Brewing connections: Celebrating 75 years of coffee culture in southern India

C.S. Nitin of Cothas Coffee reflects on rich traditions, evolving tastes and sustainable practices shaping the future of coffee.

For the past 75 years, coffee in India has been far more than just a beverage. It's woven into the fabric of daily life a ritual, a source of comfort and a way to connect. In a conversation with News Trail, C.S. Nitin, Director of Cothas Coffee, shared insights into India's coffee journey and the delicate balance between tradition and innovation that has shaped the future of coffee. The history of coffee in India goes back centuries, with Karnataka playing a key role in its cultivation. But for much of the country, it was filter coffee that truly cemented coffee’s place in Indian hearts and that largely happened in the mid-20th century.

Nitin reflects on the brand’s origins: "My grandfather started by selling coffee beans in Shivajinagar. He roasted and ground the beans himself. Filter coffee has always been at the heart of what we do. While we have added new products over the years, it is still central to how people enjoy coffee here." In India, coffee is not just a drink. It’s a part of family tradition, it is served to guests as a gesture of hospitality and it's something that brings people together. The preparation of filter coffee itself feels almost ceremonial and Nitin is quick to acknowledge how deeply it is embedded in South Indian culture. "Especially here in the south, coffee is more than a quick caffeine fix. It’s about shared moments – the smell of fresh coffee in the morning and the comfort it brings during conversations. It connects people." But India's coffee culture isn’t static.

Over the last decade, global trends like speciality coffee, single-origin beans and cold brews have crept into Indian cafés and homes. "There’s been a surge of interest around cold coffee and speciality brews, especially with younger drinkers," Nitin says. "The workfrom- home trend that took off after Covid also played a part. People started exploring different types of coffee from their homes or visiting cafés. We are seeing growing interest in premium blends and cold coffee, which shows that the coffee culture here is expanding." Sustainability has also become central to the conversation around coffee, reflecting a global shift towards more environmentally responsible practices. Coffee farming, much like other agricultural sectors, faces challenges like climate change.