Bengaluru, October 1, 2025: On the occasion of International Coffee Day, the Coffee Board of India, in collaboration with the Specialty Coffee Association of India (SCAI), organized a unique awareness initiative titled “Walk with Coffee”—a walkathon held from M.G. Road Boulevard to the Coffee Board Head Office in Bengaluru. The event, conducted early in the morning from 6:30 a.m. to 8:00 a.m., witnessed enthusiastic participation from over 400 people.
The walkathon was led by M.J. Dinesh, Chairman, Coffee Board, along with members of SCAI. Participants carried placards highlighting the health benefits of coffee, engaging the public and sparking conversations along the route. The walk concluded at the Coffee Board premises, where participants enjoyed a wholesome breakfast accompanied by freshly brewed coffee and experienced live demonstrations of various coffee brewing methods at a special Barista Counter arranged by the Coffee Quality Division.
As part of the celebrations, the India Coffee House Kiosk, established within the Coffee Board premises, was formally inaugurated by the dignitaries present. Set up under the Coffee Board’s Atal Incubation Center – Central Coffee Research Institute, Center for Entrepreneurship Development (AIC–CCRI–CED), the kiosk aims to provide structured training to promote women’s empowerment in the coffee sector.
The program is designed to train 400 Women Self-Help Group (SHG) members registered under the National Livelihood Mission as Master Trainers in coffee brewing and café management skills. These trainers, in turn, will cascade their knowledge to empower another 1,00,000 SHG members over the coming year, with continued support from AIC–CCRI–CED and ecosystem partners.
The inaugural program commenced with a welcome address and a briefing on the objectives of the day’s program by Praveen H.J., CEO, AIC–CCRI–CED, and was graced by several eminent dignitaries. M.J. Dinesh, Chairman of the Coffee Board, addressed the gathering and extended an invitation to the upcoming Centenary Celebrations of the Central Coffee Research Institute, Balehonnur. Dr. K.G. Jagadeesha, IAS, Secretary, DPAR, Government of Karnataka, emphasized the importance of collaboration in promoting coffee. D.M. Purnesh, Former President of the Specialty Coffee Association of India, highlighted India’s vibrant coffee culture. Smt. K. Annapurna, KAS, Chief Operating Officer (Operations), Sanjeevini (KSRLPS), Karnataka, stressed the significance of creating livelihood opportunities for women SHG members in the coffee sector. The event was also attended by senior stakeholders from the coffee industry along with employees of the Coffee Board.
The Coffee Board reaffirmed its commitment to promoting coffee awareness, highlighting its health benefits, and advancing sustainable livelihoods and entrepreneurship development through inclusive and impactful initiatives.
The program concluded with a formal vote of thanks delivered by Hari Om, Coffee Quality Division, Coffee Board, Bengaluru.
