In an effort to explore new global avenues, particularly in Australia, around 120 coffee cultivators from Kodagu showcased their premium Arabica and Robusta beans to a visiting delegation from Down Under. The event, held on Tuesday in Madikeri, was centered around introducing the unique qualities of shade-grown coffee from the region.
The farmers, working under the banner of Biota Coorg Farmers Producer Company, organized a ‘Coffee Cup Tasting and Interaction’ session with Steven Connelly, Deputy Consul General of Australia in Bengaluru, and Steffi Cherian, Public Diplomacy Officer with Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
During the event, the group offered fresh brews made from their plantation-grown Robusta and Arabica beans. The aim was to not only introduce the flavor profile of Kodagu’s shade-grown coffee but also to open doors to potential trade ties with the Australian coffee market.
K.K. Vishwanath, CEO of the company, highlighted that while Australia is a major consumer of coffee, its imports have traditionally come from other countries. Introducing them to Kodagu’s homegrown varieties could spark new trade partnerships, he noted.
Growers requested the delegation’s support in connecting with Australian coffee importers and proposed conducting virtual tasting sessions by shipping samples beforehand. They also sought opportunities to participate in coffee fairs and expos in Australia.
Earlier, the delegation toured several estates to understand the traditional cultivation methods of shade-grown coffee in Kodagu.