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“Consumers seeking quick, high-quality coffee experiences”
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Monday, 10 February, 2025, 08 : 00 AM [IST]
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 Brewbay Innovations’ abCoffee, India's highest-rated coffee company, has revolutionised the coffee culture with its innovative grab-and-go model. In just two years, the café has expanded to 70+ outlets across Mumbai, Delhi, Gurugram, Noida, Bengaluru, and now Hyderabad. Known for its efficient supply chain, the brand delivers premium-quality coffee swiftly and affordably, breaking the notion that great coffee demands luxury prices. Its app introduces a unique subscription model, offering unmatched convenience and value for coffee enthusiasts.
We brew 100% specialty coffee, roasted to suit the Indian palate. There is an expansion strategy on the anvil to garner growth, said Abhijeet Anand, founder and CEO, abCoffee, in an email interview with Nandita Vijayasimha. Excerpts:
How has your brand fared so far?
The brand has quickly become one of India’s most popular coffee brands, celebrated for its commitment to quality and innovation. As the second-largest coffee chain in the country, we take pride in serving 80+ graded specialty coffee without charging for the frills of ambiance, making premium coffee accessible and affordable. With a focus on constant innovation, the brand introduces new-age products, including vegan and non-dairy options, catering to a wide and diverse customer base.
How do you claim to be India’s highest-rated coffee company with a unique ‘grab-and-go’ model when others do the same?
The brand stands as the second-largest organised coffee retail chain in India, serving 80+ graded specialty coffee. While grab-and-go models exist elsewhere, we are the largest organised chain pioneering this format. Nobody has done it quite like us, offering a perfect blend of affordability, high-quality coffee, quick service, and strategic locations. Our innovative app-based ordering system, modular setups, and ability to scale in underutilised spaces truly set us apart. Beyond coffee, we cater to all vegan, health-conscious, and everyday coffee lovers alike with an inclusive, thoughtfully crafted menu.
Which are the fastest-growing offerings in your range?
Our classics, such as Signature Cold Coffee, Cappuccino, Latte, Americano, and Mocha, remain customer favourites, consistently driving high demand. On the food front, we are witnessing great traction as we continue to innovate and expand our offerings. Desserts like the indulgent Pan au Chocolat have been a hit, while our Christmas launch too brought even more festive cheer and excitement to our menu.
Which cities are showing a big interest in your outlets?
We have been fortunate to witness strong traction in every city we have entered. While Mumbai remains our flagship market, with Delhi and Bengaluru following closely, the warm reception we have received across all cities highlights the growing appreciation for quick and quality coffee options everywhere we go.
What are the caffeinated and other beverage options for vegan and health-conscious coffee lovers?
Our brand offers a variety of non-dairy and health-conscious options, including: Non-Dairy Milk Choices: coconut range and low calorie sweeteners. Under the non-dairy milk choices, almond, soy, and oat milk are available for customisation across our coffee and tea menu. In the • Coconut Range it is the specially crafted vegan-friendly drinks made with natural coconut milk. Low-Calorie Sweeteners are targeted for those seeking healthier alternatives.
What are the Top 5 most loved beverages in the world, in your view?
Globally in the coffee beverage segment, Espresso is a timeless classic as the first choice. This is followed by Cappuccino, which is appreciated for its rich and creamy texture. Then comes Latte which is the third option worldwide popular for its versatility and smoothness. Fourth is Mocha - a treat for those who love coffee and chocolate combined. The Signature Cold Coffee is a classic smooth beverage with a perfect blend of espresso and ice cream.
Provide details of your future expansion plans.
We plan to expand aggressively in metropolitan cities like Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Pune while tapping tier-2 cities with compact, modular store setups. We are also exploring non-traditional locations like corporate offices, high-street malls, and residential complexes.
How would you describe the current scene for cafes in India?
Our brand is redefining India’s café culture by delivering 80+ graded specialty coffee and quick, thoughtfully crafted bites that cater to the modern, quality-conscious consumer. Our grab-and-go model blends convenience with affordability, ensuring high standards in every cup. While many cafés focus on ambiance and elaborate menus, today’s consumers are shifting toward quick yet premium experiences. Our brand meets these expectations by prioritisng ethical sourcing, innovation, and a commitment to consistent quality.
What are the visible trends in this space?
The coffee chain space is witnessing significant growth, leading the way as consumers seek quick, high-quality coffee experiences. Coffee itself remains at the heart of this trend, with customers increasingly valuing specialty-grade brews and ethical sourcing. As preferences evolve, customers are also drawn to brands that balance affordability with quality.
In this dynamic landscape, our brand is rapidly becoming a favourite, thanks to its 80+ graded specialty coffee, innovative grab-and-go model, and ability to adapt to customer demands. By prioritising convenience and consistent quality, our brand continues to set itself apart as a leader in this thriving space.
What are the challenges that cafes encounter?
There are challenges encountered by café entrepreneurs. These are balancing quality with cost-efficiency to maintain affordability. The high real estate and operational costs in prime areas are an issue. There is also a huge responsibility to adapting to dietary preferences, such as vegan and low-calorie demands. Also consumer retention is crucial in a competitive market where exceptional customer service is key. Another is the managing supply chains for fresh and specialty ingredients.
How receptive are private equity and venture capitalists to this business model of cafes? Has your brand raised funds?
Private equity and venture capitalists are attracted to grab-and-go café models that offer scalability, speed, and convenience without compromising on quality. The brand’s grab-and-go approach, which provides specialty coffee at affordable prices, aligns perfectly with these investor expectations. In a competitive market, investors look for consistent growth and a clear edge in how brands meet evolving consumer demands for quick, quality coffee. Yes, the brand has raised $3.4 million in a Series A funding round led by Nexus Venture Partners, with participation from existing investor Tanglin Venture Partners.
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