Kelachandra Coffee, India’s largest privately held coffee plantations company, is appointing Dr P Kurian Raphael as the company’s new Head of Research and Development.
Raphael previously led the Research and Development team at Tata Coffee.
“I am excited to join Kelachandra Coffee and work alongside a passionate team dedicated to pioneering advancements in Indian coffee research and ethically sourced sustainable coffee,” says Raphael.
“I look forward to leveraging my experience in regenerative agriculture to contribute to our shared goals of innovation and net zero coffee production.”
Raphael received a Ph.D. in Zoology (Entomology) from Calicut University in Kerala, India. He also has a postdoctoral fellowship from the British Natural History Museum in London, United Kingdom.
He has over 31 years of expertise in plantation crops, including 25 years as a Senior Scientist with the Coffee Board of India. His contributions to coffee research include the publication of 37 research papers in national and international journals, a chapter contribution to the Global Scientist Book, and contributions to notable research guides such as a Principal Investigator.
According to a statement from Kelachandra Coffee, Raphael’s work at the company will comprise of a few key functions, including research into reducing the gestation period of plants from the current five years to two or three years, allowing yield and productivity to increase.
He will also be overseeing improvements in the production and defence mechanisms of pepper, improving beekeeping maintenance and honey production, and overseeing the production of exotic fruits in dedicated spaces.
Furthermore, he will work to strengthen sustainable and regenerative agricultural practices.
“We are thrilled to welcome Dr P Kurian Raphael to Kelachandra Coffee. His extensive experience and innovative approach to sustainable agriculture will be invaluable as we continue to push the boundaries of coffee research and development,” says Kelachandra Coffee Managing Director Rana George.
“Dr Raphael’s vision and leadership will undoubtedly drive our commitment to excellence and sustainability forward. It will help us put India firmly on the global coffee map.”
Kelachandra Coffee entered the coffee plantation business in 1995, and currently cultivates specialty coffee in over 6000 acres across 15 estates in Karnataka and Kerala, India. The company grows 2000 metric tonnes of coffee annually, including 30 metric tonnes of specialty coffee and has export partners in Japan, Denmark, Norway, and Australia.
