Sangameshwar Coffee Estates

Discover the rich heritage and exceptional quality of Sangameshwar Coffee Estates (SCE), located in Karnataka's Western Ghats. This family-owned coffee business, established during India's post-independence era, is now helmed by Mr. Appadurai and Mrs. Hamsini Appadurai, the third generation of the family. The SCE comprises four farms—Karadykan, Kondadkan, Gungegiri, and Attikan—which were originally owned by four different companies. These estates were planted sometime during the late 1800s to the early 1900s by English and Scottish coffee growers. Mr. Appadurai’s grandfather, Mr. K. S. Vaidyanathan, acquired these farms after India became independent from the British Raj, sometime between 1947 and 1958. The four farms were eventually merged under Sangameshwar Coffee Estates Ltd., in 1981.

These farms boast a legacy dating back to the late 1800s, with significant advancements made in the mid-90s due to the decentralization of coffee trade. Coffee farmers in India were now able to sell their coffee to private retailers and roasters, and thus began the specialty revolution. Mr Vaidyanathan and team did not waste any time in taking the farms and their produce to the next level. With highly skilled British and local farmers on the board of the company, he traveled to countries like Brazil, Europe, Columbia, Costa Rica and El Salvador meeting roasters and visiting plantations. These trips offered him wonderful learning opportunities which he then implemented on the farms back in India. 

Mr. Appadurai eventually took over the running of the estates, and even though he trained on one of the company farms for 2 years, he and his wife Hamsini only began to really learn about, and understand coffee when they moved to the Karadykan farm in the early 2000s. They spent four years immersed in coffee farming. From there emerged some of their best practices that are still in place today – most important of them all – traceability and sustainability. Sangameshwar Coffee Estates can proudly trace their coffee down to the person who picked the berries! In fact, they also have their own curing works and this has gone a long way in helping them maintain traceability, along with the quality and distinct flavor profiles unique to their region.  

Giving back to the land and sustainability is at the heart of everything that is done on the Sangameshwar farms. Over the years they have put into place many processes and systems to ensure this, such as vermicomposting, composting of coffee husk and cattle manure, along with agro forestry and regenerative farming. These methods help them honor their commitment to the forest land, while protecting its soil. Their cultivation process is compliant with the Rainforest Alliance and UTZ standards and is free of harsh chemicals and pesticides. The estate also houses a 100-year-old water wheel that is about 12 feet in size. This water wheel generates hydroelectric power using gravity which is used for coffee pulping. 

One of the most important components of the Sangameshwar Estates is their people, and the Appadurais believe very strongly in enhancing their lives. Their workforce is their backbone and they are committed to their wellbeing. The families have full access to a hospital with a visiting doctor. Families with kids have access to a daycare and a play area in addition to academic scholarships for the female child. They also run a couple of nutrition programs like a subsidized milk program and a weekly distribution of eggs. All workers and their families are provided with free housing.

Hardwork and absolute dedication to their trade are what Mr. Appadurai and his wife Hamsini are all about. Over the last couple of decades this dynamic team has put Sangameshwar Estates on the specialty coffee map of India, producing some of the finest specialized coffee in the region. Each of their farms produce coffee flavors that are diverse and unique, and these flavors have made their way into countries all across the globe. In the United States, Kaveri Coffee is proud to be one of the few roasters that they have partnered with, allowing us to bring to our customers this bouquet of exclusive flavors.