Darshan C. A.
Coffee Operations Head | Sustainability | Plantation & Supply Chain Excellence| Global Leadership
Kodagu
Summary
Dynamic senior leader in the coffee industry with over 15 years of experience at Tata Coffee Ltd., the world\'s largest integrated coffee plantation company. Expertise in driving end-to-end plantation operations, implementing sustainability initiatives, and optimizing global supply chains. Recognized for a proven track record of enhancing operational efficiency and fostering innovation within the sector. Committed to advancing sustainable practices while delivering exceptional quality and value in all aspects of coffee production.
Overview
5
5
Languages
12
12
Certifications
Work History
Senior Manager – Coffee Operations
Tata Coffee Ltd.
- Provide end-to-end leadership across large-scale coffee plantation operations including nursery, estate management, wet milling, dry milling, logistics, and quality systems
- Direct nursery operations producing 500,000+ plants annually, strengthening long-term estate productivity and sustainability
- Lead wet and dry milling operations, ensuring consistent quality, efficiency, and export readiness aligned with global standards
- Manage procurement, processing, and logistics of ~4,000 MT of coffee annually, maintaining traceability, quality, and cost optimization
- Serve as Head – Logistics, Quality, Safety, and Milling Operations, ensuring operational excellence and compliance across functions
- Pioneer and implement carbon credit initiatives, integrating sustainability with measurable business value
- Drive mechanization in plantation operations, improving productivity, efficiency, and workforce safety
- Act as SAP systems lead, enabling data-driven decision-making, audit readiness, and operational control
- Maintain strong engagement with global coffee roasters and buyers, contributing to supply chains serving Starbucks Asia
- Member of District and State Planters’ Associations, contributing to industry-level initiatives and knowledge exchange
- Tata Coffee Ltd., the world’s largest integrated coffee plantation company.
- (15 Years)
Education
Bachelor of Computer Applications - BCA
Master of Computer Applications - MCA
University of Mysore
04.2001 -
Skills
Coffee Operations
Plantation Management
Sustainability
Logistics
Quality
SAP
Mechanization
Coffee Plantation & Estate Management
Sustainability, ESG & Carbon Credits
Wet & Dry Milling Operations
Global Logistics & Supply Chain
Quality Assurance & Cupping Expertise
Safety Leadership & Compliance
SAP & Digital Operations
Coffee Plantation & Estate Management
Plantation Mechanization & Process Optimization
Resource allocation
Cross-functional collaboration
Organizational improvement
Corporate communications
Budget oversight
Warehousing functions
Innovation management
Influencing and negotiating
Teamwork and collaboration
Administration and reporting
Team building
Decision-making
Multitasking
Excellent communication
Staff management
Cost control
Certification
Rainforest Alliance
AWARDS & RECOGNITION
Recipient of National & International Coffee Awards, Illy cafe Awards, Consistently exceeded KRAs for 4 consecutive years, Ranked among Top 3 out of 25+ locations in employee welfare and operational performance
Timeline
Master of Computer Applications - MCA
University of Mysore
04.2001 -
Senior Manager – Coffee Operations
Tata Coffee Ltd.