Coffee exports decline 12.5%

The country's coffee exports during January 1-November 22 period were at 203,738 tonnes, down 12.49 per cent from a year ago, according to data from the Coffee Board of India.

Exports have declined because of weak overseas demand, analysts said.

During the period, exports of arabica variety declined 29 per cent to 40,067 tonne. Robusta coffee exports fell 15 per cent to 104,036 tonne.

Overseas demand for coffee was slack as Indian rates were quoting higher than international prices. "There is demand for Indian coffee from Germany, Italy, and Spain but these countries are waiting for the prices to come down," said V Ovian, proprietor, Indcaffe. Rupee's appreciation against the dollar has also hurt exports. Rupee has risen about 12 per cent since January. 

MANY A SLIP Coffee export in tonne
Varieties	Jan 1 to Nov 22
	2006	2007
Arabica Parchment	46,264	29,308
Arabica Cherry	10,359	10,759
Robusta Parchment	23,878	19,928
Robusta Cherry	99,125	84,108
Instant coffee	23,486	45,304
Instant coffee re-exports	29,709	14,331
* Note: Coffee is of two types"�washed, called parchment, and unwashed, known as cherry Source: Coffee Board of India

Coffee exports may increase in 2008, as overseas demand is likely to pick up due to arrival of the country's fresh crop, he said. The country exports 80 per cent of its coffee.

However, instant coffee exports during the period rose to 45,304 tonnes from 23,486 tonnes a year ago.

Re-exports were down at 14,331 tonnes from 29,709 tonnes a year ago. Re-exports are exports of imported coffee after value addition.

Coffee Board allows export of Plantation PB, Plantation A, and Plantation Black varieties among others in the Arabica grade. Robusta coffee exports comprise varieties such as Plantation Bits, Plantation Bulk, and Cherry Brown.