Kodagu Growers Showcase Shade-Grown Coffee to Australian Delegation in Bid for New Markets

The delegation was treated to a tasting session, where company members showcased the distinctive flavours and cultivation methods of their coffee.

Madikeri: In a determined push to expand into international markets, over 120 coffee growers from Kodagu came together on Tuesday to present their signature shade-grown coffee varieties to an Australian delegation visiting the region.

These growers, operating under the banner of Biota Coorg Farmers Producer Company, hosted a special event titled ‘Coffee Cup Tasting and Interaction’ in Madikeri, where they introduced both Arabica and Robusta varieties cultivated in the cool shade of Kodagu’s plantations. The event was attended by Steven Connelly, Deputy Consul General of Australia in Bengaluru, along with Steffi Cherian, Public Diplomacy Officer at the Australian Consulate-General, according to a report in The Hindu.

The delegation was treated to a tasting session, where company members showcased the distinctive flavours and cultivation methods of their coffee, known for being grown under forest canopy. The goal was to create awareness and spark interest in the Australian coffee industry a market that, while familiar with coffee consumption, has largely imported beans from other regions.

“While Australia has long been a coffee-drinking country, this is the first time they are getting direct exposure to Kodagu’s unique shade-grown coffee,” said K.K. Vishwanath, CEO of Biota Coorg. “This visit offers us an opening to establish direct ties with Australian coffee importers and roasters.”

Vishwanath and his team encouraged the visiting officials to help build connections between local producers and Australian traders. They also pitched the idea of hosting virtual tasting sessions by shipping samples to potential buyers in advance and called for assistance in setting up a formal mechanism to promote ‘Kodagu Coffee’ in Australia.

The team expressed hope that participation in trade fairs and exhibitions abroad would further raise the profile of Kodagu’s premium coffee. Earlier in the day, the Australian visitors toured the estates, learning firsthand about sustainable cultivation techniques and the ecological benefits of shade-grown production.

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