A taste of Odisha at the BRICS summit: Koraput coffee handed over to global delegates

File photo of a worker picking ripe coffee cherries at a farm on the outskirts of Koraput, Odisha. | Photo credit: Biswaranjan Rout

At the 18th BRICS summit in New Delhi, Odisha Koraput coffee was served to delegates and journalists, putting the indigenous farmer-grown Arabica brand in the spotlight, officials said on Saturday (Sep 12, 2026).

Tiger Bright, a Koraput coffee brand, was included in the kits distributed to media personnel and delegates at the summit by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). A 250-gram packet of coffee was distributed as part of the kits, officials said.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi welcomed the recognition of the state’s domestic coffee and said it provides a platform to showcase Odisha’s local production.

“Vocal for Locals”

“For the past few days, I have been talking about #Odisha on global platforms and inviting the world to see the opportunities, strength and potential of our state. Today, it is especially heartening to see Koraput coffee telling a different side of Odisha’s story at the BRICS India 2026 summit,” Mr Majhi said in a post on X.

He said the initiative reflects the spirit of “Vocal for Local” championed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

“It is a moment of immense pride for me to see the hard work of our people and the wealth of our country being recognized beyond the borders of the state. This is the Odisha I want the world to know, rooted in its soil, proud of its identity and confident in sharing its story with the world,” he said.

Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida also termed the inclusion of Koraput coffee in the summit as a proud moment for Odisha.

The Odisha government said the presence of coffee at the BRICS summit highlighted the work of indigenous farming families and the potential of products originating from rural and tribal areas to access wider markets.

Koraput coffee is grown mainly in Nandapur and Machhkund areas of Koraput district, at altitudes of around 920-950 meters. The coffee is predominantly 100% Arabica and grown under the shade of trees such as mango, jackfruit and citrus, officials said.

Hand picked cherries

The coffee cherries are handpicked at peak ripeness and processed before procurement, drying, sorting, processing and marketing with the support of Tribal Development Co-operative Corporation of Odisha Ltd (TDCCOL).

The ‘Koraput Coffee’ brand was launched on September 11, 2019 to create a structured market for coffee produced by indigenous farmers and strengthen the value chain, officials said.

Under the comprehensive support of TDCCOL, the coffee goes through procurement, drying, sorting, processing and marketing before reaching consumers.

During the 2025-26 season, TDCCOL purchased a record 102.54 metric tonnes of coffee fruit compared to 34.68 tonnes in 2022-23 and 34.41 tonnes in 2024-25, officials said.

The growth has benefited about 360 tribal families, they said.

Tiger Bright is marketed as a premium Arabica coffee, with officials describing its flavor profile as having tropical citrus notes along with caramel, chocolate and cocoa undertones.

The coffee is dried in the sun on raised wooden beds and subjected to processing and hygiene standards before being put on the market.

Published – 12 Sep 2026 22:11 IST