Coffee exports from India increased in 2011

Coffee exports from India in 2011 increased 20.4% to 346,850 tonnes, mainly encouraged by the wider availability of supply and lower prices, said on Monday the country's Council of Coffee.
Shipments of Indian Robusta increased about 25% last year, to 193,175 tonnes, while the Arabica beans increased 7% to 54,103 tonnes, said the Council. In 2011 the country had an ample stock of passage of almost 45 000 tons, which spurred sales, said the president of the Coffee Exporters Association of India, Ramesh Rajah. This year, however, offers only remaining should reach 20 thousand tons, he added.
India exports two thirds of local production of coffee, and half of the exports are destined for Europe. Italy, Russia, Germany and Belgium are among the main buyers. In 2012, Indian shipments are expected to decline from 10% to 15% due to the slowdown in European demand, said Ramesh Rajah.
The crisis in Europe has forced importers to reduce stocks to a minimum. However, industry executives reported that increasing demand in the Middle East shipments may help to some extent this year. In India, exports of coffee usually occur between the months of February and April, when production peaks.
The harvest of Arabic bean generally begins in late November or beginning of December and Robusta in February.
Source: Revista Cafeicultura