For the first time in Asia, World Coffee Conference to be held in Bengaluru
The Hindu
Bengaluru, the coffee capital of India, is all set to host the fifth edition of the World Coffee Conference (WCC 2023) between September 25 and 28.
Bengaluru, the coffee capital of India, is all set to host the fifth edition of the World Coffee Conference (WCC 2023) between September 25 and 28.
Interestingly, this is the first time India and Asia are preparing to host this most prestigious global coffee event, WCC, a property of the London-based International Coffee Organisation (ICO), a body set up in 1963 under the auspices of the United Nations to boost the economic importance of coffee globally. The earlier editions of WCC were held in London (2001), Brazil (2005), Guatemala (2010), and Ethiopia (2016).
K.G. Jagadeesha, CEO and Secretary, Coffee Board of India, said Bengaluru winning the host position of WCC meant a lot for India and Asia and it indicated the growing dominance of Indian coffees in the global markets.
“Hosting WCC is a lifetime opportunity for India, because ICO has 70 coffee producing and coffee consuming countries as members and we may not witness another WCC in India in our lifetime,’‘ he said.
Mr. Jagadeesha further said WCC 2023 held a great promise for the global coffee sector, specially when the Indian coffee industry was fostering growth and sustainable practices while showcasing its coffee heritage to the world.
The event, to be jointly organised by the Coffee Board, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and ICO, is expected to significantly increase India’s access and acceptance in the global coffee markets. Coffee is the largest traded commodity in the world worth over $200 billion offering employment and livelihood to over 100 million families.
Sunayan Mitra, Director, Coffee & Beverage Business South Asia Region, Nestle India, said, the WCC did not come to India and Bengaluru by chance, it is clearly an indication of the global acknowledgement that Indian coffees have been receiving in these years.
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