Community, conversations, connections: India International Coffee Festival kicks off 2026 edition
In this photo essay, we showcase a range of exhibitors at IICF 2026, along with expert insights.
Launched in 2014, PhotoSparks is a weekly feature from YourStory, with photographs that celebrate the spirit of creativity and innovation. In the earlier 950 posts, we featured an art festival, cartoon gallery. world music festival, telecom expo, millets fair, climate change expo, wildlife conference, startup festival, Diwali rangoli, and jazz festival.
The India International Coffee Festival (IICF) has kicked off its 2026 edition this week. Held at Chamara Vajra, Jayamahal Road, the festival is organised by the Specialty Coffee Association of India (SCAI) with support from the Coffee Board of India (see our earlier coverage of the World Coffee Conference here).
Expected to attract over 20,000 visitors over three days, IICF 2026 attracts coffee growers, processors, exporters, roasters, equipment manufacturers, café brands, baristas, and consumers. The festival focuses on collaboration, knowledge exchange, innovation, and market access.
“Indian coffee is gaining recognition for its quality and diversity. Platforms such as IICF play an important role in connecting producers with markets, encouraging best practices, and supporting the long-term growth of both domestic consumption and exports,” Kurma Rao, CEO and Secretary, Coffee Board of India, tells YourStory.
As shown in this photo essay, the showcase is structured around a farm-to-cup framework, spanning production, processing, roasting, and brewing. There are curated tastings, workshops, and competitions.
“India’s coffee sector is steadily moving from a commodity-led approach to a quality- and experience-driven market. This edition of IICF showcases the diversity and potential of Indian coffee across domestic and global markets,” SCAI President Hamsini Appadurai says.
There is also an entertainment lineup featuring live music by Shankar Iyer and Mysore Xpress, stand-up comedy by Sonu Venugopal, drum jam by Roberto Narain, and street dance by Onslaught Crew.
“India represents one of the fastest-growing markets for NESCAFÉ globally, driven by rising adoption, especially among younger consumers. India offers significant penetration-led growth opportunities across both in-home and out-of-home consumption,” says Sunayan Mitra, Director – Coffee and Beverages, Nestlé India.
Nestlé sees the festival as a key forum to engage with stakeholders across the coffee ecosystem. “We can gain insights into new trends and innovations, and build partnerships that can accelerate category growth. Platforms like these are valuable to strengthen collaboration and celebrate the growth of coffee culture in India,” he adds.
The three-day programme at IICF includes competition rounds for the Indian Filter Coffee Championship, National Barista Championship, National Latte Art Championship, National Brewers Cup, Coffee in Good Spirits, and Instant Coffee.
There are also panel discussions on a range of provocative topics: How Specialty Coffee Is Changing India’s Coffee Economy; Beyond Dairy: How Milk Innovation Is Reshaping Coffee Experiences; and How India’s Coffee Consumer Is Evolving.
“As the biggest coffee festival in the country, IICF plays a vital role in shaping our industry,” adds Vikram Khurana, CEO, Kaapi Solutions. The company is sponsoring the National Barista Championship, which celebrates skill, passion and progress in the Indian coffee industry.
Now, what have you done today to pause in your busy schedule and harness your creative side for a better world?
(All photographs taken by Madanmohan Rao on location at IICF 2026, Coffee Board of India, and Amicii.)
Edited by Jyoti Narayan