Latest news with #IndiaInternationalCoffeeFestival
Mint
10-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Mint
Like coffee, hold a tea festival too?
A fortnight ago, I popped in at the India International Coffee Festival in Bengaluru. I am an occasional filter coffee drinker, but conversations with coffee folks have been as fascinating as tea. Two years ago, India was the host country for the World Coffee Conference & Expo, and the coffee board decided to make that a larger celebration with a part of it open to the public. Bengaluru, thanks to its vicinity to the coffee belt of Coorg and Chikmagalur, played the host. People flocked to the coffee festival and more left aware of this beverage. This year's festival, from 25-27 April, was on a smaller scale, but very well put together. The Chamara Vajra, part of the Palace Grounds, made for a great venue. The event was not so large that you got lost in a maze, but not too small that you beat a quick retreat. There was plenty of opportunity to discover fresh coffees, new estates, brewing equipment and brands. The coffee board's stall showcased Indian coffee's diversity wonderfully. Panel discussions and masterclasses were included to engage with current concerns. My takeaway from the festival was that tea can learn a lot from coffee. To start with, how about a tea festival? Indulge my wishful thinking. A festival celebrating Indian tea could showcase everything from our heritage high-grown and river-fed black teas to the modern ready-to-drink and cold brews, the trendy boba and matcha to the exotic falap, dheki, khilang, and other indigenous teas. There could be seasonal specials like the muscatel and winter frost, and handmade artisanal offerings, and all the innovations we are seeing, like the bagless dips and tea pellets. Also read: A call to support Darjeeling's tea gardens Coffee enjoys the display and performance that doesn't find a ready parallel in tea. The barista championships were no less than bartender events, with contestants trying to outdo each other with their creations. One associates tea with ceremony, which is performative but hardly as exciting as watching a barista concoct a brand new drink and present it with flourish. But tea mixology is catching up. Or tea blending, which calls for creativity and skill. Perhaps not visually stunning, but a talented blender can produce uncommon teas and flavours that can impress. I imagine we could have masterclasses on tea blending, and even baking and cooking with tea. Surely, with the roster of experts we have, this should not pose a problem. And let's not exclude chai. The chai map of India is a representation of both our diversity and similarity. A display of chai, from the sulaimani to the kahwa and everything in between, with a bit of storytelling thrown in will offer a familiar yet memorable tea journey. And if one needs to retreat from the crowd, there can be tea meditation on offer or a bookstore. I missed that at the coffee festival—although Black Poetry coffee did have a small collection of books in their stall. There are as many books, fiction and non-fiction, inspired by coffee as there are on tea. So a bookstore that also carries some tea-themed souvenirs like tea-waste notebooks, tea-dyed stoles, tea-infused chocolate, and even a tea scent. What more can a tea head ask for? Also read: Spend a day with tea pluckers Tea Nanny is a fortnightly series on the world of tea. Aravinda Anantharaman is a tea drinker, writer and editor. She posts @AravindaAnanth1 on X.
The Hindu
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Latte Art Champion 2025 hails from Roastery Coffee House
Mohammed Afsar, winner of the National Latte Art Championship 2025 at the India International Coffee Festival (in its third year), is on cloud nine, and for good reason. Not only did he clinch the top title, but all the other four winners were also from his team. Afsar, who currently serves as the National Coffee Mentor for Roastery Coffee House India, will now shift his focus to the World Latte Art Championship to be held in Zurich, Switzerland, in June. What goes into a Latte Art Championship? Think of it like a cooking competition. Your work is not just about the final dish. 'Similarly, in the Latte Art Championship, we're judged on everything — from the setup of our workstation, cleanliness, and organisation to explaining the drink, the brewing method, temperature, technique, and finally, the latte itself,' explains Afsar. 'For this round, I chose designs that reflect the current state of the world.' Baristas from different cities participate in this competition that involves three to four rounds before one reaches the final round. Apart from latte art, the barista is also questioned on his or her understanding of coffee. This is not Afsar's first brush with the spotlight. Representing Roastery since the festival's inception in 2023, he won the championship that year and was the first runner-up in 2024. From server to champion His journey began as a server at Café Coffee Day (CCD) in 2017. 'I was just looking for a job at the time, and CCD hired me,' says Afsar. 'While working, I began learning about service, coffee brews, and customer experience. It sparked my curiosity.' Afsar eventually moved on to a specialty coffee brand, where his understanding of coffee deepened. In 2022, he joined Roastery Coffee House in Delhi as a barista. With no formal training in coffee, he relied on hands-on learning and relentless practice, especially when it came to mastering latte art. 'Everyone wants to jump straight into latte art when they start working at a coffee shop. But it is much more than just making swans and roses in a cup.' Once he felt confident in his latte art skills, he began focusing on the broader nuances of brewing. He credits much of his growth to the mentorship of Nishant Sinha at Roastery. 'Encouragement at work matters. I was supported, and now I want to do the same for my team. Teamwork is a core value at Roastery, and as the coffee mentor, it's something I actively uphold.' With passion, persistence, and a strong work ethic, Afsar's journey from server to national champion is proof that brewing excellence takes more than just good beans — it takes heart. As he prepares for the world championship, Afsar says his focus will be on refining both his art and presentation. 'I'll be representing the country, and I want the world to take notice of India's evolving coffee culture.'
Hans India
28-04-2025
- Business
- Hans India
India International Coffee Festival concludes
Bengaluru: The three-day India International Coffee Festival (IICF) 2025, which began on April 24 at Chamara Vajra, Jayamahal Main Road, concluded on Sunday. The event was organised by the Speciality Coffee Association of India (SCAI) under the Coffee Board's directive. DM Purnesh, President of SCAI, highlighted the overwhelming response from coffee stakeholders, with over 100 stalls expected at the festival. These stalls will feature coffee companies, roasters, growers, equipment vendors, and food stalls. Notably, the festival will also feature prestigious championships such as the Barista Championship, Latte Art Championship, Brewer's Cup Championship, Coffee in Good Spirits, and Filter Coffee Championship, with the finals taking place at the IICF. SCAI has been given permission by the Coffee Board to organise the festival for the next 10 years. The association, which has over 60 members, has broadened its scope beyond coffee growers to include roasters, machinery importers, traders, curers, and cafe owners. India is the world's seventh-largest coffee producer and the fifth-largest exporter, with over two-thirds of its 3.5 lakh tonnes of annual production being exported. Domestic coffee consumption in India is estimated at 95,000 tonnes, as per Crisil estimates. Additionally, India had hosted the World Coffee Conference in September 2023.
The Hindu
23-04-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
A festival for coffee by the Specialty Coffee Association of India in Bengaluru
The India International Coffee Festival (IICF) 2025, organised by the Specialty Coffee Association of India (SCAI) with support from the Coffee Board of India, will take place from April 25–27 at Marakata, Chamara Vajra, Jayamahal Main Road, Bengaluru. The festival aims to bring together India's top brewers, baristas, coffee connoisseurs, and home brewers to celebrate everything coffee — from skills and innovation to latte art, beans, and brewing equipment. Competitions form a major highlight, with events like the National Barista Championship (NBC), National Latte Art Championship, National Brewers Cup (NBrC), and the grand finale of the National Filter Coffee Championship on the cards. D.M. Purnesh, President of SCAI, said, 'The event will offer entertainment, interactive experiences, and engaging discussions on coffee, flavours, equipment, top growers, roasters, and the country's evolving coffee culture. There will also be a curated selection of food stalls and lifestyle brands. Coffee is no longer just a beverage — it's a hobby, a social connector, and increasingly, an art form. The rise in home brewers and interest in speciality coffee is testament to this shift.' Reflecting on coffee as both a bean and a beverage, he added, 'India is carving a niche in the global coffee landscape. With more speciality cafes and discerning consumers, estate owners and farmers are refining their craft and taking pride in their produce. Coffee cultivation is now more focused, and post-harvest fermentation processes are becoming more nuanced —helping Indian speciality coffee stand out in international markets.' 'India's potential in the coffee industry is significant. We contribute to around 40% of global coffee demand. That's why estates and farmers are now paying closer attention, not just to the yield (the cherry), but also to the processing methods that follow. We've reached a point where a single bean can produce several flavour profiles, tailored by the roaster and the brewer to suit a drinker's individual preferences,' adds Purnesh. When asked about brewing trends, he said, 'Home brewers are a fast-growing community. People now have not just liquor bars at home, but also discerning coffee bars. Home brewers are essentially the mixologists of the coffee world.' He also highlighted the importance of coffee traceability. 'The way coffee is distributed has changed drastically. Traceability ensures transparency throughout the supply chain. It allows consumers to verify origin, quality, and ethical practices, and it helps roasters and brewers understand the unique flavour characteristics imparted by different estates and climates — soil type, altitude, and weather all play a role,' he explained. The India International Coffee Festival (IICF) 2025 will be on from April 25–27 at Marakata, Chamara Vajra, Jayamahal Main Road, Bengaluru.
News18
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Here Are Five Events in Bengaluru to Make Your Weekend a Fun One
Last Updated: Whether your weekend goals include sipping slow-roasted coffee, catching punchlines, dancing your heart out, or sprinting to the finish line — Bengaluru has you covered As Bengaluru's iconic trees cast long shadows over bustling streets, the city springs to life with vibrant weekend plans. Whether you're craving an endorphin rush on the running track, an artistic escape, or a deep dive into coffee culture, Namma Bengaluru has it all. Here's your ultimate weekend guide — five events you absolutely shouldn't miss! TCS World 10K Bengaluru Venue: Through the streets of Bengaluru Date: April 27, 2025 One of the most anticipated sporting events in India, the TCS World 10K is not just a race — it's a celebration of community, fitness, and spirit. Whether you're a pro runner chasing your personal best or a first-timer looking to soak up the infectious energy of 20,000+ participants, this is your stage. This year, watch out for the Supernova Squad — a dynamic group shining a light on adidas's influence in the running community. From powerful pacing to community inspiration, the Supernova Squad will be repping resilience, rhythm, and relentless energy on the track. India International Coffee Festival 2025 Venue: Marakata, Chamara Vajra, Jayamahal Main Road Dates: April 25–27, 2025 | Time: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM The aroma of freshly brewed excellence is set to fill the air as the India International Coffee Festival returns for its 9th edition. Hosted by the Coffee Board of India and organized by the Speciality Coffee Association of India, this three-day celebration brings together the entire coffee ecosystem — from passionate growers and roasters to café owners, connoisseurs, and curious sippers. Expect curated workshops, coffee tastings, expert-led panels, brew bar pop-ups, and cutting-edge equipment displays. Whether you're deep into specialty brews or just starting your coffee journey, this is your chance to sip, learn, connect, and celebrate India's thriving coffee culture — one cup at a time. Bachata Dance Workshop Dates: Ongoing till March 15, 2025 | Time: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM Spice up your weekend with the rhythmic charm of Bachata at Cafe Reset. This interactive workshop blends Latin beats with fun, beginner-friendly moves — perfect for couples looking to reconnect or solo dancers ready to try something new. You'll learn the basics of footwork, timing, and connection in a relaxed, welcoming vibe. No partner? No problem. The space is all about good energy, music, and movement — with plenty of opportunities to meet fellow dance enthusiasts. Harsh Gujral Live – Stand-Up Comedy Show Venue: Fan Park, Phoenix Mall of Asia, Bengaluru Date: April 26, 2025 | Time: 2:30 PM If you're craving a dose of unfiltered humor this weekend, Harsh Gujral is bringing the laughs to Phoenix Mall of Asia with his razor-sharp wit and signature desi flair. A master of crowd work and observational humor, Harsh doesn't just perform — he connects. Whether you're in the front row or the back, expect to feel seen, roasted, and thoroughly entertained. Come solo or with your squad — just be ready to laugh till your jaw hurts. Abracadabra – A Poetry Show by Gunjan Saini Venue: The Comedy Theatre, Indiranagar Date: April 27, 2025 | Time: 10:00 AM 'Abracadabra" by Gunjan Saini is a poetry performance that blends emotion, identity, and reflection into a powerful lyrical experience. Hosted at The Comedy Theatre, Indiranagar, the show moves beyond traditional readings, offering a heartfelt journey through stories told in verse — intimate, raw, and resonant. Gunjan's poetry touches on everything from love and loss to society and selfhood, weaving each theme into words that linger long after they're spoken. If you're looking for something soulful and thought-provoking this weekend, this is a quiet corner of magic worth discovering. top videos View all So, whether your weekend goals include sipping slow-roasted coffee, catching punchlines, dancing your heart out, or sprinting to the finish line — Bengaluru has you covered. Plan your calendar, call your crew, and step out for a weekend that promises to be anything but ordinary. News18 Lifestyle section covers health, fashion, travel, food, and culture with articles on wellness tips, celebrity style, travel spots, and recipes, focusing on Indian and global trends. tags : lifestyle Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: April 22, 2025, 09:52 IST News lifestyle Here Are Five Events in Bengaluru to Make Your Weekend a Fun One
