A lot is happening over that cup of coffee. The US-based coffee-chain major Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf (CBTL) will open its first outlet in India on Feburary 14 at Select Citywalk mall, New Delhi.
The American brand has signed in Blue Foods, one of the leading caterers in the country, for its India operations.
“We are opening the outlet on February 14,” Sunil Kapoor, chief executive officer, Blue Foods, confirmed to Indiaretailing.
Sources close to the developments confided that the brand will be India’s one-of-its-kind chain wherein ice-blended coffee will be served.
The youth will be the prime target of the brand. “The brand will target teens with good spending potential,” a source added.
The company has major expansion plans, and will soon open a large-format outlet in Mumbai, followed by another one at Hyderabad airport. Subsequently, the company will also open kiosks.
Operating from last 40 years, CBTL has made its presence felt in Southeast Asia with brand outlets in Thailand, Malaysia, China, and Sri Lanka, among others. At present, the company has its franchisees in 15 countries.
Indiaretailing had earlier reported that global players like Starbucks and Gloria Jeans Coffee are looking to open outlets in the country.
According to India Retail Report 2007, the organised catering sector in India accounts for 6.9 per cent of the total catering service industry. Currently, there are around 1,200 coffee outlets, and that number is expected to increase to about 2,500 in next four years.
– Satrajit Sen
