With climate change rendering the delicate Arabica bean vulnerable to heat and categorised as endangered, Indian coffee estates are turning to hardy alternative species.
Researchers at South India Coffee Company and Kew Gardens confirmed that India successfully cultivates Excelsa and a homegrown drought-resistant hybrid named Libex.
Specialty coffee chains in India are increasingly featuring Excelsa roasts, offering consumers a lighter, lower-caffeine profile with complex aromatic notes.