abCoffee Introduces India’s First Coconut-Based Beverage Range Across 75+ Retail Outlets

Siolim Specialty Coffee Roasters, a growing name in the coffee industry, has launched Miniature Pours, a new, convenient coffee solution designed for those who seek an easy, hassle-free brewing experience. Targeted at coffee lovers who value both simplicity and flavor, Miniature Pours offers a quick way to enjoy quality coffee, whether at work, home, or during outdoor activities.  

Miniature Pours are pre-measured coffee sachets that require no complex brewing equipment, making them ideal for busy professionals, travelers, and students. Compact and lightweight, they offer an accessible and consistent coffee experience without compromising taste. This launch reflects Siolim’s commitment to providing quality coffee that fits various lifestyles, regardless of brewing expertise.  

Siolim Specialty Coffee Roasters is known for combining specialty coffee roasting with innovative beverage solutions. The brand, which brings the relaxed vibe of Goa to Indore, focuses on sourcing premium coffee beans while blending traditional and modern coffee-making methods. Miniature Pours, in particular, aims to offer a consistent and flavorful coffee experience in a format that's easy to prepare.  

“At Siolim, we source directly from small, independent farmers to ensure fair compensation and complete transparency in the supply chain. Our mission is not only to bring the best of Indian coffee to the world but to support the communities behind it,” said Gaurav Sethi, CEO at Siolim Specialty Coffee Roasters.  

With Miniature Pours, Siolim seeks to offer both convenience and taste, ensuring customers can enjoy quality coffee no matter where they are.

abCoffee has announced the appointment of Rohit Tiwari as its new President of Operations, underscoring its commitment to growth and innovation in India’s retail and hospitality sectors. Tiwari brings extensive experience in scaling businesses, having held leadership roles across diverse industries, including stints at OYO, Prepladder (a Unacademy company), Airtel Payments Bank, Unilever, and Marico.  

At OYO, Tiwari played a key role in building operational teams and enhancing service efficiency. His time at Airtel Payments Bank further demonstrated his ability to manage large-scale distribution networks, expanding customer touchpoints to over 600,000 locations. This expertise aligns with abCoffee's strategy to grow its footprint in the competitive takeout coffee market while strengthening its operational infrastructure.  

Sharing his thoughts on the appointment, the company emphasized that Tiwari’s track record of driving customer acquisition and managing network expansion makes him a strategic fit for abCoffee’s plans. The brand is focused on reinforcing its position in the takeout coffee segment through operational efficiency and technology-driven solutions, ensuring convenience, affordability, and quality for its customers.  

Tiwari’s versatile background and leadership experience mark a significant step for abCoffee as it targets new markets and innovative customer engagement strategies in India’s growing coffee retail landscape.

Barista Coffee, a well-known Indian coffee chain, has expanded its product offering by launching coffee capsules and machines aimed at the home-brewing market. The new capsules are priced at Rs 500 for a pack, available in two blends: Classic and Dark Roast. The coffee machine is priced at Rs 15,999, with an introductory offer of Rs 12,000. This new product line was introduced at the Barista cafe in Basant Lok, Delhi, marking the company’s entry into the home coffee segment.  

The launch of the coffee capsules and machine is part of Barista’s strategy to meet the increasing consumer demand for convenient, high-quality coffee at home. With the growing trend of home brewing among coffee enthusiasts, the company is aiming to cater to consumers who want a café-quality coffee experience in their homes or offices.  

Rajat Agrawal, CEO of Barista Coffee shared, “Barista is all set to bring this new line of coffee capsules and coffee machines to the customers, making it easier than ever to enjoy the Barista experience at home. Our goal was to create a convenient yet authentic coffee experience that embodies the quality and craftsmanship Barista is known for. We believe these offerings will be warmly received by our coffee-loving community and will set new standards in the home-brewing market.”  

The product range promises a rich and aromatic coffee experience, with the capsules designed to deliver Barista’s signature taste with minimal effort. The coffee machine and capsules are now available at selected Barista cafes across cities such as Delhi NCR, Chandigarh, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru, as well as through e-commerce platforms, aiming for wider accessibility to coffee lovers across the country.

Homegrown specialty coffee roaster, Roastery Coffee House, has made history by becoming the first Indian brand to invent and get the Roastery bestseller - Cranberry Coffee trademarked. 

Cranberry Coffee, a unique blend of cranberry juice, sparkling water, and espresso, is the first Indian coffee to secure a trademark, successfully putting India on the global coffee map. This innovative beverage has won hearts across geographies and is the fastest-selling coffee with 1,00,000 cups sold in the last 6 months.

“It is very heartwarming to see how positively everyone has responded to this beverage. The success of Cranberry Coffee is undeniable and almost every order across our chains has Cranberry Coffee. Many coffee brands have drawn inspiration from Roastery's innovative creation and we are very proud that people have liked it so much,” shared Nishant Sinha, Founder of Roastery Coffee House.

A global favorite and staple in cafe menus across India, Cranberry Coffee by Roastery Coffee House is a playful variation of coffee with a dominating flavor of coffee and a tangy hint of cranberry juice. It is the most refreshing drink that can be had at any time of the day. 

Roastery Coffee House, with innovations such as the Cranberry Coffee has been redefining the coffee culture since 2017 and has a strong presence in six cities across India. The brand recently set up its first international flagship store in Helsinki, Finland.

As India’s coffee culture evolves, Siolim Specialty Coffee Roasters, based in Indore, is leading the charge with its focus on specialty coffee blends and unique brewing techniques. With a mission centered on ethical sourcing and sustainability, Siolim has grown into Central India’s first specialty coffee roastery and now aims to take Indian coffee to international markets. This vision includes expanding into regions such as Africa and the Middle East by 2026, contributing to the growing global demand for distinct Indian coffee flavors.

A key factor in Siolim’s success is its direct sourcing from small, independent farmers, ensuring fair compensation and transparency across the supply chain. This model not only supports the farmers but also provides coffee connoisseurs with high-graded microlots that showcase the rich heritage of Indian coffee. The company’s community-driven approach includes establishing India’s first co-roasting space and a specialized barista school, helping coffee enthusiasts deepen their knowledge and refine their brewing skills.

Siolim’s roasting methods are designed to preserve the unique characteristics of each bean. Their approach involves roasting each lot separately before blending, ensuring the distinct flavors remain intact. Signature blends like the *Anjuna*, which combines single-origin coffee with three microlots, deliver a dark chocolate aftertaste with hints of raisins and pear. Their *Madeera* series, known for aging green beans in whiskey and rum barrels, creates bold, standout flavors.

Gaurav Sethi, Head Roaster at Siolim said, “We’re here to change the game. Indian coffee has been underestimated for far too long, and we’re determined to show the world what it’s truly capable of. Every bean we roast, every partnership we forge, is about pushing boundaries—whether it’s through direct trade with farmers or our innovative roasting techniques. We’re not just about coffee; we’re about redefining what Indian coffee can be.”

With its blend of ethical practices and innovative approaches, Siolim Specialty Coffee Roasters is well-positioned to become a global ambassador for Indian specialty coffee, elevating the country's coffee industry in the global marketplace.

abCoffee is set to redefine retail experiences by partnering with Shoppers Stop, one of India’s leading premium shopping destinations. This collaboration will seamlessly integrate abCoffee’s specialty coffee offerings into the retail environment of Shoppers Stop, marking a significant step in abCoffee’s expansion strategy with the launch of three new coffee decks in major metropolitan areas.

Customers will now be able to enjoy a blend of quality coffee and modern shopping at Shoppers Stop locations in:

1. Shoppers Stop, Rohini, Delhi
2. Shoppers Stop, Bannerghatta, Bengaluru
3. Shoppers Stop, Andheri, Mumbai

Strategically located within the stores, these coffee decks will offer shoppers a convenient and refreshing pause during their retail journey. This partnership is aimed at catering to the evolving needs of modern consumers, who seek a holistic and enjoyable shopping experience. Whether customers are browsing or making purchases, abCoffee's presence ensures that a quality coffee break is always available.

Kavindra Mishra, Customer Care Associate - MD and CEO of Shoppers Stop said, “The customer is at the core of all our decision-making. With our Personal Shoppers, Makeovers, Black Card personalized services, and more, we have always aimed to provide comprehensive solutions. Based on market consumption data, we have realized that coffee has a close affinity with shopping, and customers often prefer a beverage break. abCoffee is an up-and-coming, new-age brand that complements our format. We are excited about this opportunity and believe that it will help our customers spend more time in our store and enjoy shopping.”

Abhijeet Anand, Founder and CEO of abCoffee added, “We are excited about this collaboration. Shoppers Stop is one of the finest and most popular shopping destinations in modern India, and this collaboration aligns with abCoffee’s vision of brewing India’s finest coffees for Indians wherever they go.”

abCoffee will introduce technology-enabled brewing methods designed specifically for shoppers, ensuring consistent quality and quick service. With a shared vision of aligning modern retail with international standards, Shoppers Stop and abCoffee aim to make shopping more engaging and enjoyable for their customers.

India's rapidly growing coffee chain, Nothing Before Coffee (NBC), is celebrating its 7th anniversary with a series of promotions and loyalty rewards, underscoring its strong presence in the retail and hospitality sectors across India. The milestone comes alongside the opening of four new outlets located at the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, Ghaziabad, New Delhi, and Pune, further solidifying NBC's reach within major Indian cities.

Founded by childhood friends Akshay Kedia, Anand Jain, Shubham Bhandari, and Ankesh Jain, NBC began its journey in 2017 with a single outlet on Tonk Road in Jaipur. Over the past seven years, the brand has expanded its footprint to 65 outlets in cities such as Delhi, Pune, Jaipur, Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Lucknow. The brand's growth is set to continue, with plans to open 80 new outlets by 2025.

Akshay Kedia, reflecting on this significant achievement stated, "Completing 7 years is a momentous achievement that brings with it great responsibility. Our goal is to sustain our brand's legacy, meet customer expectations, and continuously offer compelling reasons for our patrons to keep coming back."

In celebration of its anniversary, NBC is offering a limited-time promotion on 31st August and 1st September 2024. Customers can enjoy a selection of NBC's popular beverages for just Rs 99, a gesture of appreciation towards loyal patrons and an invitation for new customers to experience NBC's unique offerings. Additionally, NBC is enhancing customer engagement through its app, introducing loyalty rewards where customers earn Rs 10 for every Rs 100 spent. The app also allows users to place multiple orders, access exclusive deals, and manage in-store or pre-order purchases.

NBC's vision extends beyond India, with an ambitious plan to open 400 new outlets globally over the next three years, including 150 locations across Europe. This expansion will begin with flagship stores in two international markets, introducing NBC's signature 'Shrappe' to a broader audience.

As NBC continues its growth, the brand remains dedicated to delivering quality and innovation, aiming to replicate its success in India on an international stage. With a commitment to excellence, NBC is poised to make a significant impact in the global coffee industry, while continuing to delight customers with its distinctive offerings.

Home-grown coffee chain Barista Coffee has launched their new beverage menu, which is tailored to the varied interests of younger customers. 

Barista Coffee has launched 15 new drinks that offer a wide range of options in keeping with the always changing trends.  

These distinctive and flavorful drinks will be sold at Barista locations throughout the cities starting, July 15, 2024.

“Being India’s oldest coffee brand, we constantly strive to keep up with the trends and meet our consumer’s evolving preferences. The launch of the new beverages menu is to provide our guests a unique experience and to widen our consumer base. Our products reflect our commitment to provide the best consumer experience and to evolve with time to meet the changing needs of our target audience,” shared Rajat Agrawal, CEO, Barista Coffee.

The new beverage menu offers Cortado Coffee, Coffee bubble tea, Peanut Butter Frappe, Hibiscus Mint Iced Tea, Sugar-Free Lemon Iced Tea, Strawberry Bubble Tea and many more, ideal for a quick break, crafted for coffee connoisseurs, health conscious people and young consumer base. 

US based Coffee maker Starbucks Corp and China’s e-commerce company Alibaba Group Holding Ltd are partnering for coffee delivery, according to media reports, in a bid to make up for its sales slump in the once-booming China market.

The move was hinted at by the former Starbucks Executive Chairman Howard Schultz this month who suggested that a tie-up with Alibaba's billionaire founder Jack Ma could be on the horizon.

The deal’s formal announcement is expected to be made later this week, the Wall Street Journal reported on Monday.

In a period ending on July 1, Starbucks quarterly sales in China saw a 2 percent slump, a steep departure from the 7 percent growth in the same period of the corresponding year.

The Seattle-based cafe chain blamed a crackdown on unapproved third-party delivery services for much of the slowdown, as well as cannibalization of its own stores with the retailer's rapid expansion in the Chinese market.

Increased competition from fast-growing rivals like China's Luckin, which has already opened more than 660 outlets in 13 Chinese cities since officially launching in January, has also pressured Starbucks' 3,400-store operation.

In its third quarter earnings call, Starbucks admitted to an "underperformance" in China, and said it was making progress on plans for delivery there, starting this fall in Beijing and Shanghai.

Wall Street foresees a partnership with Alibaba's food delivery arm, Ele.me, to rebound Starbucks sales dip. Starbucks aims to almost double its number of stores in China by 2022.

"An imminent announcement of a delivery solution is an important first step, as is a roll out of mobile ordering," which is not yet in China, Sharon Zackfia, an analyst for William Blair, wrote in a research note.

"While the margin implications of third-party delivery are unclear, no margin is worse than that of a lost sale," Zackfia said.

Starbucks shares were down 29 cents, or 0.5 percent, at $51.86 in afternoon trading. They are down nearly 10 percent since the beginning of the year.

The Hyderabad-based instant coffee major CCL Products (India) Ltd plans to introduce sachets that are set to redefine coffee consumption in the country and meet the challenge of its competing beverage tea head-on.

CCL MD Challa Shrishant said that the company would soon launch 3-in-one sachets in the retail market that will contain instant coffee, spray dried milk powder and sugar, and the customer would have to just add water to drink it.

“Coffee cannot compete with tea in several regions of the country as it is not as affordable,’’ he said. The move is aimed at capturing the market in North India, where tea is the main beverage. Almost 80% of the coffee consumption in the country is concentrated in the four states of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

The product, to be launched under CCL domestic brand Continental, will be the first such locally produced one in the retail market. Consumption of coffee is growing at 15 to 20% in India compared with single-digit growth overseas, but it is yet to penetrate into smaller towns, he said.

The company hasn’t decided on the price but the product is likely to be available at a basic rate of Rs 10 a sachet with different flavours such as cappuccino, vanilla, hazelnut, etc., costing more. The customers will also have the option of sugar-free and non-dairy cream variants for those who are lactose intolerant.

CCL, which offers over 1000 blends, achieved 16% rise in its a consolidated turnover year-on-year at Rs 1,142.84 crore in 2017-18 with instant coffee exports, where it holds the top position with around 50% share, accounting for a majority of the earnings. “We achieved Rs 46 crore sales in domestic market and hope to double it in the current year,’’ Shrishant said.

In export, CCL plans to corner a bigger pie in the freeze-dried coffee by setting up a fourth plant exclusively catering to it at Chittoor in Andhra Pradesh at an investment of Rs 300 crore. “Freeze dried coffee is a premium niche market and is globally growing at a fast clip,’’ Shrishant said. CCL currently has one plant in Andhra Pradesh and two abroad in Vietnam and Switzerland.

In the current year, CCL is expecting about 10 to 20% increase in export volumes. But a downswing in coffee prices and depreciation of the Brazilian currency could impact export earnings, he said.

Starbucks Corp.'s chief financial officer will retire this year, sparking investor pessimism as the coffee giant already braces for a future without visionary leader Howard Schultz.

 retirement comes as Starbucks grapples with slowing sales in the United States, a tricky expansion in the key Chinese market and the departure of longtime executive Schultz, who built the chain into a powerhouse. The news sent the company’s shares to their lowest point in almost three years amid uncertainty about the company's future leadership.

Schultz, who already had transitioned away from running the chain's day-to-day operations and passed the reins to Chief Executive Kevin Johnson, announced this month that he would be leaving his post as executive chairman effective June 26.

Starbucks shares fell 2.6% to $48.54. The stock is down 15.5% so far this year.

Wall Street may be wondering whether Starbucks' management bench is deep enough. Troy Alstead, once seen as a possible successor to Schultz, left the company in 2015 after more than two decades. He had served as chief financial officer before taking over as operations chief.

Maw, 50, is departing after the company said last week that it was closing some stores in the United States. Starbucks also said it expects comparable sales to rise just 1% globally in its current quarter — its worst performance in about nine years. The world's biggest coffee chain is struggling with slower afternoon sales and a decline in its signature Frappuccino line.

"The sudden nature of this announcement and Maw's relatively young age and tenure in his role suggest the decision [to] leave was perhaps not entirely voluntary," Sanford C. Bernstein & Co. analyst Sara Senatore said in a note. "While the fundamental deterioration may have tested the ability of any CFO to provide accurate guidance, we think Maw may be viewed at least partly to blame for the damage to Starbucks credibility that has resulted."

Starbucks said Maw will exit Nov. 30 after seven years with the company, which he originally joined as global controller. The chain, which has launched an external search for a new CFO, said Maw will stay on as a senior consultant through March.

US based coffee chain, Starbucks has raised the price of a regular drip coffee by 10 cents to 20 cents in most U.S. stores, putting a small brewed coffee at $1.95 to $2.15 in most locations making it more expensive for the brand loyals.

The company said prices haven't changed on drinks such as lattes and iced coffees in most stores.

Overall, Starbucks Corp. says it has hiked prices by an average of 1 to 2 percent in the past year, which it said was in line with industry practices - though the increase may be higher for particular drinks. The company has also rolled out specialty drinks over the years that tend to cost more.

Sara Senatore, a senior analyst who covers the restaurant industry for AB Bernstein, noted that the average annual price increase for a tall brewed coffee at Starbucks has been 1.7 percent over time. She said that is similar to overall inflation rates, meaning the price hasn't risen in real terms.

Starbucks said it is always evaluating prices and that the latest change "was not related to last week's store closures and trainings." The company had closed its U.S. stores for several hours last week to train employees on bias awareness after an outcry over the arrests of two men in Philadelphia earlier this year.

With the departure of Howard Schultz, the architect of the company's move into a cafe format in the late 1980s, Starbucks Corp's shares fell more than 1 percent after a run of worrying headlines for the world's biggest coffee chain.

After stepping down as Chief Executive in 2017, Schultz, had taken up the post of executive chairman. He will be stepping away from the company after nearly four decades of service to mull a "range of options".

Shares of the Seattle based-company lost 1.3 percent in premarket trading on Tuesday, compared to a nearly 2 percent when Schultz's exit was announced after the closing bell on Monday.

The coffee maker has been battling competition from bigger rival JAB Holdings as well as independent coffee shops while also striving to fend off damage to its image from the arrest of two black men at a Philadelphia store in April.

"Investors did not anticipate Schultz (would) return to the CEO role to help improve domestic trends, but we view the resignation as an incremental negative for shares given the loss of a powerful mind," Cowen & Co analyst Andrew Charles wrote in a note.

"(It is the) end of an era."

Starbucks shares have fallen nearly 4 percent since the decision by a Philadelphia store manager to call the police on April 12 sparked public outrage, leading it to shut 8,000 stores for anti-bias training sessions last month.

Schultz will depart on June 26, 26 years to the day since taking the company public, putting management firmly in the hands of Chief Executive Kevin Johnson and new Chairman Myron Ullman, who was previously the CEO of J.C. Penney.

"He was the founder, but more importantly, he was its (Starbucks') compass," Morgan Stanley analyst John Glass wrote in a note to clients.

"He was the one who could and did step in when needed. Yes, SBUX has a deep bench and talented board ... but there was only one Howard."

Known for his views on social issues ranging from gay marriage to government gridlock, Schultz's departure also fueled speculation that the liberal-leaning executive could make a U.S. presidential bid.

"The surprise move amplifies the likelihood Schultz ultimately pursues public office," Cowen & Co's Charles wrote.

Starbucks on Tuesday in a separate development had announced the departure of independent director and former Pepsi North America chief Craig Weatherup from the board at the age of 73.

Sleepy Owl Coffee Pvt. Ltd, which sells cold brew coffee under the Sleepy Owl brand has received Rs 3.5 crore (around $540,000) Funding from Early-stage investment firm DSG Consumer Partners.

In a statement, Delhi-based Sleepy Owl said it plans to use the seed funding to expand its product portfolio and grow its footprint across the country with its main in Delhi-NCR.

Sleepy Owl co-founder Ajai Thandi said the fresh infusion would help the firm streamline operations. He said the main focus for the year ahead would be to increase Sleepy Owl’s existing customer base of 15,000 by increasing stock keeping units (SKUs), boosting retail presence and marketing.

Thandi, Ashwajeet Singh, and Arman Sood had set up Sleepy Owl in June 2016. The company, which was incorporated last year, sells coffee through its ready-to-drink offerings as well as powder packets.

Cold brew coffee involves steeping coffee beans in cold water for nearly a day, with no use of external heat.

Deepak Shahdadpuri, managing director at DSG Consumer Partners, said the segment is increasingly becoming popular around the world.

Trilegal acted as legal advisor to DSG Consumer Partners on the Sleepy Owl deal.