Nepal is without doubt one of the most compelling origins within the specialty espresso trade. Whereas the landlocked nation could not but command the identical recognition as extra established producing international locations, reminiscent of Ethiopia or Colombia, its distinctive terroir and fast evolution make it an more and more engaging proposition for roasters.
Though its espresso sector is relatively younger, Nepal affords distinctive rising circumstances, devoted producers, and a steadfast give attention to producing specialty-grade espresso completely.
As the worldwide espresso market turns into more and more aggressive, roasters are on the lookout for factors of differentiation, and Nepal is rising as a singular origin that might meet this demand.
I spoke with Dhanvie Dugar at Himalaya Espresso Firm to study extra.
You might also like our article on whether or not Nepal will produce extra specialty espresso sooner or later.
Why is Nepal a singular espresso origin?
Nepal’s geography creates an nearly supreme setting for specialty espresso manufacturing. Nestled between China and India, and residential to Mount Everest and the Himalayas, the nation’s numerous microclimates, starting from subtropical lowlands to alpine highlands, present optimum circumstances for arabica cultivation. Most of Nepal’s espresso farms are located between 1,000 and a pair of,100 meters above sea degree, spanning greater than 15 districts, together with Gulmi, Arghakhanchi, Palpa, Syangja, and Lalitpur.
The nation’s espresso manufacturing is concentrated in a number of key rising areas, every contributing distinct traits to the ultimate cup profile. The western districts of Gulmi and Arghakhanchi have emerged as vital manufacturing areas, identified for his or her constant high quality and beneficial rising circumstances. In the meantime, japanese areas like Ilam and Panchthar are gaining recognition for his or her distinctive flavour profiles, influenced by the realm’s proximity to the nation’s well-known tea-growing areas.
Producers throughout numerous districts make use of a variety of natural farming practices, catering to rising client demand and due diligence requirements, whereas additionally supporting efforts to advertise biodiversity and improve espresso high quality. Furthermore, Nepali espresso has no hyperlinks to deforestation in its provide chains, aligning with the landmark European Union Deforestation Regulation, which is about to return into impact in December 2025.
Though the Nationwide Tea & Espresso Improvement Board estimates there are 42 coffee-growing districts in Nepal, with a possible plantation space of just about 1.2 million ha, annual manufacturing stays comparatively low.
“Nepali espresso is uncommon; our nationwide manufacturing is just 500 to 600 tonnes yearly,” says Dhanvie Dugar, the founding father of Himalaya Espresso Firm, a model of KL Dugar Group, a fourth-generation household enterprise that works with cooperatives and smallholder producers throughout greater than 15 districts in Nepal to supply specialty-grade arabica.
A give attention to high quality
With comparatively modest annual manufacturing volumes, Nepali producers can arguably pay better consideration to element and high quality management all through the availability chain.
“Each lot has a minimal cup rating of 80 factors,” Dhanvie says. “Grown beneath pure shade, with out deforestation, on terraced hillsides, the excessive altitudes and de facto natural practices permit espresso to mature slowly, rising bean density and flavour complexity.
“As a result of Nepal’s espresso trade is comparatively younger, our soils stay nutrient-rich and unspoiled,” she provides. “Our espresso undergoes stringent moisture and cupping exams, is saved in climate-controlled circumstances, and is packed in Ecotact and jute baggage to protect freshness.”
The predominant varieties grown in Nepal embody Bourbon, Typica, and Caturra, with many farms cultivating heirloom varieties which have tailored uniquely to native circumstances over a number of a long time.
Processing strategies range by area and producer, with washed processing being the commonest, though pure, honey, and anaerobic fermentation processing strategies are additionally more and more outstanding as producers experiment with totally different strategies to boost flavour complexity.
Extra roasters are on the lookout for some extent of differentiation
At this time’s world espresso trade presents unprecedented challenges for roasters and cafés. Market saturation, rising competitors, and rising operational prices have created an setting the place differentiation is not only advantageous – it’s important for survival.
Shoppers are more and more subtle, looking for distinctive flavour experiences and genuine tales behind their espresso purchases. On this context, Nepal represents a possibility for roasters to supply one thing really distinctive that draws new clients and retains loyal ones.
The demand for distinctive origins has intensified as specialty espresso tradition has proliferated. Roasters who primarily depend on conventional origins, reminiscent of Guatemala or Brazil, are discovering that these extra established markets can supply diminishing returns by way of differentiation.
“Our espresso tells a narrative; it’s uncommon, traceable, and deeply human,” Dhanvie says. “With restricted manufacturing, every micro lot carries the contact of the farmer who picked it and the area it got here from.”
Nepali coffees usually exhibit shiny acidity, medium physique, and sophisticated flavour notes starting from floral and citrus to chocolate and spice, relying on the particular area and processing methodology. The altitude and local weather circumstances in Nepal’s rising areas additionally contribute to dense beans that carry out properly throughout numerous roast profiles.
“In a saturated market, Nepali espresso affords roasters an opportunity to face out via high quality, ethics, and exclusivity,” Dhanvie provides. “We additionally work carefully with companions, providing personalised sourcing, flexibility, and full traceability for each small and enormous companies.”
Bettering market entry
Accessing high-quality Nepali espresso has traditionally offered vital challenges for worldwide roasters. The nation’s mountainous terrain, restricted infrastructure, and relative newness to the worldwide espresso commerce have created obstacles to entry for smaller roasters particularly.
Finally, working with trusted companions with intensive information of the nation’s espresso sector, reminiscent of Himalaya Espresso Firm, is the simplest option to supply Nepali espresso.
“Our mission is to attach the world with Nepal’s untapped potential,” says Dhanvie. “Our logistics staff ensures seamless transport, whether or not by air or sea. We additionally host farm visits and tastings to assist roasters expertise the origin firsthand.”
How the Nepali espresso sector might proceed to evolve
Nepal’s specialty espresso sector stands at an inflexion level. The nation’s espresso trade has demonstrated outstanding development and class in a comparatively brief timeframe. The subsequent decade guarantees to be transformative as infrastructure growth continues, worldwide consciousness grows, and manufacturing strategies evolve.
As sustainability issues develop and customers develop into extra aware of espresso’s environmental and social influence, Nepal’s predominantly smallholder agriculture and natural espresso manufacturing strategies align with market developments. Many Nepali espresso farms function inside present forest ecosystems, contributing to biodiversity conservation whereas producing distinctive espresso.
Present manufacturing ranges characterize only a fraction of Nepal’s potential capability. Conservative estimates recommend that appropriate land for espresso cultivation might assist considerably larger manufacturing volumes whereas sustaining high quality requirements. Nevertheless, the trade’s leaders, together with established gamers like Himalaya Espresso Firm, are approaching enlargement thoughtfully, prioritising sustainable development over fast scaling.
“Espresso is gaining momentum in Nepal. With elevated consciousness and schooling, extra farmers are planting arabica,” Dhanvie explains. “We’re investing in superior processing, fermentation experiments, and coaching programmes to enhance cup scores additional.
“Over the subsequent decade, we envision Nepal changing into a boutique however high-impact origin, identified globally for its high quality and moral cultivation,” she provides.
Strengthening infrastructure to drive development
Funding in processing infrastructure represents some of the vital alternatives for the event of the Nepali espresso sector. Whereas many producers presently depend on washing stations and conventional drying strategies, upgrades to processing tools and strategies might unlock new flavour profiles and enhance consistency.
The introduction of managed fermentation and improved storage services would allow producers to experiment with totally different processing strategies and prolong the harvest season.
The event of Nepal’s inside espresso tradition additionally guarantees to drive sector development. As home consumption will increase and native espresso appreciation grows, it lays the muse for continued funding in high quality and infrastructure. City centres like Kathmandu and Pokhara are experiencing fast development in specialty espresso retailers and roasteries, creating native markets for premium Nepali espresso and fostering information change inside the trade.
Worldwide market recognition continues to broaden as extra roasters uncover Nepali espresso and share their experiences with clients. Awards and recognition at worldwide competitions have begun to determine Nepal’s popularity for high quality, creating constructive suggestions loops that encourage continued funding in manufacturing requirements.
The nation’s participation in world espresso occasions and commerce exhibits has elevated considerably, constructing consciousness and establishing commerce relationships. Himalaya Espresso Firm, for instance, lately exhibited on the 2025 Specialty Espresso Expo in Houston and MICE2025.
Provide chain actors will play a key function
The evolution of Nepal’s espresso sector additionally relies upon closely on continued funding in farmer schooling and technical assist. Organisations and firms play essential roles in information switch, serving to smallholder farmers undertake finest practices for cultivation, harvesting, and post-harvest processing. These instructional initiatives not solely improve espresso high quality but in addition enhance farmer incomes and encourage ongoing participation within the specialty espresso market.
“Nepal’s espresso sector is rising, and infrastructure remains to be growing. Working with a trusted associate ensures reliability, consistency, and peace of thoughts,” Dhanvie says. “We handle each step of the availability chain, from cultivation to export, with the backing of KL Dugar Group’s 131-year legacy. This offers us the operational experience and trade expertise wanted to ship specialty espresso that meets world expectations.”
Trying forward, Nepal’s espresso trade seems poised for sustained development pushed by high quality fairly than quantity. The mixture of remarkable terroir, devoted producers, and rising worldwide recognition lays a strong basis for long-term success. As infrastructure develops and market consciousness grows, Nepal has the potential to determine itself as a premium specialty espresso origin.
The story of specialty espresso in Nepal remains to be being written, however the early chapters recommend a story of high quality, sustainability, and genuine connection to put. For roasters looking for to distinguish their choices and supply clients with genuinely distinctive espresso experiences, Nepal represents a possibility to be a part of an rising origin’s journey.
As the worldwide espresso market continues to evolve, Nepal’s dedication to specialty-grade manufacturing, sustainable practices, and genuine storytelling positions it for continued development and recognition. The nation’s espresso sector could also be younger, however its potential is huge, promising thrilling developments for producers, roasters, and low fans alike within the years to return.
Loved this? Then learn our article on why rising markets present promise for specialty espresso in a interval of value uncertainty.
Picture credit: Rajyavardhan Dugar, Prakash Pandey
Good Each day Grind
Please word: Himalaya Espresso Firm is a sponsor of Good Each day Grind.
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