What Coffee Importers Look for
When Sourcing from India
Cupping scores, moisture content, defect counts, traceability, lot sizes — the buyer's checklist for evaluating Indian green coffee at scale.
What Experienced Buyers Check Before Sourcing Indian Coffee
Sourcing green coffee from India at scale requires more than a price per kg. Experienced importers and specialty roasters evaluate a consistent set of technical parameters before committing to a bulk contract — parameters that directly determine what arrives in your cup and what clears customs without issue.
This guide covers the six criteria buyers apply when evaluating Indian green coffee, plus the eight questions you should ask any Indian exporter before your first shipment.
8 Questions to Ask Your Indian Coffee Exporter
- What cupping score has this lot achieved, and who cupped it?
- What is the moisture content, and do you provide a certificate?
- What is the defect count per 350g sample?
- What screen size is this grade sorted to?
- Can you provide estate or co-op level traceability documents?
- What are your FOB and CIF pricing options, and what is your quote validity?
- Can I receive a cupping sample before placing a bulk order?
- What is your dispatch timeline from order confirmation?
Min. Order
5 MT
Sample TAT
3 Days
Trade Terms
FOB & CIF
Quote TAT
24 Hours
Six Parameters That Matter at Scale
SCA Cupping Score
82–86 (Specialty)MNEB and Coorg Arabica consistently score 82–86 on the SCA scale. Monsoon Malabar scores 78–82, reflecting its distinct profile rather than lower quality.
Moisture Content
10–12%ISO 6670 standard for green coffee. LIT COFFEE provides moisture certificates tested at point of loading for every shipment.
Defect Count
0–8 (Grade 1)SCA Grade 1 specialty requires fewer than 8 primary defects per 350g sample. Our Plantation A and MNEB grades consistently meet this threshold.
Screen Size
17/18 (MNEB)Screen size determines bean uniformity and grade. MNEB is screened at 17/18 or above; Plantation A at 15/16. Consistent screen size signals processing quality.
Traceability
Estate / Co-op LevelEuropean and North American specialty buyers increasingly require estate or cooperative-level traceability — GPS coordinates, farmer names, harvest season, and processing method.
Minimum Lot Size
5 Metric TonsLIT COFFEE's MOQ is 5MT — roughly one 20GP container loaded with 320 jute bags. Trial shipments and long-term contract volumes both available.
Sourcing Indian Coffee — FAQs
What cupping score should I expect from Indian specialty coffee?
MNEB and Coorg Arabica typically score 82–86 on the SCA scale. Monsoon Malabar scores 78–82 — slightly lower due to its distinct low-acid, earthy profile, not lower quality.
What moisture content is acceptable for green coffee imports?
ISO 6670 specifies 10–12% moisture for green coffee at shipment. LIT COFFEE provides a tested moisture certificate for every consignment before loading.
Can I get a cupping sample before placing a bulk order?
Yes — LIT COFFEE dispatches cupping samples within 3 business days of request. Samples are provided before any bulk contract is finalized. MOQ for bulk orders is 5MT.
Indian Coffee Export Destinations
We supply evaluated, certified Indian green coffee to importers and roasters worldwide.
Ready to Evaluate Indian Coffee for Your Roster?
Request cupping samples, moisture certificates, and CIF pricing from our export team — response within 24 hours.
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