Kamal Ghorui
Industrialist Anand Mahindra recently shared a detailed account of his long-standing connection with India’s coffee landscape. Shared on X (formerly Twitter), he responded to a discussion comparing the coffee-growing regions of Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu with Araku. His reply focused on experience, where he outlined his personal journey with coffee cultivation, tracing it back to his family’s investment in Karnataka several decades ago. At the same time, he acknowledged the structured rise of Araku coffee as a global product. His remarks reflected both legacy plantation culture and the evolving direction of India’s coffee industry.
Anand Mahindra shares Kodagu coffee estate roots and early farming experience
Mahindra shares how they managed to purchase nearly 60 acres of farmland in the region of Kodagu during the 1960s. The plantation had been established around the area of Nagarhole National Park. The area had the right climatic and topographical features needed to grow the coffee. They grew both Arabica and Robusta types of coffee plants.They needed to work consistently in order to ensure the proper growth of crops. It was a matter of soil, rainfall conditions, and even shade that mattered for the crops to be ready for harvesting. Mahindra used to visit the plantation quite frequently during his vacation as well as during his early days of working life, and thus, he knew how to farm coffee through experience.
Anand Mahindra’s family sustains traditional coffee estate in Kodagu
Following the death of both of their parents, the burden of managing the estate fell on the shoulders of his sister and her husband. They have kept the estate functional, and it continues to be productive. Apart from serving its primary purpose as an agricultural site, it also serves as an important piece of heritage within the family. This is because it has been kept intact generation after generation and managed without any changes or expansions.
Coffee’s global growth and structured expansion
Another important instance mentioned by Anand Mahindra was the development of Araku Coffee, which has already gained international recognition. The development of Araku coffee has been following a pattern that includes quality, consistency, and organised production. He appreciated the efforts of being disciplined and constant made by Manoj Kumar, David Hogg, and Anupama Sreeramaneni. These individuals have worked on long-term strategies for the development of the brand.
Traditional vs modern coffee farming
The comparison between Kodagu’s traditional estates and Araku’s model highlights two different approaches within India’s coffee sector. Established plantations rely on generational knowledge and consistent cultivation practices. Newer ventures, such as Araku, emphasise organised production and global outreach. Both models continue to operate within the same industry framework. They address different segments of the market. Traditional estates maintain regional identity, while structured brands focus on scalability and international demand.Mahindra’s perspective connects both aspects through personal experience and current involvement. His remarks reflect an understanding shaped by direct exposure to plantation work and participation in modern coffee initiatives.
