The Indian coffee trends that defined this year

Among the most interesting trends is the rise of cafes turning into temporary sober dance venues with professional DJs

- Priyanko Sarkar

To say speciality coffee is having a moment would be stating the obvious. India's coffee farmers, cafe owners and conscious consumers are more discerning than they've ever been. A Godrej Food Trends 2024 report highlighted Indians are more aware about their morning cuppa than ever before. "It's clear that coffee has become part of consumers' identity in India. The type of coffee you drink, much like the perfume you wear, is an essential part of their personality today," says Rushina Munshaw Ghildiyal, editor of the Godrej Report.

Like new fashion trends, there are limited edition coffee varieties beyond the regular Arabica and Robusta beans in 2024. Those looking for more sweetness than caffeine in their cups could choose Liberica coffees from brands such as HumbleBean Coffee and Dope Coffee Roasters, while those seeking complexity could pre-order Gesha coffees from Corridor Seven Coffee Roasters and Blue Tokai Coffee Roasters. The marker of a developing industry is in the growth of specialised training.