GCC reports a record Rs 530-cr turnover in FY24

We are also in the process of exporting it to the US, Europe and other countries where coffee is popular as we received EXIM licence - G Suresh Kumar Vice-Chairman & Managing Director of GCC

Visakhapatnam: Girijan Cooperative Corporation (GCC), which achieved an all-time high turnover of Rs530 crore during 2023-24 has added yet another feather on its cap by getting appreciation for its signature product--Araku Valley Coffee from Prime Minister Narenda Modi for its unique flavour and aroma.

GCC, which is under the control of Tribal Welfare Department, procures tribal produce from the hilly areas and provides credit support and offers a higher price by keeping middlemen at bay. GCC sells various products including organic honey, soaps, shampoo, sherbat, chillies, nuts and herbal pain relief oil.

“Araku Valley Coffee has high demand in the domestic market and we are promoting it through franchisees after opening an outlet near HITEX, Hyderabad and other places in the country. We are also in the process of exporting it to the US, Europe and other countries where coffee is popular as we received EXIM licence,” Vice-Chairman & Managing Director of GCC G. Suresh Kumar told Bizz Buzz on Sunday.

Prime Minister Modi lauded the efforts of the GCC in promoting Araku Valley Coffee on a global scale. During his address on the ‘Mann Ki Baat’ program on Sunday, he highlighted the significance of the organic coffee grown in Araku Valley, cultivated by the tribal communities in the agency areas of Alluri Sitaramaraju District (a part of undivided Visakhapatnam district) with the support of the GCC and the Andhra Pradesh Government.

Modi emphasised that it is a matter of pride for all Indians that local products, such as Araku Valley Coffee, are gaining international recognition.

He noted that Araku Valley Coffee is renowned for its exceptional aroma and taste and that its cultivation spans a large area within the ASR district. GCC gives credit to the farmers at 6 per cent interest and allows them to pay in cash or in the form of beans at the end of season.

At the World Coffee Conference held at Bengaluru, the coffee received high praise from the connoisseur of coffee GCC also gives procurement price at higher than the international rate. Over 150,000 tribal families are economically empowered through the cultivation, production, and sale of Araku Valley Coffee. The PM commended the GCC for its remarkable efforts in bringing global recognition to the coffee for uniting tribal farmers to encourage coffee cultivation. As a result, the income of the tribal communities has increased significantly, leading to a more respectable standard of living.

Modi Reminisced about enjoying Araku Coffee with Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu during his earlier stint recalled a visit to Visakhapatnam when he had the opportunity to enjoy Araku Valley Coffee with Naidu. He also shared photos of this moment during the Mann Ki Baat program.

Modi praised the coffee’s amazing taste and mentioned that it has won several global awards. He also noted that Araku Valley Coffee is a popular choice at the G20 Summit held in Delhi. He encouraged everyone to enjoy the taste of Araku Valley Coffee whenever possible.

Suresh Kumar, an IIS officer, expressed pride in Prime Minister Modi’s acknowledgment of Araku Valley Coffee during Mann Ki Baat and highlighted the encouragement provided by the State Government and GCC to the tribal communities in ASR district. He said the PM’s inspiring remarks will generate excitement, enthusiasm, and motivation among tribal coffee farmers, GCC staff, government departments, and all those involved in coffee cultivation. He emphasised the importance of Araku Coffee for the economic empowerment of the tribal communities in Andhra Pradesh.