Coffee export to decline by 15 pc this year

Bangalore, Feb 15 (UNI) Coffee export during the year is likely to decline by 15 per cent due to various reasons, including low opening stocks.

According to Indian Coffee Exporters Association President Ramesh Rajah, last year's export was around 2,40,000 tons. It might reduce this year because of low opening stock of 10,000 tons as against the usual 30,000 tons. There was also a likelihood of reduction in crop production than expected and Arabica growers holding back the crop following increase in prices in the domestic market.

He said the Indian exporters were also facing stiff competition in the international market against their Vietnamese counterparts, especially in the Italian market. Italy had remained India's potential market for over a decade, he added.

India accounted for four per cent of the world coffee production and stood seventh place.

UNI