Indian Coffee Grading Standards
A buyer's guide to AA, A, PB, Cherry, and Parchment grades — what each classification means before you place an import order.
Grading Determines What You're Actually Buying
Indian coffee is graded by processing method (washed/plantation vs. unwashed/cherry) and then by bean screen size within that method. Two lots labeled "Arabica" can taste and perform very differently in your roaster depending on grade.
Knowing the grading system lets you specify exactly what you need on your purchase order — and compare quotes from different suppliers on equal terms.
Grade-by-Grade Breakdown
AA
Plantation / Washed
Largest screen size (17-18), the top grade for washed Arabica and Robusta. Dense, uniform beans.
A
Plantation / Washed
Screen size 15-16. Slightly smaller than AA but consistent quality, widely used in specialty blends.
PB
Peaberry
A naturally occurring single round bean per cherry rather than the usual flat pair — prized for concentrated flavor.
B / C
Plantation / Washed
Smaller screen sizes, still export grade, commonly used in commercial blends and instant coffee manufacturing.
Cherry AA/A/AB/C
Unwashed / Natural
Sun-dried in the cherry (unwashed), graded by screen size. Fuller body, more traditional South Indian profile.
Parchment AA/A/AB/C
Washed Robusta
Wet-processed Robusta, parchment removed before grading. Cleaner cup than unwashed Robusta.
Matching Grade to End Use
Specialty Retail
AA / A / PB
Commercial Blends
B / C
Traditional Filter Coffee
Cherry Grades
Coffee Grading — FAQs
What does the grade 'AA' mean for Indian coffee?
AA refers to the largest bean screen size (17-18) in washed plantation coffee — the top quality grade for both Arabica and Robusta.
What's the difference between Plantation and Cherry coffee?
Plantation coffee is wet-processed (washed) before grading, giving a cleaner cup. Cherry coffee is sun-dried whole (natural process), producing a fuller-bodied, traditional flavor.
What is Peaberry (PB) coffee?
A naturally occurring single round bean that forms inside the cherry instead of the usual flat pair, separated and graded on its own for a more concentrated flavor.
Which grade should I choose for my import order?
AA and A suit specialty and premium retail; B/C suit commercial blending and instant coffee manufacturing; Cherry grades suit buyers wanting a traditional, fuller-bodied cup.
Not Sure Which Grade Fits Your Order?
Tell us your end use and our export team will recommend the right grade, quote pricing, and send samples.
Contact Our Export Team
Email: export@leelaprasadcoffee.com | Phone: +91-96869 95189
Monday–Friday · 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM IST · Response within 24 hours