India International Coffee Festival kicks off with Delhi’s first coffee showdown

The India International Coffee Festival (IICF) made its debut in Delhi from 4-6 October 2024 at Pacific Mall, Tagore Garden, marking the first stop of a multi-city coffee celebration. Supported by the Coffee Board of India, the festival attracted coffee lovers, industry professionals, and curious visitors, offering a glimpse into India’s growing coffee scene.

Over the three days, the festival became a hub for coffee enthusiasts to explore speciality brews, learn about brewing techniques, and meet experts from different parts of the coffee industry. From stalls offering a variety of coffee beans and brewing equipment to workshops and competitions, the event showcased the many aspects of coffee culture.

Visitors had the chance to taste coffees from different regions of India, including some lesser-known varieties. “I didn’t know Indian coffee could have such a wide range of flavours,” said Richa Sharma, a coffee enthusiast who attended the festival. “It’s exciting to see the coffee culture growing here.”

The festival also included engaging activities such as the National Barista Championship and the Brewers Cup Championship, which highlighted the skills of India’s top baristas. “Watching the baristas work with such precision was inspiring. It’s not just about making coffee; it’s an art,” said Akshay Verma, another attendee. The competitions drew attention not only to the technical aspects of coffee making but also to the creativity involved.

Organisers expressed their enthusiasm about bringing the festival to Delhi. DM Purnesh, President of the Specialty Coffee Association of India (SCAI), said, “We’re happy to see such a strong turnout. Coffee is becoming an important part of Indian culture, and this festival helps bring people together to appreciate its diversity”.

Also Read: Durga Puja: Here’s why Delhi must also celebrate the storied legacy of its Bengali schools

For many, the festival was a learning experience. “I came here just expecting some good coffee, but I left with so much knowledge about brewing methods and the different types of beans,” said Priya Mehra, a first-time attendee.

The India International Coffee Festival will next move to Mumbai from October 11 to 13  at Phoenix Marketcity, Kurla, and then to Bengaluru from October 28-30 at Bangalore International Centre, Domlur. The final event will take place in Bengaluru from December 13-15, where a national coffee champion will be chosen to represent India globally.