Karnataka Growers’ Federation Pushes for ‘Karnataka Coffee’ Brand on Lines of Nandini
- Saritha Devaiah Ballachanda
- Jun 13
- 2 min read
MADIKERI: In a move to create a unified identity for Karnataka's coffee, the Karnataka Growers’ Federation (KGF) is working on a proposal to brand “Karnataka Coffee” similar to the successful Nandini model in the dairy sector.
Federation president H. Shivanna revealed that talks have been initiated with the state leadership to give the state’s coffee a distinctive identity in the national and international markets.
Speaking to The Kodagu Express, Shivanna said “branding Karnataka coffee could significantly strengthen its market position and benefit growers from the key coffee-producing districts of Kodagu, Hassan, and Chikkamagaluru.”
“Preliminary discussions have already been held with the Chief Minister and the Chief Secretary. We are hopeful that the proposal will be finalised in the coming days,” he added.
Highlighting past efforts, he recalled a major conference held in Chikkamagaluru which drew the state government’s attention to several long-standing issues faced by planters. These included frequent incidents of human-elephant conflict, harassment by forest officials, challenges related to the deemed forest classification, and the need to extend the lease period for land occupied by growers.
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Nandini model a blueprint for Karnataka Coffee
The Federation believes that a formal identity for Karnataka coffee—especially from the rich plantations of Kodagu, Hassan, and Chikkamagaluru—will not only enhance recognition but also help address the unique challenges faced by the sector.
The Nandini brand, managed by the Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF), is a successful example of how cooperative marketing can empower local producers while ensuring quality and affordability for consumers. Launched to promote milk and dairy products produced within the state, Nandini has grown into a trusted household name across Karnataka and beyond. It functions as a collective model, where farmers are direct stakeholders, receiving fair prices for their produce while the brand handles processing, packaging, and marketing.
The success of Nandini has inspired similar initiatives in other sectors, and coffee growers now see potential in replicating this model to promote “Karnataka Coffee” as a premium, farmer-backed brand with strong market visibility.
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Karnataka’s rich coffee legacy
Karnataka is the largest coffee-producing state in India, accounting for nearly 70% of the country’s total output. The lush hills of Kodagu, Chikkamagaluru, and Hassan districts form the core of this coffee belt, where both Arabica and Robusta varieties are cultivated under shaded canopies, often alongside spices and fruits.
Coffee cultivation in Karnataka dates back to the 17th century and is deeply intertwined with the region’s agrarian economy, heritage, and landscape. The unique agro-climatic conditions of these districts contribute to the rich aroma and flavour profile of Karnataka coffee, making it highly sought after in both domestic and export markets. Despite its reputation, the state’s coffee lacks a unified brand identity—something growers now hope to address through state-led branding initiatives.
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