MOQ — Coffee Beans India
Minimum Order Quantity Guide for Indian Coffee Importers
5 Metric Tons MOQ · 20GP 320 Bags · Mixed Loads Available · Trial Shipments Welcome
5 MT
Our MOQ
Minimum order quantity
320
Bags per 20GP
50kg or 60kg jute
16–19
Metric Tons / 20GP
Depending on bag size
3 Days
Dispatch Time
From order confirmation
5 Metric Tons — Accessible for New Importers
Many Indian coffee exporters require a full container load (16–19 MT) as their minimum order. At LIT COFFEE, we set our MOQ at 5 Metric Tons — making Indian coffee accessible to specialty roasters, first-time importers, and regional distributors who do not yet need a full container.
Orders below a full container are shipped as LCL (Less than Container Load), consolidated with other cargo. Full container loads of 16–19 MT are shipped as FCL (Full Container Load) — faster, cheaper per kg, and preferred by established importers.
First-Time Importers
We recommend starting with a 5 MT trial order. Once you are satisfied with quality and the import process, scale up to full container loads for better per-kg pricing.
Coffee Container Capacity — India
All figures based on standard jute bags with inner liner. The 20GP is the most common container type for Indian coffee export.
| Container Type | 50kg Bags | 60kg Bags | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20GP (Standard)Most Used | 320 bags × 50kg = 16 MT | 320 bags × 60kg = 19.2 MT | Most common for coffee export |
| 40GP (Standard) | 640 bags × 50kg = 32 MT | 640 bags × 60kg = 38.4 MT | Large volume buyers |
| 40HC (High Cube) | 680 bags × 50kg = 34 MT | 680 bags × 60kg = 40.8 MT | Maximum load efficiency |
MOQ by Coffee Variety
All products carry the same 5 MT MOQ. Mixed container loads allow multiple varieties in a single shipment.
| Product | MOQ | Container |
|---|---|---|
| Washed Arabica (Plantation AA/A/PB) | 5 MT | 1 × 20GP |
| Unwashed Arabica (Cherry AA/A/AB) | 5 MT | 1 × 20GP |
| Washed Robusta (Parchment AA/A/AB) | 5 MT | 1 × 20GP |
| Unwashed Robusta (Cherry AAA/AA/A) | 5 MT | 1 × 20GP |
| Monsooned Malabar AA | 5 MT | 1 × 20GP |
| Mysore Nuggets Extra Bold (MNEB) | 5 MT | 1 × 20GP |
| Spray-Dried Instant Coffee | 5 MT | 1 × 20GP |
| Freeze-Dried Instant Coffee | 5 MT | 1 × 20GP |
| Mixed Container Load | 5 MT total | 1 × 20GP (split) |
Mixed Container Loads
Order multiple varieties in a single container — ideal for roasters who want range without multiple shipments.
Example mixed 20GP container load:
No extra cost
Mixed loads are shipped at the same FOB/CIF rate as single-variety containers.
Any combination
Mix Arabica, Robusta, Monsooned Malabar, and instant coffee in any ratio.
5 MT minimum per variety
Each variety in a mixed load must meet the 5 MT minimum.
LCL vs FCL — Which is Right for You?
LCL — Less than Container Load
5–15 Metric Tons
FCL — Full Container Load
16–19+ Metric Tons
✓ Better value per kg — recommended for regular buyers
MOQ — Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum order quantity for Indian coffee beans?
LIT COFFEE's minimum order quantity is 5 Metric Tons. This is equivalent to approximately 100 bags of 50kg, which can be part of a mixed container load. A full 20GP container holds 320 bags (16–19 MT depending on bag size).
Can I order less than a full container?
Yes — our MOQ of 5 MT means you do not need to fill an entire container on your own. We can consolidate smaller orders into a shared container (LCL — Less than Container Load) for new or smaller importers. Contact us to discuss LCL options for your destination.
Can I mix different coffee varieties in one container?
Yes. A mixed container load allows you to order multiple varieties — for example 100 bags of Arabica Plantation A, 100 bags of Robusta Cherry AA, and 120 bags of Monsooned Malabar — in a single 20GP container. This is popular with roasters who want variety without multiple shipments.
How many bags fit in a 20GP container?
A standard 20GP container holds approximately 320 bags of either 50kg or 60kg jute bags with inner liner. At 50kg per bag that is 16 Metric Tons. At 60kg per bag that is 19.2 Metric Tons.
What is the MOQ for instant coffee from India?
The minimum order quantity for Indian instant coffee (spray-dried, agglomerated, or freeze-dried) is also 5 Metric Tons. Instant coffee is packed differently — typically in cartons or bulk bags — and container capacity varies by packaging type.
Do you offer trial shipments for first-time importers?
Yes. We understand that importing from a new origin requires confidence. First-time buyers can start with a 5 MT trial shipment before committing to regular bulk orders. We also send physical samples (1–2 kg) before any order is placed.
What is the difference between LCL and FCL for coffee imports?
FCL (Full Container Load) means you fill an entire container yourself — typically 16–19 MT in a 20GP. LCL (Less than Container Load) means your order shares a container with other importers' cargo, reducing your volume commitment. LCL typically has higher per-kg freight costs but lower total outlay for smaller orders.
More Resources for Coffee Importers
Ready to Place Your Order?
MOQ 5 Metric Tons. Mixed loads available. Our export team responds within 24 hours with pricing and container options.
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