Gems of Araku
Land & Legacy
Celebrating Single Origin Specialty Coffee since 2009
Nestled in the heart of the Eastern Ghats, the scenic locale of Araku valley has a story to tell – that of a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation. Misty hills are home to lush coffee plantations raised by farmers who tend to the land with love and care.
At the heart of the Naandi Foundation lies the legacy of Profit for Farmers, Quality of Food, and Regenerative Agriculture, where the soil is regenerated, making each harvest more bountiful than the last. Flourishing bushes yield exceptional coffee that delights the senses and honors the farmer's hard work, creating a living and breathing ecosystem that ensures prosperity for the farmers through fair trading practices, a richness of taste for coffee connoisseurs, and a land that is nurtured for future generations.
Our farmers continue to bring you the delicious fill and legacy of ARAKU specialty coffee to your cup with great care and joy.
Join us and raise a cup for our farmers, the land, and the values that bring us together!
Auction Times
Auction Start Time: 5th May, 2025 at 9:00 hrs (London time)
Auction End Time: 8th May, 2025 at 14:00 hrs (London time)
New Auction Format:
- All lots will be auctioned simultaneously within the 4-day period.
- You can place bids, set auto-bids, or buy lots instantly with the Buy Now option.
- A live countdown clock will show how much time is left.
- When the timer hits zero, the auction ends automatically, and winners are announced.
All Araku coffees are 100% Arabica, single-origin, certified organic, fair trade and chemical-free.
“Each cup tells a story. Aromatics offer the first impression of flavor, both familiar and unique to this year
Ranging from whiskey, purple plum, raisins, dates, pepper, and cashew nut to lemongrass, Mandarin orange, pomegranate, sugar cane, strawberry jam, or sweet corn. They are truly hidden Gems, but not for long...”
Sherri Johns, Head Judge, GEMS of Araku 2025
Our Jury
The International Jury 2025 includes:
- Sherri Johns - HEAD JUDGE, USA
- Anson Wong - Hong Kong
- Burc Maraflu - USA
- Dan Hunnewell - USA
- Eun Zoo (E.Z) Yon - USA/Korea
- Gyeongseon (Lora) Yee - Korea
- Julie Dang - Vietnam
- Luis Polanco - Germany
- Nick Hunnewell - USA
- Pil Seo Hoon - Korea
- Raphael Braune - Germany
- Sadiq Merchant - UK
- Shaun Puklavetz - USA
- Sungjun (Jay) Kim - Korea
- Thomas Klieforth - Germany
Order a Sample Set!
Ordering samples allow you to taste each lot prior to the auction and be ready to bid.
Sample Set Fee: $150
12 Samples / 100 grams each
Our Experts
Sherri Johns
Head Judge - Gems of Araku
A globally recognized coffee expert, Sherri ensures the protocol for all cupping sessions meet exacting standards, enabling each and every cup to share its story.
Read moreDavid Hogg
Chief Agriculture Advisor
David’s expertise lies in curation and application of regenerative principles to the various fields of agriculture and developing protocols for sustainable coffee production.
Read moreFollow us: @gemsofaraku
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FAQs
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Register and create a V-Auction Account
- To join any V-Auction event, you must create a V-Auction account. During registration, you'll need to agree to our Auction Platform's Terms & Conditions. This step ensures we can verify your identity and that you understand and accept our policies.
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Accept the Bidding Agreement
- Each auction has its own bidding agreement. To place bids and order samples, you must accept the specific agreement for the auction you wish to participate in.
- Please complete the application with as much information as possible to facilitate the review process.
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Discover more auctions!
- Your V-Auction account grants you access to all coffee auctions hosted by V-Auction.
- Remember, you must apply to bid in each separate auction, even if you already have an account.
If you have any questions or need assistance, please reach out to our support team gemsofaraku@v-auction.com. We're here to help!
A.This year, we will be using a Timed Auction format. Here's how it works:
- The auction runs from 5th May 2025 at 09:00 hrs to 8th May 2025 at 14:00 hrs (London time), with all lots open for bidding simultaneously.
- You can place bids manually, set auto-bids, or use the Buy Now option to purchase instantly (if available).
- A live countdown clock will show how much time is left on each lot.
- When the timer reaches zero at the end of the auction, bidding closes and winners are automatically declared.
This means that each coffee has the chance to achieve its full value during the auction. With all lots available for bidding throughout the entire 4-day period, buyers can explore and bid freely at any time. This open and flexible format encourages more participation and competition, helping ensure producers receive fair value for their coffees. In turn, this supports the long-term sustainability of their farms and communities.
A. Bids can be made in one of three ways:
- Next Suggested Increment: Click the "Bid" button, then "Confirm" to bid at the next increment.
- Higher Amount: Enter an amount higher than the current increment in the text box, click "Bid", and then "Confirm".
- Auto Bidding: Set a maximum amount you are willing to spend. The system will automatically bid on your behalf up to this amount. If the bidding exceeds your set amount, you will need to place another auto-bid to continue.
- Buy Now: Instantly purchase a lot at the listed fixed price. Click the "Buy Now" button, then "Confirm" to secure the lot immediately. Once confirmed, the lot is no longer available for bidding.
A. Payment for auction lots is due in full within 15 days after the auction date. Please ensure you are familiar with the Terms & Conditions you agree to when registering for the auction.
If the winning bidder does not pay within this time, the lot will be offered to the second-highest bidder.
After the auction closes, we will contact you to arrange payment, contracts, and shipping. Once agreed upon, payment can be made via bank or wire transfer. Other options are available and can be discussed as needed.
For destinations not served by our certified coffee importers, full payment is required before the coffee leaves the country of origin.
A.FOB (Free On Board) Cochin means the seller’s responsibility ends once the coffee is loaded onto the vessel at the port of Cochin, India. In this auction, the price you see includes all costs up to that point—processing, packaging, and transport to the port. However, it does not include ocean freight, insurance, or any costs beyond Cochin. These additional costs will depend on your chosen shipping arrangements.