Lecture Description
This panel discussion will delve into the dynamic landscape of Indian specialty coffee. We will explore the factors driving the growth of the Indian specialty coffee industry, including advancements in cultivation, processing, and quality control and research. A key focus will be on the sustainability of traditional coffee-growing practices in India. We'll discuss the importance of shade-grown coffee, natural forest environments, and rich biodiversity. Additionally, the panel will highlight the unique value of endemic Indian coffee species and the ongoing research into climate-resilient species. The panel will discuss strategies to enhance access to global markets, such as building strong brand identities, fostering sustainable partnerships, and leveraging direct trade relationships. By examining the challenges and opportunities facing the Indian specialty coffee sector, this panel aims to stimulate insightful discussions and foster collaborations among industry stakeholders.
Date: Friday April 25, 2025
Time: 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Location: Room 360ABC
Category: Sustainability
Access: This lecture is free to attend with a Specialty Coffee Expo entry badge. Register to attend Specialty Coffee Expo here.
Please note that lecture sessions are open on a first-come, first-served basis. Early arrival is highly recommended to secure your seat.
Moderator
Amaris Gutierrez-Ray (she/her)
VP of Coffee, Joe Coffee Company
Amaris Gutierrez-Ray is the VP of Coffee for Joe Coffee Company, a roaster in New York City that owns and operates 25 cafes in the 5 boroughs. She was the founder of the Women in Coffee Project, and is now a collaborative co-founder of TWICE (Team Women in Coffee Exchange).
Panelists
Komal Sable (she/her)
Founder, South India Coffee Company
Komal Sable, a serial entrepreneur, co-founded South India Coffee Company (SICC) in 2017. Born in Pune, Maharashtra, she is a Q Processing Level 2 - Professional and also a Post Harvesting Processing Lecturer. Komal's entrepreneurial journey extends across various sectors, including technology, fashion, and lifestyle services. SICC is a collaborative supply chain company that sources sustainably produced Indian specialty coffee with delivery across the world. Its mission is to work with coffee producers, roasters, and importers to create a more equitable and sustainable coffee industry.
Akshay Dashrath (he/him)
Specialty Coffee Producer & Researcher, South India Coffee Company
Akshay Dashrath leads research at South India Coffee Company, focusing on developing drought-tolerant, low-intervention coffee species. He manages operations as Mooleh Manay Estate, cultivating specialty coffee and black pepper using data-driven, sustainable practices. His work emphasizes agroforestry and multi-cropping, aiming for financial, environmental, and social sustainability in South India's shaded coffee regions. He's actively evaluating non-traditional coffee species and hybrids for future propagation, driving innovation in the coffee research world.
Tanya Rao (she/her)
Founder & Roaster, Kaveri Coffee Works
Tanya Rao is the founder of Kaveri Coffee Works, the Bay Area's first woman-owned coffee company specializing in premium Indian coffee. Based in Berkeley, she expertly sources and roasts beans to showcase India's rich coffee heritage and unique flavor profiles. With a diverse background in software, finance, education, and specialty foods, Tanya is a recognized leader and innovator, passionate about building a sustainable coffee business and elevating Indian coffee on the global stage.