The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf to open 250 cafes via master franchise deal

INDIA – American coffee and tea house The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, has signed a strategic master franchise agreement with Kolkata-based food and beverage operator Ekaagra Ostalaritza to open 250 cafes across the country by 2029.

With India’s coffee and tea market on the rise, the company sees an opportunity to leverage its premium café concept in a country that increasingly values high-quality beverage experiences.

Since entering the Indian market in 2008, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf has established a network of 30 cafés. The brand now seeks to capitalize on the nation’s evolving café culture and the growing appetite for top-tier coffee and tea offerings.

The expansion effort will be driven in collaboration with Ekaagra Ostalaritza, led by retail and food & beverage (F&B) investor Prannay Sureka.

Backed by a team of seasoned professionals from India’s F&B industry, Ekaagra Ostalaritza brings valuable local market knowledge to the table.

This partnership is expected to develop a scalable business model that stays true to The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf’s legacy of quality and innovation.

Commenting on the partnership, Prashant Kumar, founding team member of Ekaagra Ostalaritza and its Chief Strategy Officer, stated, “We are thrilled to spearhead The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf’s expansion in India. Our in-depth understanding of the Indian market, combined with the brand’s exceptional product portfolio and global values, will allow us to redefine café culture in the country.”

Ekaagra Ostalaritza, founded in August 2024, is supported by Prannay Sureka, Managing Director of Alex Group of Companies, a prominent Indian venture capital firm.

The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf’s latest move in India aligns with its broader international expansion strategy. In May 2024, the company made headlines with its entry into the Maldives market.

Chief Business Officer of Ekaagra Ostalaritza, Vikram Nagpal, emphasized, “This collaboration reflects our shared vision of delivering a unique and premium coffee and tea experience tailored to Indian consumers.”

Globally, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf operates 1,200 outlets across more than 20 markets. Known for its handcrafted beverages made from Arabica coffee beans and expertly crafted teas, the brand has grown from its California origins in 1963.

Having opened its first international store in Singapore in 1996, the company relocated its headquarters to the city-state in 2023.

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