A cup of Coffee can be many things other than being just a cup of coffee. The sociologist Anthony Giddens in his classic textbook on Sociology, introduces us to the myriad ways in which sociologically imagine coffee consumption. As per Giddens, it is a morning ritual, a reason to socialise, an acceptable stimulant/drug, a symbol of global trade and oppression, a symbol of struggle between big corporations and independent coffee houses. It holds personal meaning for many of us. And that’s why this post is about all things coffee.
Coffee & Productivity
There is empirical and anecdotal evidence which proves that there is positive co-relation between coffee consumption and productivity. As a stimulant, caffeine can make you alert and help you to focus. It is known to improve cognitive function and help with depression as well. This boost helps to take on tedious tasks and also block out distractions.
But over consumption of it can have negative effects. Caffeine toxicity can be caused by consuming over 500 mg of coffee (5-6 cups). The symptoms of which include disturbed sleep cycle (blocks out adenosine which causes drowsiness – essential to fall asleep), tremors, anxiety, restlessness, tachycardia and gastro-intestinal problems. Consuming upto moderate amounts (3-4 cups) in the day is known to be most beneficial for improving your productivity.
Having access to coffee is great, but having access to great coffee (for free) can be dangerous. At work, I was known to guzzle down multiple cups until I started experiencing the negative effects. I cut down my consumption to two cups a day have started to experience the benefits fully.
Culture of Coffee Drinking in India
Before Cafe Coffee Day arrived on the scene, most of us, who were teenagers back then, knew only two types of coffee. Filter coffee that you got at South India restaurants or the Nescafe – instant type that you made at home. The arrival of Cafe Culture in India can be seen as a turning point for the Indian Coffee industry.
The social nature of coffee became even more apparent. And drinking coffee went public. Even though establishments like the Indian Coffee House have been around, the new Cafes on the block became a hub for socialisation. A place to meet your date, friends, and even discuss business ideas. From a place of leisure to a place of work in the WFH era, cafes represent the new India.
The emergence of multiple homegrown brands – Third Wave Coffee, Blue Tokai; the arrival of many foreign ones including Starbucks, Costa, Tim Hortons and a vibrant consumer base with deep pockets – all have created a strong push for a culture of coffee drinking. Though affordability of these places still remains a concern.
In Bangalore, where I live, drinking coffee need not be an expensive affair. Every darshini (walk-in restaurants with self service, and standing tables) has its own style of filter coffee brewed fresh every hour, and sold at Rs. 10-25. You can see groups of patrons standing around enjoying this strong brew.
Coffee Production in India
Back in the 16th century, a sufi monk Baba Budan, on his way back from Mecca brought 7 coffee beans from Yemen and planted them in its hermitage in Chikmaglur, Karnataka. This marks the origins of coffee plantation in India. The current proliferation of coffee across the country via the coffee chains is made possible by this abundant domestic supply of coffee. India produces both Arabica (28 %) and Robusta (72%) varieties of coffee and stands 6th in global production. However, about 99 % of the croplands are under 10 hectares which are classified as small holdings. Additionally, non traditional areas such as Koraput of Odisha are turning successfully to coffee production.
As per some estimates the coffee market in India is expected to grow to $4.7 billion by 2027. A whopping 3 times jump from the current value. This indicates that there is greater potential for newer players to enter this space. It would be interesting to watch the innovations that come about as competition grows fierce in this space.
All in all, the world of coffee in India seems promising. Adequate support to the small farmers, creating a strong direct to consumer linkage for farmers, and a more affordable coffee drinking experience will be the items on my personal wish list for this amazing elixir.
Until then, I hope you enjoy a good old cup of good coffee.