International Coffee Day: Why October 1 is celebrated and Indian coffees to try

From its origins in Ethiopia to the coffee plantations of Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu, coffee has travelled a long way to become one of the world's most loved beverages.

Here is the story behind October 1 and some Indian coffees worth trying.

For millions of people, the day begins only after that first cup of coffee.

From a steaming cup of South Indian filter coffee to a carefully brewed pour-over, coffee has become far more than a beverage. It is a daily ritual, a social experience and a major global industry.

Every year, October 1 is observed as International Coffee Day, a date officially adopted by the International Coffee Organization (ICO).

The day celebrates the diversity of coffee and recognises the millions of farmers and workers whose livelihoods depend on the crop.

How did International Coffee Day begin?

The idea of creating a common international day dedicated to coffee emerged through discussions within the ICO.

In March 2014, ICO member countries agreed to organise International Coffee Day on October 1, creating a common date for coffee lovers around the world.

The first official International Coffee Day was held on October 1, 2015, coinciding with the International Coffee Council's meeting in Milan.

The concept was not entirely new. Several countries already had their own national coffee days on different dates.

The international observance was intended to bring these celebrations together while also drawing attention to coffee producers and the wider coffee supply chain.

The ICO itself was established in 1963 following the first International Coffee Agreement of 1962.

It was created amid concerns over fluctuations in coffee production, prices and supply and demand, particularly because coffee was economically important to many producing countries.

Where did coffee originate?

Coffee's history is closely associated with Ethiopia, where the coffee plant is believed to have originated.

From Africa, coffee cultivation and consumption spread to the Arabian Peninsula and eventually across Asia, Europe and the Americas.

Yemen played an important role in the early history of cultivated coffee.

Coffee was grown commercially there, and the drink became an important part of social and cultural life before spreading further across the world.

Over centuries, coffee moved from being a regional drink to becoming a global commodity. Today, it is grown in dozens of countries across the world's tropical coffee belt.

The International Coffee Organization notes that the coffee sector supports millions of people across producing regions, making the crop important not only to consumers but also to farming communities and national economies.

How did coffee reach India?

India has its own fascinating coffee story.

Coffee cultivation in India is traditionally associated with Baba Budan, who is said to have brought coffee beans from Yemen to the hills of Karnataka in the 17th century.

From those early beginnings, coffee cultivation gradually expanded across southern India.

Today, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu are India's principal coffee-producing states, while coffee is also cultivated in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha.

Indian coffee is particularly distinctive because of the country's growing conditions, including high-altitude plantations, shade-grown cultivation and the influence of the monsoon.

Indian coffees you should try

1. Arabica

Arabica is known for its comparatively delicate flavour and aromatic character. Indian Arabica is cultivated in several coffee-growing regions and is often associated with notes ranging from fruit and chocolate to nuts and spices, depending on the region and processing method.

If you prefer a smoother and more nuanced cup, Indian Arabica is a good starting point.

2. Robusta

Robusta generally has a stronger, heavier profile than Arabica and contains more caffeine.

India is an important producer of Robusta, particularly in the southern coffee-growing belt. It is also widely used in espresso blends because of its body and crema-producing qualities.

For those who like a bold, powerful cup, Indian Robusta is worth exploring.

3. Monsooned Malabar

Monsooned Malabar is one of India's most distinctive coffee styles.

The beans are exposed to the humid monsoon conditions of India's Malabar coast, a process that changes their physical and flavour characteristics.

The resulting coffee is known for its low acidity and distinctive earthy, mellow profile.

It is particularly interesting for coffee drinkers who want to try something that tastes markedly different from conventional roasted coffee.

4. Mysore-style coffee

The coffee-growing regions of Karnataka are among India's best-known coffee-producing areas.

Coffee associated with the Mysore region has historically been prized for its aroma, body and relatively smooth character.

The broader Karnataka coffee belt includes famous growing areas such as Coorg, Chikkamagaluru and Bababudangiri, each of which offers coffees with distinct regional characteristics.

5. Coorg coffee

Coorg, or Kodagu, is one of India's most recognisable coffee-growing regions.

The area's plantations are typically surrounded by dense vegetation and shade trees.

Coffees from the region can offer a balanced cup with aromatic, nutty and chocolate-like characteristics, although the final flavour depends on the variety, processing and roast.

6. Chikkamagaluru coffee

Chikkamagaluru is often described as the birthplace of coffee cultivation in India because of its association with the Baba Budan story.

The region's high-altitude plantations produce both Arabica and Robusta.

Coffee from Chikkamagaluru can range from bright and aromatic to fuller-bodied, depending on the beans and processing method.

Why International Coffee Day matters

International Coffee Day is not simply an excuse to order another cup.

The day also draws attention to the people behind the beverage. From farmers and plantation workers to traders, roasters, baristas and café workers, coffee passes through a long chain before reaching the consumer.

The ICO has repeatedly used the occasion to highlight issues affecting coffee-producing communities, including farmer incomes, sustainability, working conditions and the future of the coffee sector.

So, this October 1, whether you prefer a strong South Indian filter coffee, a smooth Arabica, a bold Robusta or the unusual character of Monsooned Malabar, there is plenty of Indian coffee to explore.

And perhaps the best way to celebrate International Coffee Day is to remember that every cup begins long before the coffee reaches your table, with the farmers and workers who grow, harvest and process those beans.