930s with experimental plantations by Rajbahadur Rama Chandra Deo, the erstwhile king of Koraput. Revived by the Odisha government in the 1960s, the initiative gained momentum with the Coffee Development Trust’s formation in 2017. Managed by TDCCOL, the brand seeks to establish Koraput as a global coffee hub while empowering tribal farmers. TDCCOL oversees the entire process right from harvesting cherries at farmers’ doorsteps to processing, roasting, and marketing. In 2021, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik launched Koraputcoffee.org and dedicated cafes, making the coffee available on platforms like Amazon and through Adisha outlets in Odisha.
Koraput Coffee’s Role in Economic Upliftment
Koraput Coffee has significantly uplifted the tribal economy. In 2022-23, TDCCOL procured over 150 metric tonnes of coffee from more than 300 farmers, up from 31 metric tonnes the previous year. By eliminating middlemen, the model ensures farmers receive competitive prices, with some earning up to ₹150,000 annually from two hectares. This financial stability has reduced migration and empowered communities, particularly women, through initiatives like Mission Shakti. The brand’s growing presence in national and international markets, including partnerships with Tata Coffee, indicates strong economic potential. Cultivation currently spans over 3,500 hectares, with plans to expand to 22,000 hectares.
The Fine Cup Awards, alongside a Certificate of Appreciation for TDCCOL, appreciate Koraput Coffee’s commitment to quality and social good. Available as filter coffee, instant coffee (launched in 2023), and premium blends like Tiger Bright, the brand is gaining popularity in urban markets and cafes in cities like Bhubaneswar and Puri.
