Coffee, Community, and a Cause: Highlights from Coffee Santhe 2025 in Bengaluru
The aroma of freshly ground beans, the buzz of curious visitors, and the unmistakable warmth of community filled Freedom Park in Bengaluru as Coffee Santhe 2025 wrapped up its seventh successful edition this past weekend.
Organized by the Women’s Coffee Alliance – India (WCAI), the three-day event brought together coffee producers, brewers, innovators, and enthusiasts from across the country. With over 55 stalls offering everything from single-origin beans and flavored decoctions to artisanal brewing equipment and eco-friendly farming tools, this year’s Coffee Santhe was more than a celebration of coffee—it was a platform for empowerment, sustainability, and connection.
Supporting Women from Farm to Cup
As WCAI’s primary annual fundraiser, Coffee Santhe supports women working in coffee plantations across India. Funds raised during the event go toward WCAI’s ongoing projects, which include:
Women and child healthcare initiatives
Education programs for girls
Nutrition and elder care support
Vocational and skill development training
These efforts ensure that the physical, emotional, and economic well-being of women in the coffee sector are prioritized and sustained year-round.
Bridging the Gap: From Growers to Entrepreneurs
WCAI Secretary Poornima Jairaj noted a powerful shift taking place in India’s coffee landscape. “Farmers are no longer just cultivating coffee,” she shared. “They’re roasting, launching their own retail brands, and opening cafés. They’re bridging the gap from farm to cup—and owning the full value chain.”
She also highlighted the rise in home brewing, a trend reflected in the many stalls showcasing beans from Coorg and Chikkamagaluru, as well as brewing demonstrations and workshops for curious consumers.
Showcasing Talent and Innovation
This year’s event also featured the finals of the Women Stars Brewer Championship, drawing participants from coffee chains and home brewers across India, all competing for the title of ‘Woman Coffee Brewing Star’. Alongside it, the Robusta Brewing Skills Championship celebrated the richness and potential of India’s robusta beans—often overlooked, but packed with flavor and complexity.
Another crowd favorite was a stall by Krishi Sai Ekatha Private Limited, which introduced visitors to Tricho Cards—eco-friendly pest control solutions using natural “Trichogramma” wasps to protect crops without chemical pesticides. Innovative, accessible, and sustainable, it was a perfect fit for the Santhe’s broader message.
More Than a Market: A Movement
Coffee Santhe 2025 proved once again that the world of coffee is evolving—and women are driving that evolution forward. From plantation to pour-over, the event spotlighted the contributions of women at every stage of the journey and invited the public to be part of something deeper: a more inclusive, resilient, and equitable future for coffee in India.
Source: "Coffee Santhe 2025 concludes in Bengaluru," Deccan Herald, March 21, 2025. https://www.deccanherald.com/india/karnataka/bengaluru/coffee-santhe-2025-concludes-in-bengaluru-3459310