"On Track To Become India's Top Café Chain"

In an exclusive interview, RAJAT AGRAWAL, CEO of Barista Coffee, shared insights on the company's current market position, expansion strategies, and its response to growing competition

- Tarannum Manjul

COFFEE consumption in India is on the rise, with the market expected to grow by over 8 per cent annually, driven by younger consumers opting for café culture. As the second-largest café chain in India with 450+ outlets and a robust network across 140 cities, Barista is poised for rapid growth and market leadership.

Market Share And Position

Barista, a pioneer in India’s café industry, has secured a significant market position. “Today, Barista is the secondlargest café chain in India, with a network of over 450 stores, and we are on track to becoming the top player in the coming months,” said Rajat Agrawal. The brand’s reach spans more than 140 cities in India and Sri Lanka, with Barista already dominating the Sri Lankan market with 40-plus outlets. “We control around 10 per cent of India’s café market, excluding airport business,” he added, underscoring the brand’s strong foothold.

Expansion Plans And Growth Strategies

Barista is on a rapid growth trajectory, having opened over 200 outlets in the last three years. “We plan to double our network over the next 4-5 years, expanding across both company-owned and franchise-owned stores,” shared Agrawal. With increasing consumer demand in tier-1, 2, and 3 cities, Barista is well-prepared to scale further. The company is also targeting transit hubs such as airports, railway stations, and highways to capture more market share.

New Product Launches And Menu Innovations