Indian Robusta Coffee Grades: Cherry AB, Parchment AB and PB
A buyer's guide to Indian Robusta green coffee — Cherry vs Parchment, AA, AB, PB and BBB grades, cup profile, uses in espresso blends and how to buy it.
Editorial disclosure: Pyalm publishes and maintains the products and free tools discussed on this site. Regulatory statements are linked to primary sources where applicable. No independent professional review is claimed unless a reviewer is explicitly named.
India produces both Arabica and Robusta, and Indian Robusta is well regarded by roasters for its body and clean cup, especially washed Robusta Parchment.
Trade guidance only. Specifications, limits and regulations change, so confirm the current requirements and agree the exact specification in your contract.
Cherry vs Parchment
| Robusta Cherry | Robusta Parchment | |
|---|---|---|
| Process | Natural (dry): whole cherries dried | Washed: pulp removed, then dried |
| Cup | Heavier body, earthier | Cleaner, softer, more consistent |
| Use | Espresso blends, instant coffee | Premium espresso blends |
Common grades
| Grade | Meaning |
|---|---|
| AA | Largest beans |
| AB | The most traded mix of larger beans |
| PB | Peaberry, a single round bean sorted separately |
| C / BBB | Smaller or broken beans, for value blends and soluble coffee |
Grades are based on screen size (bean size). Exact screens are set in the grading standard and contract.
What roasters check
- Moisture (typically around 10–12.5%)
- Defects per sample
- Screen size distribution
- Cup quality: body, bitterness, cleanliness
- Odour, with no musty or fermented notes
Packing and shipping
Green coffee usually ships in 60 kg jute bags, often with liners to protect quality. A 20 ft container typically carries around 19 tonnes (320 × 60 kg bags). See green coffee storage and shipping.
EU buyers
Coffee falls under the EU Deforestation Regulation. See EUDR for coffee importers.
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Source spices, coffee and pulses from Pyalm
We trade from Calicut (Kozhikode), India on the Malabar spice coast and Dubai, UAE, exporting to buyers across Europe and worldwide. Wholesale, private label and dropshipping. See products & grades, export & shipping and quality.
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