Coffee has become an intrinsic part of urban Indian lifestyle today. From cafes to offices to homes, coffee helps keep India going. The growing coffee culture has led to the emergence of specialty coffee brands across segments – from affordable mass brands to new age artisanal players. From traditional Indian kaapi to international espressos and everything in between – India’s coffee brands are brewing for all tastes and lifestyles. Here we look at some leading coffee brands brewing up a storm in India. India’s coffee culture has evolved significantly over the years, from traditional filter coffee to embracing international coffee chains. With an increasing number of coffee enthusiasts and a growing demand for unique blends, India’s coffee market has seen the rise of various brands that cater to diverse tastes. In this article, we explore the top 10 coffee brands in India
Top 10 Coffee Brands in India: You Must Sip
Nescafe:
Owned by Nestle, Nescafe is one of the oldest and most loved coffee brands in India. Introduced in the country in the 1960s, Nescafe has continuously innovated to expand its product line from instant coffee to cold coffees, espressos and more. With its widespread distribution network, Nescafe enjoys huge popularity among mass consumers. Its affordable pricing and consistent taste make Nescafe an instant choice for daily coffee drinkers.
A household name worldwide, Nescafé has become synonymous with instant coffee. With a strong presence in India, Nescafé offers a quick and convenient coffee fix for those on the go. Their instant coffee powders and ready-to-drink coffee products have earned them a loyal customer base. The case of this coffee brand is best described as jack of all trades, master of none.
Bru:
Created by Hindustan Unilever in the 1960s, Bru is now enjoyed in millions of Indian homes. Affordably priced and widely available, Bru’s instant coffee range offers something for every taste – from strong classic to creamy cappuccino. Bru also offers traditional Indian filter kaapi and South Indian coffee bringing familiar flavours to the masses. With its understanding of local tastes, Bru has become synonymous with everyday coffee.
Part of the Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) portfolio, Bru Coffee is a well-known and cherished brand in India. Offering a variety of coffee products, including instant coffee and filter coffee blends, Bru has been a part of Indian households for generations.
Cafe Coffee Day:
Headquartered in Chikkamagaluru, Cafe Coffee Day (CCD) dominates India’s café space. Since its launch in 1996, CCD has redefined hangout culture with its warm ambience and affordable beverages. With over 1700 outlets across India, CCD also retails its signature coffee powder for home use. The brand has integrated operations from sourcing to roasting to retailing, ensuring consistency.
Café Coffee Day, fondly known as CCD, holds a special place in the hearts of coffee lovers across India. It is one of the largest and most well-established coffee chains, offering a wide variety of coffee beverages, snacks, and desserts. With cozy ambiance and excellent service, CCD has become the go-to spot for friends, families, and professionals alike to enjoy a delightful cup of coffee.
Starbucks:
The world’s largest coffeehouse chain Starbucks debuted in India in 2012 through a joint venture with Tata. Since then, it has become the hangout of choice for India’s upwardly mobile millennials. Globally recognized for its dark-roasted coffees, Starbucks localizes its menu with tea-infused drinks and vegetarian options. Along with its relaxing cafe ambience, patrons also enjoy Starbucks’ premium beans and coffee equipment.
Tata Starbucks is a joint venture between Tata Global Beverages and Starbucks Corporation, bringing the global coffee giant’s expertise and premium offerings to Indian consumers. Their outlets are known for their modern and trendy decor, along with a diverse menu that caters to a range of coffee preferences, from classic espressos to innovative coffee concoctions.
The Flying Squirrel:
Launched in 2013, The Flying Squirrel brought specialty single-origin coffee to India. It works directly with coffee estates to source premium beans which are freshly roasted to order. The brand focuses on maintaining the unique notes and terroir of its coffee by controlled processing. It offers a wide variety of delicately flavored coffees as well as blends, brewing equipment etc. through its online store and retail outlets.
SLAY Coffee:
SLAY is a contemporary coffee brand offering the convenience of fresh, pre-brewed packaged coffee on demand. Launched in 2018, SLAY’s spill-proof bottles available on food delivery apps provide an affordable at-home cafe experience. The brand also retails its signature blends like Sunshiny Morning and Madras Kaapi along with beans, ground coffee and equipment on its website. SLAY is popular for fuss-free, flavourful coffee on the go.
Blue Tokai Coffee:
Blue Tokai is an artisanal coffee company set up in 2012 focused on sourcing the best Indian and international coffee beans. Starting as an online seller of freshly roasted coffee beans, Blue Tokai now has several brick-and-mortar cafes too. The brand painstakingly selects estates, establishes close partnerships and identifies the right techniques to roast bean varieties. Blue Tokai’s custom roasted coffees have gained a following for their delicate flavours.
For those seeking specialty and single-origin coffee, Blue Tokai Coffee Roasters is a name to remember. This brand focuses on sourcing premium coffee beans from different regions, carefully roasting them to perfection, and delivering fresh coffee to its customers. It has gained popularity among coffee aficionados who appreciate the nuances of different coffee profiles.
Davidoff:
Switzerland based Davidoff is a premium coffee brand known for its sophisticated, luxurious blends. In India since 1993, Davidoff sources the finest coffee from estates in Colombia, Brazil, Costa Rica etc. It carefully executes small batch roasting to create complex yet smooth, full-bodied coffee revered globally. Under its Café range, Davidoff also offers coffee machines, accessories and barista courses for an immersive gourmet experience.
Known for its luxury products, Davidoff extends its premium touch to the world of coffee as well. Offering a range of premium coffee blends, Davidoff caters to those who seek a lavish and indulgent coffee experience.
Rage Coffee:
Launched in 2019, Rage Coffee is an innovative brand focusing on vitamin-infused instant coffee. It uses 100% Arabica coffee blended with vitamins, minerals, L-theanine etc. to create a coffee concentrate that can be mixed with milk, water or consumed as a shot. With delicious flavors like Hazelnut, Butterscotch etc., Rage Coffee offers a daily dose of caffeine as well as nutrition. Its convenient packs are also travel-friendly.
Rage Coffee has made a mark with its ready-to-brew cold brew coffee products. This brand has resonated with the younger generation and busy professionals looking for a quick and refreshing coffee option.