As arabica and robusta face growing pressure from climate change, coffee producers and researchers are turning their attention to lesser-known species, with Excelsa emerging as one of the most promising alternatives. Native to Central Africa, the plant is valued for its tolerance to drought and high temperatures, qualities increasingly sought after amid climate instability.
In India, for instance, the SICC cooperative resumed experimental Excelsa cultivation across five estates starting in 2024-2025, specifically to test its resilience. Production has grown from roughly four tons of green coffee sold in 2025 to an estimated five tons for 2026, as Indian farmers report longer and more intense monsoon seasons.
While it remains a niche segment, Excelsa is starting to be seen as a genuine solution for coffee’s future rather than just a botanical curiosity. Explore the coffee range available at Mister Tabaco in the Coffee category.
Source: dailycoffeenews.com