Kerala pavilion in limelight at World Coffee Conference
Trivandrum / September 25, 2023
Thiruvananthapuram, Sept. 25: As the fifth edition of World Coffee Conference (WCC) 2023 began today in the Karnataka capital, Union Minister of Commerce & Industry Shri Piyush Goyal inaugurated Kerala’s pavilion that focuses on the legacy of the stimulating beverage in ‘God’s Own Country’.
The four-day WCC & Expo, which makes India the first Asian country to host the global event aimed at boosting the coffee industry, comes against the backdrop of bringing the Plantation Department under the Directorate of Commerce and Industry in Kerala, assuring more institutional support and incentives to cultivation of commercial crops. The state’s annual production of coffee is 72,000 tonnes, accounting for 20 percent of the country's total output and giving it the second rank in India’s coffee production. The districts that chiefly produce coffee in Kerala are Wayanad, Idukki and Palakkad.
WCC, which is slated to conclude on September 28, has participation of leaders and other delegates from more than 80 countries. The event features 14 entrepreneurial and individual units, including select start-ups related to the coffee sector representing Kerala. Wayanad Robusta coffee, which has been included in the Geographical Indication list and is in high demand in the international as well as domestic markets, is the prime focus of things on display at the Kerala pavilion., which also displays a life-size Kathakali statue.
The WCC, with 208 exhibitors, will host discussions, debates and collaborative policy adoptions on promoting a sustainable coffee industry, from coffee-bean cultivation to creating commercial opportunities.
‘Sustainability through Circular Economy and Regenerative Agriculture’ is the focal theme of the conference, which includes 300 B2B meets, skill development workshops and a Global CEO Conclave besides networking events.
As many as 2,400 delegates including 117 speakers are attending the WCC, where entrepreneurs and farmers’ representatives besides owners are showcase their products. The expo has also on display products from coffee start-ups, coffee roasters, specialty coffee growers and smallholders. Entrepreneurs, retailers, cafe-business owners at WCC 2023 will provide opportunities for business leaders looking for investment opportunities. For Kerala, WCC 2023 conference is expected to bring new hopes for the state’s coffee industry.
