23-04-2025
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.
