ARAKU COFFEE: Heritage in a Cup

27th April to 30th April 2026

12 Lots Scoring 87+

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01:00 hrs Los Angeles
04:00 hrs New York
09:00 hrs London
10:00 hrs Frankfurt
11:00 hrs Riyad
12:00 hrs Dubai
13:30 hrs Delhi
16:00 hrs Shanghai
16:00 hrs Taipe
17:00 hrs Seoul
18:00 hrs Sydney
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Gems of Araku

Heritage in a Cup

Celebrating Single Origin Specialty Coffee since 2009

Situated in India’s Eastern Ghats, Araku Valley is a place where every coffee story is interwoven with the stories of its land and heritage. In Araku, the coffee story is carried forward by the older generation who have cultivated these lands for decades, and by young farmers who are shaping its future. Gems of Araku reflects the remarkable journey of farmers and their long-term commitment to growing coffee through regenerative agricultural practices introduced by Naandi and strengthened over the years.

Improved soil health, restored biodiversity, and healthy coffee bushes through Naandi’s regenerative agriculture approach not only balanced the region's ecology but also supported small-scale, tribal farmers strengthening their community. This long-term partnership has played a vital role in shaping Araku as a home to single-origin coffee, making it one of the most distinctive coffee landscapes in the world. As the world’s first terroir-mapped and certified organic coffee, every coffee bean reveals the unique profile that is deeply linked to its origin.

Join us in celebrating ARAKU coffee - an experience shaped by heritage, nurtured by farmers, and defined by its land. From the hills of Araku to a coffee cup cherished worldwide, every harvest narrates a story worth sharing.

Auction Times

Auction Start Time: 27th April, 2026 at 9:00 hrs (London time)

Auction End Time: 30th April, 2026 at 14:00 hrs (London time)

New Auction Format:

  • Bids will open simultaneously for all lots on 27th April at 09:00 hrs London (GMT).
  • The opening bidding period will last for four (4) days period until 30th april 14:00 hrs (GMT).
  • 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.
  • At 14:00 hrs the auction clock will count down from 3 minutes, and each new bid will reset the clock. If no new bids are placed during this period, the auction will close.
  • When the timer hits zero, the auction ends automatically, and winners are announced.
  • Bids must be in increments of $0.25 USD per pound or higher. The minimum increment may vary during the auction. We reserve the right to change the minimum increment during the auction.
  • A proxy/auto-bid feature is available, allowing bidders to set an automatic higher bid up to a predefined maximum. The system will place increments higher than the last bid, until the bidder's maximum price is reached. You can cancel an auto-bid at any time before the price is reached.
  • The auction closes when the auction clock reaches zero without further bids.

All Araku coffees are 100% Arabica, single-origin, certified organic, chemical-free.

 

“True to a path of discovery, the 2026 winners offer a kaleidoscope of colors and flavors, from mild to wild.

These gems offer a range of flavors from tamarind, raisin, black currant, mulberry, yellow tropical fruit, citrus, delicate orange blossom, brown sugar, and kiwi. Curious, tempted?”

Find yourself a 2026 Gem!”

Sherri Johns, Head Judge, GEMS of Araku 2026

ARAKU Coffee Journey

Regenerative Ethos

Quality Process

Global Recognition

Learn more

Our Jury

The International Jury 2026 included:

  • Sherri Johns - HEAD JUDGE, USA
  • Ellie Hui - Hong Kong
  • Helen Choi - USA
  • Ian Terry - USA
  • Jeong (Martin) Shin - South Korea
  • Katalina Velenczei (Каталина Школа) - Russia/Spain
  • Mazen Baset - Saudi Arabia
  • Memi Maruflu - USA
  • Mohamed Hakim - Malaysia
 

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

Register to order!

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 more

David 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 more

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FAQs

Q. How do I participate in an auction?
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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!

Q. How does this type of auction work?

A.This year, we will be using a Timed Auction format. Here's how it works:

  • Bids will open simultaneously for all lots on 27th April at 09:00 hrs London (GMT).
  • The opening bidding period will last for four (4) days period until 30th april 14:00 hrs (GMT).
  • 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.
  • At 14:00 hrs the auction clock will count down from 3 minutes, and each new bid will reset the clock. If no new bids are placed during this period, the auction will close.
  • When the timer hits zero, the auction ends automatically, and winners are announced.
  • Bids must be in increments of $0.25 USD per pound or higher. The minimum increment may vary during the auction. We reserve the right to change the minimum increment during the auction.
  • A proxy/auto-bid feature is available, allowing bidders to set an automatic higher bid up to a predefined maximum. The system will place increments higher than the last bid, until the bidder's maximum price is reached. You can cancel an auto-bid at any time before the price is reached.
  • The auction closes when the auction clock reaches zero without further bids.

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.

Q. How do I place bids in the auction?

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.
Q. What happens after I win a lot?

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.

Q. What does FOB Cochin mean in this auction?

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.

View All FAQs here

This is ARAKU'S Journey!