Is Data-Driven Marketing the New Brew? Unlocking Enablers and Overcoming Barriers in Coffee Marketing

Data-driven marketing (DDM) practices are revolutionizing India’s coffee sector by improving market access, operational effectiveness, and sustainability. This research examines the barriers and enablers of DDM adoption among farmers, including financial limitations, digital literacy, infrastructure quality, and training availability. A cross-sectional design was employed, and primary data were examined using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). Findings show that financial limitations restrict perceived ease of use, while microfinance enhances accessibility. Community influence and digital literacy drive perceptions of usefulness, and adoption is enhanced through customized training. Strong infrastructure, including internet connectivity, is an essential enabler. Perceived ease of use and usefulness are strong mediators of adoption. Subsidies, rural digital infrastructure investments, and farmer-oriented training are policy recommendations. Solving these challenges can spur DDM adoption, enhancing market links, profitability, and sustainability in India’s coffee industry.