Chandini SRK, the founder and Lead Roaster of First Crack Specialty Roasters in Hyderabad, has significantly impacted the Indian specialty coffee scene. Her journey began in Edinburgh, Scotland, where she developed a passion for specialty coffee, which she later honed with professional training in Florence, Italy. Chandini is one of only 60 Q Graders in India, a certification that has refined her ability to source and roast high-quality, defect-free beans. This rigorous training has enabled her to implement strict quality control measures, ensuring consistently excellent products. Chandini's journey from home-roasting on her terrace to establishing Hyderabad's first independent roastery is marked by challenges, particularly in understanding market preferences and improving roasting skills. Through relationships with top growers and a deep understanding of the science and art of coffee roasting, she has created a diverse product line, including Espresso, Single Estate Pour Overs, and Cold Brew Blends. Her mission is to bring the best of Indian specialty coffees to a broader market, both in cafes and through retail and e-commerce platforms.
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