About the plantation

Venkids Valley Estate is managed by married couple Pavan and Shilpa Nanjappa, who began taking over the coffee plantation from Pavan's late father in 2013. The plantation houses more than 40 species of jungle trees and is grown in the shade. In addition to coffee, spices such as pepper and cardamom, and fruits such as oranges and avocados are grown. The region has fertile soil, diverse vegetation and a balanced climate. 

About the farmers

Pavan and Shilpa revitalized the plantation by planting and cultivating both arabica and robusta varieties separately. Their robusta coffee has received international recognition for its unique flavour that is often mistaken for a monsooned arabica. The plantation encourages biodiversity with migrating birds, bees and other fauna maintaining the natural balance.

Processing the coffee

The berries are harvested in up to five rounds to collect only the ripe fruits. The pulping process takes place the same day, with fermentation without water. The mucilage is removed and the coffee is dried on patios covered with UV-resistant plastic sheeting.

Roasting the coffee

The coffee is roasted with a 1965 Probat UG22 machine. The roasting process takes 10 minutes, 25% of which is after the first crack.

Pricing

50% to farmers, including a 100% premium on top of the local robusta price

12% to the exporter

13% to logistics

20% to import fees and mediation

5% financing costs