Coffee exports were down 7.52 per cent in the first four months of this crop year (October 1, 2011 to January 31, 2012) at 79,021 tonnes compared with 85,455 tonnes in the previous year.

However, in terms of rupee, the exports were up 20.12 per cent at Rs 1,200.92 crore against Rs 999.72 crore. In US dollar terms, the exports were up 11.02 per cent at $243.05 million ($218.91 million). In terms of unit value realisation, Indian coffee fetched Rs 1,51,974 per tonne against Rs 1,16,987 per tonne.

Exports were down in January due to strengthening of rupee against the dollar. In December, exporters took advantage of weak rupee and exported a substantial portion of their commitment.

As new crop is trickling into the market, exporters are cautious and are waiting for some stability in the currency market to resume their procurement.

According to Coffee Board statistics as of January 31, arabica parchment constituted 4,121 tonnes (last year’s exports stood at 5,723 tonnes), arabica cherry 1,361 tonnes (1,469 tonnes), robusta parchment 670 tonnes (2,104 tonnes) and robusta cherry 7,649 tonnes (5,346 tonnes).

Instant coffee exports stood at 2,173 (3,691 tonnes) and instant coffee re-exports stood at 4,985 tonnes (1,851 tonnes).

Source: thehindubusinessline.com