The International Coffee Organization (ICO), in partnership with the Coffee Board of India, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the Government of India, and the Government of Karnataka, has brought the World Coffee Conference (WCC) & Expo 2023 to Asia for the first time. This noteworthy event took place in Bengaluru and marked the 5th edition of the WCC.
About the World Coffee Conference
The World Coffee Conference is a biennial event spearheaded by the ICO, an affiliate of the United Nations that represents the worldwide coffee sector. The primary aim of the WCC is to unite coffee stakeholders globally. It provides a platform for interaction, exchange of knowledge, networking, and collaboration to tackle industry challenges and explore opportunities.
World Coffee Conference 2023: Theme and Highlights
The theme for the 2023 conference was “Sustainability through Circular Economy and Regenerative Agriculture.” The event recognised ten biodiversity ambassadors from India’s coffee farms, comprising five flora and five fauna representatives. The official mascot for the conference was ‘Coffee Swami’, designed to blend Indian tradition and modern appeal.
International Coffee Organization (ICO): A Brief Introduction
Established in 1963, the ICO has supported by the United Nations and adheres to the first international coffee agreement ratified in 1962. This intergovernmental entity serves as a central hub for both coffee exporters and importers, representing 93% of global coffee production and 63% of its consumption. The ICO strives to strengthen the sustainable growth of the global coffee sector within a market-based structure, ensuring benefits for participants across the Global Coffee Value Chain (G-CVC).
An Insight into the Coffee Board of India
Formed under the Coffee Act of 1942, the Coffee Board of India is a statutory organisation that operates under the administrative control of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India. Headquartered in Bangalore, the 33-member board, including the Chairperson, primarily concentrates its efforts on research, extension, development, market intelligence, and both external and internal promotion for coffee.
UPSC Civil Services Examination: Previous Year Questions
The conference also touched upon previous year’s questions from the UPSC Civil Services Examination. In 2008, a question was asked to match various boards with their respective headquarters. This year, the focus was on the differences between the cultivation requirements of coffee and tea. The candidates were required to understand the nuances of these popular plantation crops and answer accordingly.
