Gujarat celebrates a milestone in the world of specialty Coffee, this International Coffee Day. Ankur Gupta, founder of Curators Coffee, has become the first Certified Q Grader (Arabica) from Gujarat. This makes him join an elite global circle of professionals. They are trusted to assess coffee quality at the highest level. The certification is conducted by the Coffee Quality Institute (CQI). It is globally recognized as the gold standard in coffee tasting and grading. There are approximately 55 Q Graders in India and around 5,000 worldwide. Ankur’s achievement marks an important step forward for both him and Gujarat’s growing coffee culture.
What exactly is a Q Grader?
Much like a Master of Wine, a Q Grader undergoes rigorous training and examination to evaluate coffee across aroma, flavour, balance, and body. The process demands deep sensory precision and an ability to identify subtle distinctions in coffee. This rare and prestigious title allows Ankur to objectively assess and score coffee, providing credibility and trust to farmers, roasters, traders, and consumers alike. For Gujarat, having its first Q Grader strengthens its presence in India’s specialty coffee movement, signaling that the state is poised to capitalize on significant opportunities.
The Journey Behind Curators Coffee
Ankur’s story with coffee began years earlier with his experience in the café business. However, everything changed after a transformative experience at Meraki in Surat. He first tasted true specialty coffee there.
“That curiosity made me take a deep dive and learn more about coffee and brewing,” says Ankur.
This curiosity soon evolved into a vision, and Curators Coffee was born. It was started with a mission to make specialty coffee Simple, Fun, & Accessible. True to its name, Curators Coffee prides itself on curating coffee experiences rather than merely serving beverages. It was not about business in Gujarat, but to bring coffee evolution.
Brewing Uniqueness Every Day
When asked what makes Curators Coffee unique, Ankur explains that it starts with sourcing. The café partners with various farms and roasters from across India, brewing each coffee to reflect the planter’s and roaster’s intended profile.
“Coffee itself is always unique,” he says, emphasizing their responsibility to brew with precision and consistency.
Patrons can choose from flat whites to cold brews, pour-overs to Vietnamese iced coffee. Each cup is tailored to the drinker’s palate, making the experience deeply personal.
The café’s creativity extends beyond the cup. Decisions about the menu, for instance, are made with coffee at the Center. Sharp flavours like raw onion or garlic are avoided, as they interfere with coffee’s delicate aroma and taste. Even fried foods are excluded to maintain the sensory purity of the café environment. This focus ensures that Curators Coffee is more than a café. It’s a thoughtfully designed space built around coffee, craft, and community, not only business.
The Role of Storytelling and Community
Storytelling is an integral part of Curators Coffee’s identity. From workshops on coffee tasting and brewing to engaging social media content, the brand leverages narrative to educate and inspire.
“Storytelling makes the experience meaningful for patrons,” Ankur explains.
The café hosts monthly coffee workshops, giving enthusiasts a chance to deepen their understanding while developing a sense of belonging. This culture of learning, sharing, and celebrating coffee has built a strong community around the brand.
The vibe of Curators Coffee is best described as Coffee, Craft & Community. It’s not about forcing a cultural identity. It’s letting good coffee act as the nucleus around which connections naturally form.
Ankur believes, “Creating an environment where people appreciate coffee comes first.” “Everything else—creativity, friendships, collaborations—happens organically”, he added.
Beyond the Cup: Sustainability and Innovation
Curators Coffee is also committed to sustainability. All takeaway packaging is eco-friendly, and the brand has eliminated plastic use. This makes it a sustainable business in Gujarat. With a growing awareness among consumers, such initiatives add depth to the café’s identity. On the innovation side, the team regularly introduces new coffees from around the world, keeping patrons excited and engaged. The breakfast menu, served from 8 am to 2 pm, is carefully designed to complement coffee rather than overshadow it.
When asked what the most rewarding part of running Curators Coffee is,
Ankur smiles: “It’s the appreciation by the patrons—it is so fascinating and rewarding.”
That simple yet powerful sentiment highlights the café’s ethos of serving with heart.
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
As a founder, Ankur believes strongly in purpose-driven entrepreneurship. His advice to budding entrepreneurs is clear:
“It’s important to start with purpose; profits follow principles. Invest in learning the craft of your choice.”
This philosophy not only applies to coffee but to any business that seeks to balance passion with long-term sustainability.
Why This Milestone Matters for Gujarat?
Ankur Gupta’s achievement as the first Certified Q Grader (Arabica) from Gujarat is more than personal recognition. It’s a symbol of the state’s evolving entrepreneurial ecosystem. For a region traditionally associated with industries like textiles, diamonds, and trade, this milestone shines a spotlight on Gujarat’s entry into the global specialty coffee conversation. With Curators Coffee, Ankur is not just building a brand; he is nurturing a culture that values craft, quality, and community.
On this International Coffee Day, as the world celebrates its favourite brew, Gujarat celebrates something more. A new chapter in its entrepreneurial journey, brewed to perfection by Ankur Gupta and Curators Coffee.
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