India’s Café Culture Boom: How rising coffee culture is keeping consumption and prices elevated | Trending Commodity Podcast | EP 10

India’s Café Culture Boom: How rising coffee culture is keeping consumption and prices elevated | Trending Commodity Podcast | EP 10

Global coffee prices may have cooled from recent highs, but coffee consumption in India continues to grow. In this episode of Trending Commodity Podcast, host M R Subramani Mancombu speaks with Rajat Agarwal, CEO of Barista Coffee, about the evolution of India’s café culture and the changing dynamics of coffee consumption. The conversation explores how rising coffee prices have influenced consumer behaviour, why cafés are evolving into lifestyle and community hubs, and how speciality coffee is transforming customer expectations. Agarwal also discusses the growing importance of Indian-origin coffee beans, transparency in sourcing, barista-led customer engagement, and the emergence of home brewing culture among younger consumers. This episode explores how cafés are boosting employment, enhancing skill development, and offering premium coffee experiences, all while strengthening the Made-in-India coffee identity. Listen in for insights on coffee trends, café innovation, speciality blends, and the future of India’s coffee ecosystem

From mines to megacities: Can green zinc power India’s future? | Trending Commodity Podcast | EP 09

What do steel, solar energy, fertilizers, and climate goals have in common? Zinc. In this episode of Trending Commodity Podcast, host M R Subramani Mancombu sits down with Nikhil Raj, Director, Sustainable Outcomes Pvt. Ltd., to unpack how responsible mining is quietly becoming one of the biggest shifts in the global commodity landscape. From cleaner supply chains and ESG compliance to zinc-based energy storage systems and food security, Raj explains why mining today is no longer just about extraction, but about sustainability, transparency, and long-term industrial growth. The conversation also explores how India is positioning itself as a reliable supplier of green and responsibly produced metals in a rapidly changing world. Tune in for a deep dive into the intersection of mining, climate policy, infrastructure, and the future of global trade.

War, gold, and diamonds: How geopolitics shapes jewellery sales | Trending Commodity Podcast | EP 08

In this episode of Trending Commodity Podcast, host Subramani Ra Mancombu talks to Parag Shah, CEO of KISNA Diamonds, about the changing landscape of India’s diamond jewelry market.  Shah explains how tier 2 and tier 3 cities are emerging as key growth hubs, and how volatile gold prices and geopolitical tensions influence consumer behavior. He also shares how KISNA Diamonds uses fast manufacturing and supply chain systems to deliver products from store to factory and back within 48 hours, ensuring fresh designs and a better customer experience.  Tune in to explore how tradition, technology, and new markets are reshaping the industry.  (Host: Subramani Ra Mancombu [https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/profile/author/Subramani-Ra-Mancombu-11422/], Producer: Prethicshaa Gurumoorthy [https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/profile/author/Prethicshaa-Gurumoorthy-24591/])

Gold, silver and copper turn volatile after record highs: Expert explains what’s next? | Trending Commodity Podcast | EP 07

In this episode of Trending Commodity Podcast, host Subramani Ra Mancombu discusses the sudden volatility in gold, silver, and copper after their record-breaking rallies in December and January. Jateen N Trivedi, VP & Research Analyst (Commodity & Currency) at LKP Securities, breaks down what triggered the sharp swings, from COMEX margin hikes to geopolitical tensions and shares his near-term and long-term outlook for precious and industrial metals. Tune in for sharp insights on price ranges, market drivers, and what Indian investors can expect in the months ahead.

Gold, grams, and growth: Will lightweight gold take the lead?  | The Trending commodity podcast | Episode 06

In this episode of businessline’s Trending Commodity Podcast, Subramani Ra Mancombu talks to Viraj Thadeshwar, Executive Director and CEO, Shringar House of Mangalsutra, about the shift toward lighter and lower caratage gold amid rising prices. Thadeshwar explains why 18 and 14 carat jewellery is gaining popularity, how 9 carat is still in its early adoption phase, and how weight-reduction strategies and modern infrastructure are helping manufacturers maintain design, quality, and affordability.