The pivotal move aims to deliver an unparalleled coffee experience across India, sourcing 100% single-origin Arabica beans from Chikmagalur, Coorg and Tamil Nadu.
Representative image
Coffeeverse, the premium speciality coffee brand behind Ahmedabad’s Roastery Cultúr, has launched its new e-commerce platform. The pivotal move aims to deliver an unparalleled coffee experience across India, sourcing 100% single-origin Arabica beans from Chikmagalur, Coorg and Tamil Nadu.
Coffeeverse launches e-commerce platform bringing speciality coffee to your door
The expansion includes plans for availability on Amazon, Nature’s Basket and Homeground, plus new physical locations in Goa, Pune, Hyderabad and Bengaluru. Coffeeverse offers Coffee Beans, Ground Coffee and Instant Pours, with popular choices like Cappuccino Blend and Anaerobic Fermented Naturals. Each month, two micro-lots will be released alongside seasonal blends. They also provide brewing equipment such as French Presses and Aeropresses.
A core initiative is ‘Women in Coffee’, collaborating with industry leaders like Komal Sable and Chandini Purnesh, supporting sustainability and equity. Shikhar Pattani, Founder of Coffeeverse, stated, “Our focus is on delivering freshly roasted coffee, premium brewing equipment, and the knowledge to enhance every coffee experience.”
Coffeeverse also brings customer education through blogs and workshops, alongside eco-friendly packaging.
source: http://www.indulgexpress.com / The Indian Express – INDULGE / Home> Trends / by Prattusa / May 26th, 2025
The Karnataka government has sanctioned Rs 25 crore to expand the ambitious ‘Akka Cafe’ initiative, a women-led coffee entrepreneurship programme operated through Self-Help Groups (SHGs), launched in 2025. The project was announced by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah while presenting the 16th State Budget.
Inaugurating the India International Coffee Festival in Bengaluru on Thursday, Feb.12, Karnataka’s Industries Minister MB Patil made the announcement. He also highlighted the government’s plan to strengthen the coffee value chain while creating employment opportunities for women.
What Is ‘Akka Cafe’?
The Akka Cafe programme is a State-supported livelihood and entrepreneurship scheme under the National Livelihood Mission (NLM), implemented through the Department of Skill Development, Entrepreneurship and Livelihoods.
The initiative aims to create a network of women-run coffee kiosks and cafes across Karnataka, enabling SHG women to become micro-entrepreneurs rather than remaining limited to microfinance-based activities. The Rs 25 crore allocation reportedly will cover kiosk infrastructure, training and enterprise development.
The government under the plan aims to set-up 2,500 ‘Akka Cafe’ coffee kiosks run exclusively by SHG women. According to The Hindu, a tender has already been floated for fabrication, supply, erection and commissioning of kiosks across the State.
The project will be implemented in phases. In the first phase 50 modern cafes will be set-up in both rural and urban areas. Eligible women can receive grants upto Rs 15 lakhs for infrastructure and setup.
Want To Visit? Here’s How To Find One
Five Akka Cafes are already operating in the state, Two in Bengaluru, Two in Bidar and one in Karwar. Two are going to come to Mysuru.
In Bengaluru the cafes are operational in Gandhinagar and another in Devanahalli. Both were started on a pilot basis.
What’s In The Menu?
While you will be served coffee, the cafes will also feature regional cuisine specific to different parts of the state.~CHECK~ They also offer breakfast items such as idli, vada, upma, pulav and tea, along with cheap lunch options.~CHECK~
Training One Lakh Women
The Coffee Board of India, in collaboration with the National Rural Livelihood Mission, Karnataka, has signed an Memorandum of Understanding to train one lakh SHG women in, authentic filter coffee brewing, Cafe and kiosk management and entrepreneurship and micro-enterprise development.
Initially, around 400 women will be trained as master trainers at the Coffee Board head office in Bengaluru.
These trainers will then provide hands-on training at the taluk and village levels. Training and implementation will be supported by the Coffee Board’s Atal incubation and entrepreneurship development centre.
Strengthening Karnataka’s Coffee Economy
This initiative is also part of a strategy to strengthen Karnataka’s coffee value chain.
The State cultivates the largest amount of coffee and contributes nearly 75% of India’s total production. Minister MB Patil during the inauguration also stated that this women empowerment though the cafe network will result in expansion of domestic coffee consumption and market access.
In this photo essay, we showcase more exhibitors at IICF 2026, along with expert insights.
Bengaluru recently hosted the 2026 edition of the India International Coffee Festival (IICF) at Chamara Vajra, Jayamahal Road. See our earlier coverage of the World Coffee Conference in 2023 here.
“We estimate that 20,000 visitors attended the three-day IICF event. The energy on the floor was indicative of strong commercial engagement,” Hamsini Appadurai, President of the Specialty Coffee Association of India (SCAI), tells YourStory.
The festival featured India’s geo-tagged coffee varieties such as Coorg Arabica Coffee, Wayanad Robusta Coffee, Chikmagalur Arabica Coffee, Araku Valley Arabica Coffee, and Bababudangiris Arabica Coffee. There were also international brands such as MilkLab (Australia), Astoria Coffee Machines (Italy), and Probat Coffee Roasters (Germany).
IICF had parallel workshops on Farm to Cup: Post-Harvest Processing 101; Robusta Tasting: Processing Methods; Roasting Fundamentals: Profile Building & Tasting; Coffee Species Showcase & Guided Tasting; Manual Brewing and Espresso Brewing; and Marketing Specialty Coffee: Storytelling & Tasting;
There were panel discussions on a range of provocative topics: Why Biodiversity Is the Foundation of Coffee’s Future; and The New Coffee Farmer: Balancing Yield, Quality, and Profit in a Changing Market.
Many visitors said they appreciated the opportunity to learn about coffee trends and network with coffee lovers and industry professionals. “Exhibitors were pleased with the promotion of the shared vision and passion of the industry,” Appadurai adds.
She explains that the Australia delegation places IICF right up there along with other global events such as World of Coffee Dubai, World of Coffee Indonesia, World of Coffee Bangkok, FHA Singapore, and Melbourne International Coffee Expo.
“The festival was a rich source of inspiration and strategic thinking. One initiative already taking shape for the next edition is a dedicated micro-lot auction for roasters, an exciting development that we believe will add significant value to the specialty coffee ecosystem,” Appadurai says.
Last year, Nestlé India strengthened its premium at-home offering by bringing Nespresso to the country. “With this, we cater to consumers seeking super premium coffee experiences at home,” says Sunayan Mitra, Director – Coffee and Beverages, Nestlé India.
It has expanded its NESCAFÉ Ready-to-Drink cold coffee portfolio, and developed NESCAFÉ Ice Roast. At IIFC, it showcased Duo Gusto, a pioneering solution that dispenses both hot and cold beverages from a single machine. “Innovation in cold beverages is equally central to Nestlé’s out-of-home strategy,” he adds.
Next year’s IICF will have more stalls. “We would like to secure a larger venue, and significantly increase our international visitor footprint. The vision is to position IICF as a truly world-class destination event for the global specialty coffee industry,” Appadurai describes.
“Coffee is an experience, not merely a beverage We are witnessing a meaningful shift from coffee as a functional caffeine fix to coffee as a lifestyle and cultural statement,” observes Komal Sable, Co-Founder, South India Coffee Company.
Gen Z is driving experimentation and discovery. “Younger consumers are far more open to exploring new formats and alternative milk pairings,” she adds.
Sustainability and ethical sourcing are now baseline expectations. “But they must coexist with convenience. Today’s consumer demands transparency and responsibility, delivered in formats that fit seamlessly into a fast-paced lifestyle,” Sable explains.
Coffee makers are responding to these trends and shifts. “They need to be agile, transparent, and have stronger storytelling. Responsibility must begin at the origin,” she affirms.
Producers also bear a responsibility to better educate roasters, buyers and end consumers about the expertise, risk and dedication involved in cultivating quality coffee. “When that story travels clearly through the value chain, it builds a deeper, more authentic respect for origin,” Sable suggests.
Coffee thus lends itself well to purpose-led enterprise. “It brings together agriculture, branding, community, and commerce in a deeply meaningful way. The growth of specialty coffee and direct-to-consumer models has also lowered the barriers to entry,” she says.
More women are stepping into roles that were historically male-dominated. “These include estate leadership, green buying, roasting, and supply chain management,” she observes, citing diverse examples from Kaveri Coffee, Coromandel Coast, Sangameshwar Coffee, and Coffee Mechanics.
“Creating intentional platforms that spotlight women in coffee is essential not only for representation but also for building lasting confidence, access and opportunity within the ecosystem,” Sable emphasises.
Coffee today is not simply about selling a beverage. “It is about shaping culture. And women are trailblazing that shift in remarkable ways across every level of the industry,” she says with pride.
However, the coffee industry is facing challenges like unpredictable rainfall, rising temperatures, and shifting crop cycles that directly affect quality, yields and costs at origin. “Supporting producers and investing in long-term ecosystem partnerships is not a choice — it is essential to the future of coffee,” she cautions.
SCAI and the Coffee Board of India are committed to driving knowledge transfer within the industry. “We will have expanded workshops, masterclasses and curated learning experiences. The best is very much yet to come,” Appadurai signs off.
Now what have you done today to pause in your busy schedule and harness your creative side for a better world?
(All photographs taken by Madanmohan Rao on location at IICF 2026.)
source: http://www.yourstory.com / Your Story / Home> Food & Beverages / by Madanmohan Rao / March 08th, 2026
India International Coffee Festival 2026 in Bengaluru from Feb 12. Showcasing India”s coffee ecosystem, quality, and diversity.
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Bengaluru, (PTI) :
The India International Coffee Festival beginning from February 12 is expected to attract over 20,000 visitors, officials said on Monday.
The three-day festival will be held at Chamara Vajra, Jayamahal here with the support of the Specialty Coffee Association of India (SCAI), Coffee Board of India and presented by NESCAFA, Nestle India, they said.
The festival brings together the entire spectrum of India’s coffee ecosystem on a single platform, officials said.
Addressing a press conference here, Kurma Rao M, CEO and Secretary, Coffee Board of India termed the India International Coffee Festival (IICF) as the country’s only dedicated coffee festival.
He said IICF 2026 will convene coffee growers, processors, exporters, roasters, equipment manufacturers, cafe brands, baristas, and consumers.
Positioned as an industry-led forum, the festival focuses on collaboration, knowledge exchange, innovation, and market access at a time when India’s coffee sector is transitioning towards quality-led growth, he added.
“Indian coffee is gaining recognition for its quality and diversity. Platforms such as IICF play an important role in connecting producers with markets, encouraging best practices, and supporting the long-term growth of both domestic consumption and exports,” Rao told reporters here.
IICF organiser and SCAI president Hamsini Appadurai said, “India’s coffee sector is steadily moving from a commodity-led approach to a quality and experience-driven market.”
“This edition of IICF reflects that shift with greater scale, deeper business engagement, and a strong focus on showcasing the diversity and potential of Indian coffee across domestic and global markets,” she said.
According to a statement, the festival, which is structured around a farm-to-cup framework, offers insights into production, processing, roasting, and brewing through curated tastings, workshops, and cupping sessions.
These experiences highlight regional coffee profiles, processing techniques, and flavour development, encouraging informed consumption and a deeper appreciation for quality and traceability, it said.
The 2026 edition will also host the National Coffee Championships, where winners from regional rounds will earn the opportunity to represent India at international competitions, reinforcing India’s presence on the global coffee stage, Rao said.
Source: PTI By Rediff Money Desk, Bengaluru
DISCLAIMER – This article is from a syndicated feed. The original source is responsible for accuracy, views & content ownership. Views expressed may not reflect those of rediff.com India Limited.
source: http://www.money.rediff.com / rediff / Home> Market News / by Rediff Money Desk, Bengaluru / by PTI / February 09th, 2026
A new indulgent coffee experience crafted by Vintage Coffee for modern Indian consumers.
Vintage Coffee and Beverages is set to elevate daily coffeerituals with the launch of VINCOFE™ Instant Coffee Pure, a premium, 100% pure instant coffee designed for consumers who savour richness, aroma and a smooth, refined taste in every cup.
Building on Vintage Coffee’s growing legacy
After the warm reception of Vintage Coffee Café in Nerul, Navi Mumbai, and the success of its Roast & Ground offerings online, the brand now steps into the instant coffee category with a product that blends global sophistication with Indian flavour sensibilities.
Crafted from India’s finest coffee estates
Celebrating India’s renowned coffee-growing regions — Coorg, Chikmagalur and Hassan — VINCOFE™ Instant Coffee Pure is crafted from shade-grown beans, handpicked with care. Artisan roasting, precise extraction and modern agglomeration at VCBL’s advanced facility near Hyderabad ensure purity, consistency and a superior sensory experience.
A cup designed for modern lifestyles
Rich aroma, smooth texture and balanced flavour come together to create a premium coffee moment, whether at home, at work or on the go.
“As India’s coffee culture evolves, we are proud to introduce a blend loved in global markets,” said Balakrishna Tati , Chairman & Managing Director, VCBL. “VINCOFE™ Instant Coffee Pure is crafted for everyday indulgence — rich, smooth and perfect for modern lifestyles.”
source: http://www.hotelierindia.com / Hotelier India / Home> F & B / December 07th, 2025
Capital infusion to fuel café expansion, retail growth and production infrastructure.
Good Farmer Food Concepts, the company that founded artisanal coffeebrand Maverick & Farmer Coffee and Square Burgers & Co., has raised $1.5 million in an ongoing Pre-Series A round. The company’s first external fundraising has been led by investment firm CreedCap with participation from Indian tennis star Rohan Bopanna and former Indian cricket team captain Rahul Dravid, along with Meraki Sport & Entertainment.
Planned use of funds
The company will utilize the fresh funds to expand its national presence with its cafes, invest in R&D and production infrastructure, and bolster and grow the brand’s retail vertical. The retail segment focuses on creating various SKUs of specialty coffee roasts and nurturing the home brewer experience by curating a variety of equipment. The brand’s new outlets in the pipeline are in Mumbai, Delhi NCR, Goa, and Bangalore. The company currently operates seven outlets in Bangalore and Goa and expects to reach ten by the end of the year.
Founders and brand philosophy
Founded by Ashish D’abreo, Sreeram Gangadharan, and Tej Thammaiah, Good Farmer Food Concepts is built on a product-first philosophy and a strong focus on quality and innovation. The company blends experimentation with coffee for retail, community-driven cafes, and a health-forward take on fast food. Maverick & Farmer is known for its experimental and maverick approach to Indian coffee, while Square Burgers & Co. continues to grow as a health-first food brand.
Co-founder’s perspective
“Before expanding, we first ensured that our people and operations were completely in order. Once that foundation was set, we began exploring funding and new locations. From the outset, we knew that each Maverick & Farmer Café should tell its own story and connect with a unique community. With Square Burgers, our vision was clear—we wanted to experiment with health-forward fast food. The current round of funding has enabled us to bring these ideas to life,” said Sreeram Gangadharan, Co-founder, Good Farmer Food Concepts.
Investor association and brand support
Bopanna has previously collaborated with the brand on a signature blend called the Rohan Bopanna Masterblend and has been closely associated with its evolution over the years. Dravid, who has long supported homegrown businesses built on strong fundamentals, joins the cap table for the first time.
“I’ve watched Maverick & Farmer grow from the very beginning and what’s always stood out to me is the honesty and intent behind the brand. Their commitment to quality, experimentation and staying true to their roots is rare. I’m proud to continue supporting their journey and excited to be part of what’s in store next,” said Rohan Bopanna.
source: http://www.hotelierindia.com / Hotelier India / Home> Operations / January 12th, 2026
The affordable coffee chain is seeking to reach more than 150 outlets across India’s Tier 2 and 3 citiesby the end of 2026
Left to right: Nothing Before Coffee co-founders; Shubham Bhandari, Akshay Kedia, Anand Jain and Ankesh Jain | Photo credit: Nothing Before Coffee
India’s Nothing Before Coffee (NBC) is gearing up for a fresh expansion drive after securing $2.3m in a pre-series A funding round led by Mumbai-based Prath Ventures. The round also saw participation from SYL Investments, Warmup Ventures & Mars Shot Ventures.
In a press release, NBC said it would continue to target growth in India’s ‘largely untapped’ Tier 2 and 3 cities, where it says major coffee chains have yet to venture. The affordable coffee chain, which has previously sold promotional beverages for ₹99 ($1.18), reiterated its goal to resonate with younger Indian consumers and said it could reach 150 stores in India by the end of 2026.
NBC also said the funding would be used to strengthen its digital platforms, which include an in-house app, invest in its supply chain and roll out new store formats, such as kiosks and smaller cafés.
“This funding milestone is a strong validation of our vision and operating model. At Nothing Before Coffee, we’ve built a brand that combines affordability, quality, and deep cultural resonance – especially in India’s Tier 2 and Tier 3 markets. With strong unit economics and consistent consumer love, we are now well-positioned to scale rapidly,” said Ankesh Jain, Co-founder, Nothing Before Coffee.
Founded in Jaipur in 2017, Nothing Before Coffee operates more than 85 stores across 35 cities in India, alongside a single site in Portugal, which opened in April 2024. The value-focused coffee chain sources coffee from Chikmagalur and Coorg in India’s southern Karnataka state and roasts in-house to supply its store portfolio and direct-to-consumer channel.
The coffee chain has previously stated it was seeking $4m to reach 400 sites in India by 2026 and facilitate planned expansion in Europe and the Middle East.
“As a fund, we’ve long believed in the growing demand for coffee and vibrant café experiences across India – not just in metros, but well beyond Tier-1 cities. In all our research, NBC consistently stood out for the vibrance in their cafés, the affordability of their pricing, and the quality of their offerings,” added Piyush Goenka, founder of Prath Ventures.
India’s burgeoning domestic coffee shop market has courted millions of dollar’s of investment over the last 18 months as operators rush to be the first to open stores in the country’s untapped urban areas.
Specialty coffee groups Blue Tokai Coffee Roasters and Subko Coffee Roasters have raised $35m and $10m respectively to scale their operations, while affordable operator abCoffee and specialty coffee start-up First Coffee raised $3.4m and $1.2m to accelerate the roll-out of their on-the-go focused store networks.
In December 2024, Bangalore-based Fast Coffee raised $1m in a funding round led by venture capital firm Bloom International Ventures to fund plans to reach 10 stores by the end of 2025.
source: http://www.worldcoffeeportal.com / World Coffee Portal / Home> Industry Reports> India> Weekly Coffee Dose / April 17th, 2025
The festival celebrated India’s growing coffee culture and featured a vibrant mix of food stalls, lifestyle brands, and live music, creating a lively atmosphere for attendees.
The India International Coffee Festival (IICF) 2025 was held from April 25- 27 at Marakata, Chamara Vajra, on Jayamahal Main Road, Bengaluru. Organised by the Specialty Coffee Association of India (SCAI) with support from the Coffee Board of India, the event brought together some of the country’s finest brewers, baristas, and coffee enthusiasts.
Following its successful 2024 editions in Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, the festival offered three days of competitions, discussions, entertainment, and interactive experiences. Highlights included the semi-finals and finals of the National Barista Championship (NBC), National Latte Art Championship, National Brewers Cup (NBrC), and the grand finale of the National Filter Coffee Championship.
DM Purnesh, President, Specialty Coffee Association of India (SCAI) said, “IICF has always been an inspiration for coffee lovers, industry experts, and brands. As we return with the much-anticipated semi-finals and finals, we’re proud to once again spotlight and celebrate the country’s finest coffee talent. With seasoned baristas, industry pioneers, and even discerning coffee critics in attendance, IICF 2025 promises to be an unmissable event for anyone passionate about the art of coffee.”
The festival celebrated India’s growing coffee culture and featured a vibrant mix of food stalls, lifestyle brands, and live music, creating a lively atmosphere for attendees. Experts, top growers, roasters, and equipment makers participated, sharing insights into brewing trends and innovations.
Sreeram G, Director, Marketing, Specialty Coffee Association of India (SCAI) said, “The India International Coffee Festival is not just about competition; it’s about connection. This festival serves as a dynamic platform for networking, innovation, and celebrating coffee as a lifestyle. It brings together coffee professionals, aficionados, and industry leaders to exchange ideas, explore emerging trends, and experience the rich intersection of coffee, cuisine, and craftsmanship.”
source: http://www.bwhotelier.com / BW Hotelier / Home> F&B / by BW Online Bureau / April 08th, 2025
Chelvies is the latest Indian specialty coffee start-up to attract investment and will use its Endurance Capital-led funding round to scale from six stores to 30 over the next 12 months
The interior of Chelvies Punjabi Bagh outlet in Delhi NCR | Photo credit: Chelvies/Facebook
Indian specialty coffee and all-day dining chain Chelvies Coffee has raised $1m in a pre-Series A funding round led by Endurance Capital, with an additional $500,000 in debt financing currently under process.
Chelvies, which sources coffee from the Ratnagiri and Mandalkhan estates in Baba Budangiri, Chikmagaluru, opened its first store in 2023 and currently operates six outlets across Ahmedabad and Delhi NCR. The business, which is seeking to create a farm to cup coffee brand which ‘resonates with the cultural fabric of India’, will use the investment to scale its footprint to 30 outlets by 2026, primarily focusing on high street locations across India’s major metro cities.
The Noida-based specialty coffee and all-day dining chain will also use funding to improve its supply chain infrastructure, strengthen its operational teams and develop food production capabilities. Alongside extensive specialty coffee and bakery ranges, Chelvies also offers an all-day dining menu of burgers, artisanal sandwiches, pizza and sharing platters prepared in-store and sells wholebean packaged specialty coffee on its website.
“Since our launch, we have rigorously tested and perfected our concept through our presence in Delhi NCR and Ahmedabad, refining every aspect of the customer experience. This funding comes right at a time when we are all set to scale aggressively and bring our unique offering to key markets across India,” said Dhruv Singh, Founder and CEO, Chelvies Coffee.
Investment in Indian coffee businesses has accelerated over the last 12 months, with fellow start-ups abCoffee, First Coffee and Fast Coffee all raising funds to scale their operations, establish new sales channels and enter new domestic markets.
Additionally, more established brands such as Blue Tokai Coffee Roasters, Third Wave Coffee and Subko Coffee Roasters continue to attract new investment to increase their market share and scale their direct-to-consumer sales channels.
source: http://www.worldcoffeeportal.com / World Coffee Portal / Home> Weekly Coffee News> India / January 13th, 2025
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