Kelachandra brews a growth strategy
Kelachandra Coffee, a privately-held coffee plantation company, has come a long way ever since it was established in 1995. Today, the Bengaluru-headquartered company grows high quality Arabica and Robusta coffee beans in its 15 coffee estates (total of 6,300+ acres) located in Chikmagalur, Karnataka. Operating in the B2B space, the company is one of the largest players in the premium and specialty coffee segment, supplying to brands like Blue Tokai, Third Wave, Humble Bean, Dope and Allana Coffee.
Apart from serving the Indian market, the company, known for its sustainable coffee plantation practices, exports coffee beans to Japan, Denmark, Norway and Australia. The company produces 2,000 tonnes of green coffee bean annually – all its plantations Rainforest Alliance Certified and fully compliant with EUDR (European Union Deforestation Regulation) standards. Located in the biodiverse Western Ghats, the company’s estates follow rigorous sustainability practices that benefit both the environment and local communities.
“The coffee industry in India is rapidly evolving, with the café culture contributing significantly to both the economy and social fabric of urban areas,” says Neleema Rana George, head, coffee works & technology, Kelachandra Coffee. “At Kelachandra, we’re deeply involved in this transformation. We prioritise sustainable, shade-grown coffee farming practices, which benefit the environment and result in superior quality. This has a dual impact: it supports biodiversity in coffee-growing regions and aligns with consumer preferences for sustainable products. We source beans directly from local farms in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala, supporting over 250,000 coffee growers, many from marginalised communities. This approach has ensured fair wages, while also boosted the local economy and enhanced traceability, which appeals to consumers who value ethical sourcing”.
With the coffee market in India is expected to grow by 12 per cent annually, the company is focussed on maintaining a competitive edge through continuous adaptation. From eco-friendly packaging to supporting carbon-neutral farming methods, the company is aligning with the demand for sustainability and authenticity in a market increasingly driven by quality and transparency.
Maintaining high standards
“Our commitment is not just to meet this demand but to lead it, transforming the Indian café culture and economy – one cup at a time,” adds Neleema, who spearheads the meticulous process of coffee harvesting and processing across the company’s 15 estates, which are nestled in the serene landscapes of Chikmagalur. “Technological innovation and specialisation in coffee production are essential as we move forward. We are preparing by investing in technology that boosts efficiency without compromising quality. This focus ensures that Kelachandra Coffee meets both the domestic and international standards expected by specialty coffee enthusiasts”. Armed with a Bachelor’s degree in commerce from Christ College, Bengaluru and a Master’s in Human Resource Management from St Joseph’s College of Business Administration, Neleema’s academic journey has laid a robust groundwork for her current position.
However, it was her pursuit of knowledge in coffee economics and science from Ernesto Illy Trieste, Italy, that truly honed her expertise. This comprehensive programme delved deep into every aspect of the coffee production chain, blending economic-managerial and scientific-technological domains.
In order to explore the emerging opportunities in the market, the company has charted out short-to-long-term growth plans for taking the business to the next level, where it will expand its footprint both in the domestic and international market. In the immediate future, it plans to enhance its infrastructure by establishing a fully integrated curing facility, a state-of-the-art roastery and a world-class R&D lab. These initiatives will allow it to improve the quality of its coffee and continue innovating in specialty coffee offerings. The company is also focussed on expanding its product portfolio by developing a wider range of high-quality specialty coffees, catering to diverse customer preferences worldwide.
In the medium term, over the next five years, Kelachandra Coffee aims to launch a network of coffee experience centres (starting in Bengaluru), marking its entry into direct retail. These centres will serve as hubs for coffee enthusiasts, offering insights into the coffee-making process, artisanal and specialty brews, and a range of coffee-related products. Additionally, it plans to strengthen its B2B partnerships, particularly in the HORECA (hotels, restaurants & catering) sector, to expand its reach in the domestic market.
In the long term, over a period of 10 years, the company envisions to become the largest producer and exporter of Indian coffee globally. The company will focus on establishing direct trade relationships with international buyers and roasters, ensuring its beans reach coffee lovers around the world.
“To support this growth, we will expand our production capacity by increasing plantation and estate networks, particularly in South-east Asia and other regions, which have rising demand for premium coffee,” explains Neleema. “Ultimately, our goal is to position Kelachandra Coffee as a key player in the global market, renowned for high-grade Indian specialty coffee that is both ethically sourced and sustainably produced. By executing these strategic goals, we are confident that Kelachandra Coffee will continue to grow and make a lasting impact on the global coffee industry”.
The company is committed to staying at the forefront of the coffee industry by investing in advanced technology and continuous team training. It works closely with industry experts to refine its harvesting and processing methods, establishing Kelachandra Coffee as a globally recognised source of premium, sustainably grown coffee.
In order to boost its R&D efforts, the company has recently appointed P. Kurian Raphael as head of R&D. Raphael brings a wealth of experience from his previous role at Tata Coffee Ltd. He has an extensive background in plantation crops, sustainable agriculture and building a circular economy.
With over 31 years of expertise in plantation crops, including 25 years as a Senior Scientist with the Coffee Board of India, Raphael is highly regarded for his contributions to coffee research across various coffee tracts in India. Under his leadership, Kelachandra Coffee’s R&D team has launched estate-wide training focused on sustainable and scientific coffee cultivation.
Sustainability is at the core of the company’s practices. Located in the Sahyadri Hills, at the starting point of the Western Ghats, the coffee estates benefit from abundant natural resources and biodiversity. The company employs agro-forestry methods, growing coffee under the shade of native jungle trees. These native trees not only sequester more carbon, making us a Net Zero and Carbon Sink plantation, but also enrich the soil with their nutrient-rich litter, which enhances soil health naturally.
Increasing biodiversity
This approach has supported water management, increases biodiversity, and contributes to overall ecosystem health. The company’s Rainforest Alliance Certification validates its sustainable practices, enabling it to command premiums from green coffee suppliers and facilitating exports to markets in Europe, the Middle East and North America.
The company harnesses technology to monitor temperature, humidity, and soil conditions, ensuring optimal growth for our coffee plants. Post-harvest, it conducts thorough soil analyses to identify and replenish nutrients depleted during production, maintaining consistent yields without compromising quality.
“Environmental sustainability is at the heart of our practices,” says Rishina Kuruvilla, head, CSR & sustainability, Kelachandra Coffee. “Effluent water from our processes undergoes rigorous treatment to meet pollution control standards before safe release into the environment. Our participation in the Rainforest Alliance programme further reflects our dedication to sustainability, biodiversity preservation and the protection of human rights. Ethically, Kelachandra Coffee prioritizes fair treatment and compensation for workers, adhering to the terms set by the Karnataka Planters Association. We provide clean water, shelter, health benefits and more, in line with our company’s commitment to worker welfare”.
Rishina leads the CSR & Sustain ability efforts, leveraging her extensive experience to drive the company’s environmental and community-focused initiatives. She holds a Masters in Coffee Economics and Science from the Università degli Studi di Trieste, Italy, where she has learned how to optimise the future of horticulture and plantation crops through tech-driven solutions.
“From nurturing seedlings to preparing export-ready green beans, we remain unwavering in our commitment to our employees, customers, and the broader community,” affirms Ryana Kuruvilla, head, people & culture, Kelachandra Coffee. “Our plantations not only produce superior coffee but also create a nurturing environment for our workforce and contribute to the sustainable development of surrounding areas. This dedication to excellence ensures that every batch of coffee we produce is a testament to our values of sustainability, quality and respect for nature”.
With a Master of Science degree in Real Estate Investment from Bayes Business School, London, and a background in Economics and Anthropology from UCLA, Ryana brings a wealth of knowledge to her role. Since 2019, she has fostered a thriving work environment, implementing innovative programmes to nurture talent, promote diversity and encourage continuous learning. Her initiatives, including mentorship programmes & wellness initiatives, have solidified Kelachandra Coffee’s reputation as an employer of choice.