India recently hosted the 5th World Coffee Conference (WCC) in Bengaluru, marking the first time the event took place in Asia. Established in 1963 under the United Nations, the WCC aims to highlight the global economic significance of coffee. Previous editions were held in London (2001), Brazil (2005), Guatemala (2010), and Ethiopia (2016). The conference’s theme, “Sustainability through Circular Economy and Regenerative Agriculture,” addressed crucial aspects of the coffee industry. Jointly organized by the Coffee Board, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, and the International Coffee Organization (ICO), the event is expected to boost India’s coffee exports, valued at over $1 billion, with Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh as primary producers.
Facts/Terms for UPSC Prelims
- World Coffee Conference (WCC): An international event established in 1963 under the United Nations, focused on elevating the economic importance of coffee globally.
- Sustainability: The practice of responsible coffee cultivation and trade that preserves environmental integrity and supports the well-being of coffee growers and their communities.
- Robusta and Arabica: Two primary coffee bean varieties cultivated in India, each with distinct flavor profiles.
- Coffee Export: The value of coffee exports from India, which is expected to experience significant growth due to the WCC.
- World Coffee Market: Brazil’s position as the world’s largest coffee-producing country and India’s coffee exports to various countries, including the US, Germany, France, and Russia.
