Bean talk: What to expect at the India International Coffee Festival (IICF) 2026 in Bengaluru
In the past decade in India, coffee has grown from being just a beverage, to an entire lifestyle and passion for many. The paraphernalia, the sourcing of the beans, the grinding techniques — are all taken very seriously. “India’s coffee industry is at a defining moment,” says Hamsini Appadurai the president of SCAI (Speciality Coffee Association of India) who are organising the upcoming India International Coffee Festival in Bengaluru with the idea of bringing together the community. The event, which started on February 12 will go on till February 14, will have tastings, workshops, demos, barista and latte art championships and masterclasses. The festival is supported by Coffee Board of India and Nescafe, Nestlé India.
A barista at work
Panel discussions and workshops are the main draw of the festival. Topics such as sustainability, agriculture, and alternative dairy will be touched upon. “The idea is simple: to connect how coffee is grown, processed, brewed, and finally enjoyed,” says Hamsini.
India produces exceptional coffee, yet much of its story has traditionally remained fragmented, says Hamsini. “The festival brings farmers, roasters, exporters, baristas, brands, and consumers together to build understanding, trust, and opportunity across the value chain.“
At its core, Hamsini says, IICF is about moving Indian coffee from being seen only as a commodity to being appreciated as a product of skill, origin, and culture. “It creates a platform for learning, business exchange, and celebration, while helping Indian coffee speak with a more confident, unified global voice.”
Taste tests
The highlights of the festival this year include an innovation hub, that will showcase practical solutions across farming, processing, and café operations. Sumit Choudhary from Kaapi Solutions (suppliers of imported coffee machines in India) will host an espresso brewing masterclass.
“This session is designed to demystify espresso and make it approachable. Guests can expect a fully hands-on experience where we break down espresso brewing step by step, from recipe building and taste calibration to understanding extraction variables and milk workflow.”
Through guided tasting and live troubleshooting, Sumit says, the focus is on helping participants recognise what is happening in the cup and why. “Whether you are a barista, café owner, or serious home brewer, the goal is to leave with clarity, confidence, and practical skills you can apply immediately,” he explains.
Coffee beans
| Photo Credit:
Photo by GREG BAKER / AFP
Akshay Dashrath from the South India Coffee Company, coffee producers from Coorg, hosts a tasting workshop. “At our Alternative Species Tasting Workshop, participants will explore coffees far beyond the familiar world of arabica and robusta. Through guided cupping, guests will taste rare species and cultivars, including Eugenioides, Racemosa, Excelsa, Liberica (Sarawak), and Laurina, while learning to identify key sensory notes like aroma, sweetness, acidity, and body. Expect surprising flavour profiles ranging from tea-like and floral to fruit-forward, spicy, and deeply complex.”
Visitors can also experience the festival through a curated coffee trail. It will take you through experiential zones such as the roasters’ village, growers’ village and the brew bar. Additionally, there are also cultural events such as a stand-up comedy gig by Sonu Venugopal, and a musical performance by Shankar Iyer.
₹499 upwards. February 12-14. At Chamara Vajra, Jayamahal, Bengaluru. For the full schedule head to indiacoffeefestival.com
Published – February 13, 2026 06:00 am IST
