Kelachandra Coffee, India’s largest privately held coffee plantation company, continues to set the benchmark for sustainable coffee cultivation through its signature shade-grown coffee. Spanning over 6,300 acres in the ecologically rich Western Ghats, Kelachandra seamlessly integrates centuries-old agricultural heritage with modern innovation to produce premium, ethically sourced coffee for global markets.
The company will showcase its sustainable coffee practices at World of Coffee Dubai 2025 from February 10–12 at Z6 – H6, Za’abeel Hall, Dubai World Trade Centre.
In recent years, Indian coffee has witnessed remarkable growth, gaining global recognition for its high-quality green beans, including specialty coffee. Neleema Rana George, Head of Coffee Works and Technology at Kelachandra Coffee, emphasizes India’s growing prominence in the specialty coffee sector:
“India is no longer just a coffee-growing nation—it’s emerging as a specialty coffee powerhouse. Our shade-grown, ethically cultivated coffee is increasingly sought after in global markets, including the MENA region, where demand for sustainability and traceability is at an all-time high. As consumer preferences shift toward eco-conscious choices, Kelachandra Coffee is committed to leading this transformation by blending tradition with innovation to deliver exceptional coffee that resonates worldwide.”
Kelachandra Coffee’s shade-grown cultivation is central to its sustainability strategy, ensuring agricultural excellence while preserving the environment. Rishina Kuruvilla, Head of CSR and Sustainability at Kelachandra Coffee, highlights the company’s dedication to eco-conscious farming:
“Sustainability is more than responsible farming—it’s about creating an ecosystem that flourishes for generations. Across our fifteen Rainforest Alliance Certified estates, we actively nurture biodiversity, reduce soil erosion, conserve water, improve soil health, and enhance carbon sequestration. By integrating agroforestry and ethical sourcing, we ensure sustainability remains at the core of our operations, benefiting both the environment and the coffee-growing communities.”
As the coffee industry continues to expand, Kelachandra Coffee is creating diverse career opportunities across the value chain, from cultivation and processing to research, sustainability, and marketing. Ryana Kuruvilla, Head of People and Culture at Kelachandra Coffee, underscores the dynamic career potential within the industry:
“The coffee industry extends far beyond plantations and brewing—it’s a vibrant ecosystem offering diverse career paths. At Kelachandra, we are committed to nurturing talent, fostering inclusivity, and providing growth opportunities that empower professionals to thrive in this evolving sector. Whether in agronomy, research, roasting, or specialty coffee entrepreneurship, there has never been a more exciting time to be part of the coffee world.”
Key Sustainability Highlights:
- Rainforest Alliance Certified Coffee: Produced without deforestation, conserving biodiversity while safeguarding the rights and well-being of coffee workers.
- Shade-Grown Coffee: Reduces soil erosion by 30%, naturally enriches soil, and minimizes reliance on artificial fertilizers.
- Carbon Sequestration: Kelachandra Coffee estates capture up to 20% more carbon than conventional farms, mitigating climate impact.
- Agroforestry & Crop Diversification: The estates cultivate crops such as pepper, cardamom, bananas, and avocado while harvesting honey, ensuring ecological balance and additional income for farmers.
About Kelachandra Coffee
Kelachandra Coffee is a distinguished division of the Kelachandra Group, a diversified business house with roots dating back to 1786. As India’s largest privately held coffee plantation company, Kelachandra cultivates high-altitude, shade-grown, hand-harvested specialty Arabica and Robusta coffee across 6,300 acres in 15 estates in Chikmagalur, Karnataka, and parts of Kerala. Producing 2,000 metric tons of premium coffee annually, including 30 metric tons of specialty varieties, the company leverages advanced agricultural practices and cutting-edge technology to ensure exceptional quality and consistency.
Kelachandra Coffee has established strong export partnerships with Japan, Denmark, Norway, and Australia, while also serving as a preferred supplier for leading domestic brands such as Blue Tokai and Third Wave. Committed to sustainability and ethical sourcing, all Kelachandra estates hold Rainforest Alliance Certification and adhere to EDUR (Ethical & Directly Uplifting Relationships) principles.
Visit Kelachandra Coffee at World of Coffee Dubai 2025
📍 Z6 – H6, Za’abeel Hall, Dubai World Trade Centre
📅 February 10–12, 2025
