Agri-Fintech Ayekart and Coffee Maker CCL Join Forces to Support Araku Tribal Farmers

The collaboration uplifts the coffee farming community and enhance their livelihoods by providing essential tools and resources.

Over 1,000 farmers have experienced improved income and enjoyed an enhanced quality of life in the previous coffee season

Ayekart, a leading Food and Agri-FinTech and an integrated digital platform empowering Farmers/FPOs and MSMEs in the food and agri value chain, has partnered with CCL Products (India) Ltd., a renowned Instant Coffee Manufacturer, to bring positive change to the lives of indigenous tribal farmers in the picturesque Araku Valley of Andhra Pradesh. A step forward to Ayekart's existing initiatives in the region for the past couple of years, this collaboration aims to uplift the coffee farming community and enhance their livelihoods by providing essential tools and resources.

Ayekart's collaboration with these tribal farmers began in 2021 through the FPO - Visakha Manayam Farmer Producer Company Limited. Extensive training programs for the farmers focused on modern production and processing techniques were conducted. These programs included the utilisation of baby pulpers, proper drying techniques on elevated platforms, accurate measurement of moisture levels, and digital weighing of produce.



The partnership between Ayekart and Visakha Manayam Farmer Producer Company Limited has made a substantial social impact on the lives of indigenous tribes of the Araku Valley by equipping these farmers with the knowledge and resources required to secure fair prices and improve their livelihoods. As a result of these efforts, approximately 1,000 farmers have experienced improved income and enjoyed an enhanced quality of life in the previous coffee season.

Ashutosh Singh, COO and Co-Founder of Ayekart remarked, "We are elated to have successfully conducted extensive GAP (Good Agricultural Practices) training, encouraged collective bargaining and value-addition initiatives with the local tribal farmers through Visakha Manayam Farmer Producer Company Limited. By equipping these farmers with modern techniques and resources, we are helping farmers achieve higher yields and are also improving their income and preserving their unique heritage. Moreover, our collaboration is a testament to our dedication to sustainable development and improving the livelihoods of those in need. We believe that together, we can make a meaningful and lasting impact in Araku, fostering a brighter future for the local communities."

On the partnership with CCI, Mr Singh further added, "We are excited to partner with CCL in our shared commitment to uplift the tribal farming communities in Araku. The collaboration between Ayekart and CCL stands as a testament to the transformative power of partnership and innovation in improving the lives of small-scale farmers."

The Araku Valley is renowned for its Arabica Parchment and cherry coffee cultivation, serving as the primary source of income for the indigenous tribes residing in the region. Despite the region's rich and fertile lands, commitment to organic farming practices, and the unique quality of its coffee, the farmers have long struggled to achieve fair pricing and economic stability. Intermediaries and local traders often exploit their vulnerability, leaving them with minimal income to support their families.

Praveen Jaipuriar, CEO of CCL Products (India) Ltd., expressed, "At CCL, we believe that businesses are responsible for uplifting the communities. Our collaboration with Ayekart in Araku Valley reflects our commitment to sustainable development, and we are proud to contribute to empowering these dedicated tribal farmers."

With a rich history of 3 decades, CCL Products (India) Ltd is one of the finest and most exquisite instant coffee manufacturers in the world. The company has successfully built a business with integrity, commitment, customer orientation, and consistent effort towards upholding the highest standards in the industry.

The upcoming coffee season is set to commence in November, with this year's season slightly ahead of schedule. To mark this occasion and support the farmers, Ayekart and CCL distributed tarpaulins and baby pulpers, generously provided by CCL as part of their CSR activity and other ongoing initiatives.

About Ayekart:

Ayekart is India's First Integrated supply chain finance platform that addresses the needs of the food and agri value chain, enabling traditional businesses technologically and financially while retaining and enhancing trust in their ecosystem by delivering efficiency and convenience. The platform aligns with the government's objectives to bring the desired change in the MSME and Retail segment by "Empowering the Traditional Business" and helping bring transparency and credibility to the entire ecosystem.

Recognising its leadership and innovation in the Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance sectors, Ayekart has also been awarded the "Best BFSI Brand 2023" title from The Economic Times.

To know more, please visit: https://ayekart.com/

About CCL:

CCL Products (India) Limited was established in the year 1994 with the objective of manufacturing the finest and most exquisite coffee in the world. At CCL Products, we conduct our business with integrity, commitment, customer orientation, and a consistent effort towards upholding the highest standards in the industry. The past three decades have led us to evolve into one of the largest instant coffee exporters and private-label manufacturers globally, with strong R&D and 1000+ blends to offer. Our strength lies in our infrastructure and a global clientele base in over 100 countries.

To know more, please visit: https://www.cclproducts.com/

Coffee Vending Machine Prices: Factors to Consider Before Making A Purchase Decision

In today's world, where people live on the go, coffee vending machines have become common in offices, hotels and public spaces, satisfying the constantly increasing desire for a convenient caffeine boost. Choosing the ideal machine for your office can be daunting due to the increasing options and factors influencing the vending machine's overall cost. Price being at the centre of it all, you need to purchase a coffee machine that will maintain your budget and is also suited for the purpose.

While the initial coffee vending machine price usually matters most, other financial aspects of the purchase will significantly impact the machine's value and its long-term cost-effectiveness. By evaluating these price factors, you can find the perfect machine for your workforce while also making a wise investment for your bottom line.

Initial Cost of the Machine

When thinking about buying a coffee vending machine, the initial cost usually comes to mind. The initial coffee machine price can vary significantly depending on the machine's features, size, brand, capacity and overall quality. High-end coffee vending machines with advanced features and larger capacities tend to have higher price tags.

Before finalising your purchase decision, it is essential to consider your workforce's specific coffee needs. It is best to compare prices across different dealers, manufacturers, and suppliers to find the best price accommodation for affordability and functionality. While on the lookout, please remember that a lower-priced coffee vending machine for the office may be tempting to purchase. Ensure it meets your operational and quality requirements.

Operation Expenses

When evaluating the coffee vending machine price, it is crucial to consider the operating expenses. These include coffee beans, milk, cups, condiments, lids and other necessary supplies. Some coffee vending machines require specific proprietary supplies that are more expensive than generic alternatives.

Consider the volume of coffee you anticipate serving, and calculate the ongoing expenses. Additionally, you need to consider any special requirements like water filtration systems, waste disposal and energy use. All these contribute to the operating costs. Evaluating these will help you determine the total cost of ownership over time and make an informed decision.

Maintenance and Service Costs

Coffee vending machines for offices require regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance and longevity. Consider the ongoing costs of filter replacements, repairs and cleaning supplies when evaluating the buying price. Familiarise yourself with the manufacturer's recommendations regarding machine care intervals and procedures.

Taking all recommendations will help you factor in all expenses in the overall budget and evaluate the long-term cost-effectiveness of the machine. Some coffee vending machines may require professional servicing and technical support. These can incur additional expenses.

The Vending Machine's Scalability

To expand your office, you must also expand your coffee vending operations. Consider the machine's scalability as part of the coffee vending machine price. Go for models that are easy to upgrade or integrate into a larger coffee vending machine without incurring significant additional costs.

The scalability of the machine allows you to adapt to the increasing demand of your office coffee needs and avoid the option for a complete overhaul or replacement as your business grows. This factor saves you money in the long run and smoothly transition when expanding your operations.

Warranty and Support from the Manufacturer

When purchasing a coffee vending machine for the office, it's crucial to check for the warranty period offered by the manufacturer. A longer warranty period indicates the manufacturer's confidence in the machine's quality, putting your mind at peace because the manufacturer will cover the repair or replacement costs in case of malfunctions or defects within the warranty period.

Additionally, consider the level of support and maintenance services the manufacturer offers. Some offer extended support, readily available spare parts, or technical support. You can value these for the smooth operation of the machine.

Resale Value of the Machine

While this is never an immediate concern when purchasing a coffee vending machine, it is worth considering the potential resale value of the equipment anyway. Some models or brands hold better value than others in the used vending machine market. Assess the reputation of the coffee vending machine you intend to get and its market demand for used machines.

You get a clear estimate of the potential resale value. This factor is usually relevant only if you anticipate replacing or upgrading your coffee vending machine for the office in the future. Equipment with a good resale value can provide a higher return on investment and help offset the cost of a new machine or an upgrade.

As you search for the perfect coffee vending machine, it is crucial to approach this decision with a comprehensive understanding of all the price factors involved. While the initial cost is crucial, considering the service expenses, operation costs, maintenance, energy efficiency, and many others is equally vital. These will ensure you make the right decision that balances your budget with your desire for a reliable, cost-effective coffee vending experience. Remember, a well-researched purchase will satisfy your workspace coffee needs and leave you with financial peace of mind.

TraceX’s Blockchain-powered Platform To Offer ‘Bean to Cup’ Traceability for Coffee Produced by 3500 Farmers in Araku Valley

TraceX announces partnership with international non-profit TechnoServe

As a part of the partnership, TraceX’s blockchain-powered platform will offer ‘bean to cup’ traceability for coffee produced by 3500 farmers in Araku Valley

TraceX Technologies, a blockchain-powered traceability platform that enhances food and supply chain transparency, has partnered with international non-profit TechnoServe, to offer end-to-end digital traceability for coffee produced by 3500 farmers in Araku Valley, Andhra Pradesh. Through this partnership with TraceX, TechnoServe can provide their partner brands Blue Tokai and Humble beans the ability to track and record the journey of coffee through every stage of the production process, from bean to cup.

As a part of the ‘Sustainable Livelihoods for Smallholder Farmers’ program, grant-funded by the Walmart Foundation, TechnoServe currently works with 4000 farmers through Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) spread across 355 villages in the Araku Valley. Most of these farmers strictly follow organic farming due to which their yield capacity is much lower than their counterparts in Karnataka. Over the years, TechnoServe has assisted the farmers with agronomy training, building visibility, increasing coffee productivity, managing post-harvest, and providing the necessary market linkages. To further improve their livelihoods, TechnoServe has partnered with TraceX to ensure consistency in the quality of coffee produced, thus resulting in improved market linkage for the farmers.

Earlier in late last month, for the first time in the history of Jharkhand state seed distribution among farmers has been initiated well ahead of the arrival of the Kharif season, which was made possible by using Blockchain-based seed traceability platform.    

The TraceX’s solution to TechnoServe is a perfect example of seeing Blockchain Traceability in action. A connected supply chain with transparency across the multi-stakeholders is the need of the hour and that is being realized with TraceX's Blockchain traceability platform.

TechnoServe uses the pre-harvest module to track the first mile connectivity of the coffee value chain. This is followed by the onboarding of Blue Tokai, Humble Beans and Slay Coffee clients onto the same blockchain network to track the post-harvest processes and generate a QR code product identity for consumer engagement. A seamless integration of all the stakeholders on a collaborative platform in the supply chain, building trustworthy and authentic customer brands.

TraceX’s digital traceability solution offers the following advantages -

• Ensure consistent quality in produce: TraceX’s platform offers a crop database with a set of predefined package of practices to achieve quality yield.
• Builds trust among consumers: TraceX provides credibility to claims, offers complete provenance of the product through a quick scan of the QR code, and makes the brand stand out by providing verifiable and authentic information to the customers.
• Maintain regulatory compliance: The farmers have to upload authentication certificates to meet regulatory compliances. The data recorded at each step of the supply chain helps satisfy all regulatory requirements.
• Increases visibility for the farmers: TraceX creates a digital identity for the farmer’s product and allows the consumer to know the story and the people behind their coffee.
• Single source of information: Prior to TraceX, for any query related to the produce, the farmers were the only source of information. The middlemen, government agencies and all other stakeholders had to rely entirely on the farmer. This created a lot of fatigue among the farmers to constantly share relevant information. Through TraceX, all this information is now available on the blockchain.

Furthermore, TraceX’s platform brings to the fore some of the regenerative and ecologically friendly farming practices followed by the farmers.

Sandesh Deranna, Crop Lead- Coffee Value Chain, TechnoServe, said, “TechnoServe’s program ‘Sustainable Livelihoods for Smallholder Farmers’, grant-funded by the Walmart Foundation, is aimed at improving the lives of smallholder farmers in Andhra Pradesh by establishing sustainable, locally-led systems and processes for FPOs and promoting good agriculture practices and post-harvest management practices among the FPO shareholders. In order to do that, we are always on the lookout for digital tools that will help farmers improve their incomes and build a better future for themselves. TraceX was exactly the solution we were looking for. Through their blockchain-enabled traceability platform, TraceX empowers farmers by giving them more visibility, improving efficiency and profitability, building trust and transparency, leading to a better connect with the end consumers.”

Commenting on the partnership, Srivatsa Sreenivasarao, Co-Founder and CEO, TraceX, said “Traceability allows for a connected supply chain where brands can seamlessly access information about the work done by Farmer Producer Organizations in the pre-harvest stage. It offers transparency and differentiation to each stakeholder in the supply chain.”

“We are thrilled to partner with a brand that has transformed the lives of millions of people in low-income communities. This partnership allows us to create an impact not only on the end consumer but also improve the livelihoods of farmers in the Araku Valley region. We look forward to working together on many more initiatives to create a transparent, ethical, and sustainable supply chain.”, Srivatsa added.

TraceX has a B2B SaaS subscription model where it works with companies across livestock, poultry, seafood, and agri supply chains. The company currently works with 30+ food companies that include prominent names such as Olam, MTR Foods, Slay Coffee, Govt of Telangana, GoDesi, Sam Agri, Milk Mantra and many others.

The company has raised USD 1 million in pre-series A funding led by NABARD backed NABVENTURES Fund. The round also saw participation from Paipal Ventures, an early stage family office investment fund, and from angel investor Sunil Kumar.

About TraceX

TraceX is a next generation digital agriculture platform that leverages blockchain to connect multiple participants across the food and agri supply chain and help them securely exchange verifiable and auditable data leading to mutual trust, accountability, traceability and transparency amongst the participating actors. Their solution enables farmers, producer organizations, aggregators, food processors, insurance providers, credit providers, logistics providers, buyers etc to exchange information with mutual trust via a permissioned blockchain digital ledger enabling each one to prove transparency, traceability and provenance of the claims. Farmers, Processors, Procurement folks use their multilingual mobile application and others use web-based applications to interact with the system.

Website: https://tracextech.com/

About TechnoServe

Founded in 1968, TechnoServe is a leader in harnessing the power of the private sector to help people lift themselves out of poverty for good. A non-profit organization working in 30 countries, TechnoServe works with people to build a better future through regenerative farms, businesses, and markets that increase incomes. Their vision is a sustainable world where all people in low-income communities have the opportunity to prosper.

Website: https://www.technoserve.org/

Sleepy Owl Raises Funds from Rukam Capital, AngelList India, DSG Partners

Sleepy Owl, a startup in ready-to-drink coffee space, has raised an undisclosed amount in funding led by Rukam Capital and existing investor, DSG Consumer Partners as well as AngelList India.

The Delhi-based company will use the proceeds from the current round of funding to expand operations, strengthen distribution and launch new products, it said in a statement on Tuesday.

Founded in 2016, Sleepy Owl was co-founded by Ajai Thandi, Arman Sood and Ashwajeet Singh. It sells ready-to-drink cold brew coffees, brew boxes, brew packs and brew bags.

It had raised USD 500,000 (Rs 3.26 crroe) in a seed round led by DSG Consumer Partners in April 2018.

"The coffee lovers' landscape has evolved across the globe and the cold brew coffee concept has gradually seeped into the Indian markets as well. We are elated on receiving the latest round of funding as it reflects investors' faith in our business model and growth potential in the Indian market," Thandi said.

The company plans to utilise the funds to launch new products and go deeper in existing retail markets, Delhi and Mumbai.

Sleepy Owl has a presence in over 1,000 outlets in Delhi and Mumbai and has catered to 60,000 customers. PTI SR