High quality of Indian coffee attracting world market: ICO Chief

Bangalore, Feb 24 (UNI) International Coffee Organisation (ICO) Executive Director Nestor Osorio today said he is upbeat on feature of Indian coffee in the global markets because of its superior quality.

Talking to newsmen on the sidelines of a three-day India International Coffee Festival, he said Indian coffee was on the ascendancy in the international market as the country was responding well to the demands of the global market.

''Illy, Italy-based leading coffee trading company known for its high quality is now sourcing its beans from India. This is a clear sign that there is bright future for Indian coffee,'' he said.

Dr Osorio said with coffee entering the free market era, improvement in quality was the only way to get better value.

''Future lies in value and not volume. The coffee majors like Brazil, Colombia and Vietnam have learnt this lesson the tough way and India should follow the suit,'' he added.

He said there were two aspects to add value. One to become the transformer, using high quality processing techniques to become a successful exporter of soluble, roasted or powdered coffee and the other was constant value addition so as to succeed in the international market and realise better value.

Equally important would be to practice better agriculture techniques. ''You need to produce a better bean by picking the coffee at the right time and use better processing techniques and right drying practices,'' he said.

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