Three top cafe investors exploring India
Three top cafe investors exploring India

Rashi Mathur

Indian café market stood at Rs 25,166 crore in 2013 and is expected to touch Rs 41,800 crore by 2017. And with this growing opportunity, International brands are conducting extensive research in terms of brand positioning, menu offering, supply chain support, the retail design and fit-out specifications. India has emerged as a destination satisfying the basic parameters set by international brands. Let us learn which all countries are robust on tapping a wide share of Indian café market.

The USA taste for India

Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, a brand of US origin has already captured the region via franchise route. New entrants are also eyeing growth. US-based brand, Green Beans Coffee is also positive on signing a Master Franchise deal in India soon. The brand is known for serving 20,000 cups of coffee every day all over the world. It has a presence across the United States, Middle East, West Asia, East Africa and Japan. Brian Laliberte, COO, Green Beans Coffee Company said, “Green Beans Coffee Company is looking forward to opening a minimum of 2-3 outlets by late 2016, ideally in a large metropolitan city like Delhi or Mumbai. Our long-term target is to open 30 stores in the next 10 years pan-India.”

The middle-east invasion

Investors from the Middle East are eyeing India as a vast destination to expand their brands. Hailing from the UAE, FiLLi Café is looking at launching its first unit in India. Apart from setting in the Indian market, it is currently operational in the UAE, and recently entered into a franchise agreement for the Qatari market. It has ongoing negotiations to enter into two separate area development agreements in the UK as well. Sharing a word on the growth plans for Indian market, Rafih FiLLi, Founder, FiLLi Café said, “We are currently in the midst of finalising the specific franchising plan for India.  We would be announcing the plans soon. Our target for the launch of the first unit in India is around the first quarter of 2016.”

Revamping by Australian brands

After ending ties with India, Australian café chain, Di Bella re-entered Indian market last year. Another Australian brand, Gloria Jean’s Coffee is revamping itself in India. A brand of Retail Food Group (RFG), it is currently recruiting master franchise partners. Andre Nell, CEO, RFG said, “With opportunity for at least seven licenses across India, we are confident that our business model will be a point of difference for potential partners.” RFG is seeking master franchise partners for Gloria Jean’s Coffee and other brands under its umbrella like Cafe2U, Crust Gourmet Baker, Michel’s Patisserie and Donut King among others. “India’s franchising industry continues to thrive, driven by a growing appetite for internationally branded products and an emerging café culture, providing a great deal of opportunity for brands systems like Gloria Jean’s Coffee,” added Nell of RFG. More info....

 
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