Araku Valley Coffee, produced under the aegis of the Girijan Cooperative Corporation (GCC), has secured rare national recognition, winning the ‘Change Maker of the Year’ award in the Financial Transformation category at the prestigious BusinessLine Change Maker Awards 2025.

The award was conferred in acknowledgement of the brand’s pivotal role in bringing economic transformation to the lives of tribal farmers of Andhra Pradesh.

At a grand ceremony held in Mumbai, Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri presented the award to GCC Vice Chairperson and Managing Director Kalpana Kumari, who received it on behalf of Araku Coffee and the tribal farmers it represents.

Speaking on the occasion, Kalpana Kumari said Araku Coffee was not just a brand, but a symbol of dignity, self-respect, and the hard work of tribal communities. “This honour reflects the collective strength of our farmers. It motivates us to further our mission of improving tribal livelihoods and taking Araku Coffee to new global heights,” she noted.

Kalpana Kumari credited Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu for his vision and encouragement, which she said had been instrumental in elevating GCC and Araku Coffee to the national stage. “This achievement carries his imprint of guidance and support. The award also places greater responsibility on us to continue our efforts for the welfare and empowerment of tribal farmers,” she added.

The recognition of Araku Coffee as a national change maker highlights how grassroots initiatives, when coupled with institutional support, can reshape rural economies and create sustainable value chains. With this honour, GCC aims to further strengthen its outreach, expand market presence, and ensure that the benefits of its success flow directly to the tribal communities of the Eastern Ghats.