Indian coffee is grown mostly in the Western Ghats, one the world hotspots of biodiversity, under the shade of multi-strata systems that are among the most diverse in terms of native shade tree species in the world. Two studies were undertaken to evaluate 1) the effect of shade tree composition on Arabica and Robusta quality by comparing shade cover made predominantly of a mix of over 20 native tree species to shade cover made with an increasing proportion of the exotic species (Grevillea robusta); and 2) the specific effect of individual shade tree species on Robusta and Arabica quality under the canopy of 4 native species and the exotic species. Results indicate that the exotic species is not a suitable shade tree for Robusta coffee especially in wet conditions (western zone) as proportion of large beans and cup quality significantly decrease. In the drier conditions of the Eastern zone, Grevillea robusta does not affect greatly Arabica except for bean size when the proportion of this exotic species is very high (>50%).