The café scene in India is brewing a success story one cup at a time. The neighbourhood café today is not just a place to meet and catch up, but also a place to try new coffees and experiment with brewing techniques. The coffee experience includes learning and exchanging information about taste, flavour, and roasts along with a dash of friendly banter — especially around brewing methods like filter kaapi, which is seeing a nostalgic yet modern resurgence.
Cafés want to enhance the overall coffee experience and position themselves as a knowledgeable coffee destination. In order to achieve this, local cafés are now collaborating with artisanal coffee brands not only to support entrepreneurship and small businesses within the local community, but for several other reasons like:
Quality and Differentiation: Artisanal coffee brands typically focus on quality and unique flavours. By serving artisanal coffee, small cafés can differentiate themselves from larger chains and offer a distinct taste experience to their customers — from pour overs to traditional filter kaapi. This quality focus helps build customer loyalty and encourages repeat business.
Ethical Sourcing and Fair Trade: Artisanal coffee brands often prioritize ethical sourcing practices and may participate in fair trade agreements. By working with these brands, small cafés contribute to sustainable and responsible coffee production practices. This not only aligns with growing consumer preferences for ethically sourced products but also helps in promoting social responsibility, especially when transparency in coffee market price plays a role in empowering coffee-growing communities.
Educational Opportunities: Partnering with artisanal coffee brands can provide educational opportunities for both staff and customers. Small cafés can learn about coffee origins and flavour profiles, including the rich history of filter kaapi, which they can then pass on to their customers.
Enhanced Brand Image: Associating with artisanal coffee brands can enhance the brand image of a small café. It communicates a commitment to quality, sustainability, and supporting local economies, which can attract discerning customers who prioritize these values.
By choosing to work with artisanal brands, cafés not only elevate their coffee offerings but also contribute positively to the broader coffee industry. By choosing these brands, small cafés contribute to improving the livelihoods of Indian coffee farmers by paying fair prices that often go beyond the coffee market price baseline, supporting sustainable farming practices. This direct support helps strengthen the coffee supply chain and ensures the long-term viability of coffee farming communities.