- Name: Aiyappa KT
- Contact: aiyappakt@agriorganics.in
- Favorite Cocktail: Espresso martini, Picante
- Favorite Non-alcoholic Drink: Coffee
Aiyappa KT, who humbly calls himself a farmer, has turned his life’s journey into a mission to produce quality coffee sustainably and ethically. Fifteen years ago, Aiyappa was part of his family’s fertilizer business, which catered primarily to coffee plantations. This early exposure fueled his curiosity about the intricate processes of coffee cultivation, moving him beyond fertilizers to the plantation itself.
Through interactions with his seasoned customers in the coffee industry, he gained theoretical insights into best practices in coffee farming. When he eventually inherited his family’s coffee and pepper plantation, Aiyappa’s real learning began. Shifting from fertilizers to plantations was challenging, but it encouraged him to put his knowledge to practice, aiming to make his estate self-sufficient. Managing staff, payments, and overheads pushed him to explore the commercial side of coffee, from local coffee shops, sparking a desire to understand coffee markets worldwide.
After years of hands-on experience, Aiyappa embraced roasting, the art of transforming green beans into the aromatic coffee we know. He believes roasting is where the “magic happens,” as it reveals a coffee’s unique flavors, intensity, and taste notes. This passion led him to specialty coffee, prompting him to explore how experts worldwide perfect the art of coffee processing.
Aiyappa’s deep respect for nature also defines his journey. Growing coffee in a region in Coorg teeming with native trees, diverse wildlife, and even visiting elephants—Aiyappa cherishes the connection his plantation has with its surroundings. Guided by his grandfather’s teachings, he recognizes that this land belongs to the animals and the ecosystem. This respect for nature has inspired him to document the wildlife on his plantation and underscores his belief that quality coffee stems from respecting and preserving the environment.
In the specialty coffee industry, Aiyappa has faced challenges, from building a passionate team to managing finances and resources. He believes a team must share the same vision and passion to succeed, and he emphasizes the importance of patience, dedication, and resilience for young entrepreneurs in this field.
With a long-term vision rooted in nature, Aiyappa’s journey is fueled by his desire to bring the best quality coffee to people while continuously learning and respecting his environment. Though he refrains from social media, he stays grounded by spending time in nature, reinforcing his connection to his craft.
For Aiyappa, the path to success is a blend of passion, patience, and an unwavering commitment to nature—a lesson he hopes to pass on to future coffee entrepreneurs.