Culture

WEST MOUNT COFFEE-From the Western Ghats to the World

WEST MOUNT COFFEE-From the Western Ghats to the World

India’s coffee industry is experiencing rapid expansion, with an expected Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5-7% over the next few years, reflecting its growing significance both domestically and internationally. India, the 7th largest producer of coffee in the world, contributes approximately 4% of the global coffee supply, with the southern states of Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu leading the charge. With increasing demand for high-quality coffee, the Indian coffee industry is poised for exponential growth, driven by rising domestic consumption and expanding export markets.

In this vibrant and expanding sector, West Mount Coffee stands as a proud representative of Indian coffee’s journey from local farms to international markets.

The Western Ghats – Nature’s Coffee Garden

Every bean of West Mount Coffee begins its journey in the Western Ghats, one of the world’s most biodiverse regions and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Nestled in Wayanad, Kerala, this land offers the perfect combination of high-altitude terrain, cool climate and fertile soil-conditions that create exceptional, carbon-neutral coffee.

Beyond cultivation, Wayanad is also fast emerging as a hub for coffee tourism, attracting travelers eager to explore plantations and traditions, with the Coffee Village in Chundale standing out as a destination that brings the story of coffee alive from bean to brew. Here, visitors connect with the culture and heritage of the land, making Wayanad not just a producer but also a custodian of India’s coffee legacy.

A Story Rooted in Passion

When you sip West Mount Coffee, you are tasting more than a beverage-you are experiencing a legacy of heritage and sustainability rooted in India’s timeless connection to the Western Ghats. Founded in 2017 by Ajai Ravi, an engineer and MBA graduate who chose to dedicate his life to building a world-class Indian coffee brand, West Mount has grown from a small grading centre in Kerala into a multinational company with a presence across continents. What began with a vision has now evolved into a movement dedicated to showcasing India’s coffee culture to the world while empowering local farmers and communities.

A Cup That Cares

At the heart of West Mount Coffee lies a deep commitment to sustainability and ethics. The beans are grown in eco-friendly, carbon-neutral farms where biodiversity is carefully protected and farmers are supported through fair practices, modern training and livelihood development.

West Mount sources and celebrates both Robusta and Arabica varieties, grown across the rich coffee belts of Wayanad and Coorg, known for their distinctive aroma and taste.

From harvesting to roasting, the brand follows a zero-waste policy and uses eco-friendly packaging, while every bean is micro-roasted for quality and traceability, ensuring that each cup delivers an authentic and flavourful experience.

From Kerala to the World

Today, West Mount Coffee operates its global headquarters in Dubai under the name West Mount Arabia, serving coffee lovers across the Middle East, Africa and Europe. Dubai acts as a strategic hub for exports, giving Indian coffee a strong international platform. Yet despite its global expansion, West Mount remains proudly Indian at its core, echoing the ethos of Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat.

Recognised for Excellence

West Mount Coffee’s journey is also a shining example of the strength of India’s MSME sector. From humble beginnings, the brand has achieved recognition at multiple levels for its quality and sustainability. It holds ISO 9001 and ISO 22000 certifications, the prestigious Zero Defect Zero Effect certificate and a Bronze Certificate under the MSME Sustainable (ZED)

Certification Scheme

It is also officially recognised by the Coffee Board of India, FSSAI, DPIIT Start-Up India, and other government bodies. These accolades underline the credibility and resilience of the brand, showcasing it as not just a coffee company but an MSME success story that reflects India’s entrepreneurial spirit on the global stage.

West Mount is not only about great coffee but also about reimagining how people connect with it. The brand has ventured into roasting and grading, brewing gadgets and even coffee tourism, offering consumers new ways to engage with their favourite beverage. With a fully digital platform catering to retail and corporate clients, premium Indian coffee has become more accessible than ever, reaching homes, cafés and offices across the world.

Empowering Communities

What truly sets West Mount Coffee apart is its people-first model. The company takes pride in being the only coffee factory in India with such inclusive representation where 100% of its blue-collar workforce comes from tribal communities and 95% of its administrative staff belong to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.

Women Empowerment

Women form a vital part of West Mount Coffee’s journey, taking leadership both on the factory floor and in administration. This approach makes every cup of West Mount Coffee not only special but also socially transformative, truly reflecting women empowerment through coffee.

A Vision for Tomorrow

Looking ahead, the journey promises even greater milestones. With support from the Coffee Board of India’s Integrated Coffee Development Programme and the Government of Kerala’s Mission 1000, West Mount is investing in advanced roasting and curing facilities

to strengthen its export competitiveness. Its long-term vision is to position Indian coffee as a gourmet global product, celebrated by coffee lovers everywhere, while continuing to empower farmers, preserve biodiversity and promote sustainable practices.

Celebrating Coffee, Celebrating India

This International Coffee Day, West Mount Coffee invites you to celebrate more than just a drink. It is an invitation to celebrate the heritage of the Western Ghats, the dedication of farmers who pour their heart into every bean and the resilience of the MSME spirit that powers India’s entrepreneurial journey.

WEST MOUNT COFFEE

Kinfra Industrial Park, Wayanad, Kerala, Mob: +91 9744 321 001 +971 558 631001

www.westmountcaffe.com E-mail: sales@westmountcaffe.com

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Published on October 1, 2025