In recent years, small towns across northern India have witnessed a burgeoning interest in specialty coffee, shifting the beverage landscape from a predominantly tea-centric culture.
The Rise of Specialty Coffee in Small Town India
The Rise of Specialty Coffee in Small Town India
Specialty coffee culture is transforming the landscape of traditionally tea-loving regions in India.
The specialty coffee wave is sweeping through small-town India, as coffee shops are emerging to cater to changing consumer preferences. Jalandhar entrepreneur Harmanpreet Singh, who left his family bakery to establish Buland Café in 2021, embodies this transformation. Capitalizing on a growing demand for quality coffee, particularly among the youth and returning expatriates during the pandemic, Mr. Singh sought training in Bengaluru to master brewing techniques. His café has blossomed into a favorite venue, boasting 40 outlets that serve carefully crafted coffee sourced from Karnataka's coffee estates.
This uptick in coffee appreciation has sparked an entrepreneurial surge, as other local coffee shops respond to a growing consumer base willing to invest in specialty brews. Bharat Singhal, founder of Billi Hu Roasteries, notes a rising sophistication among customers who are not only willing to spend more on premium products but also showing increased awareness of coffee origins. Meanwhile, insights from consultant Bhavi Patel reveal that 44% of the Indian population now partakes in coffee, with a notable shift toward specialty offerings.
At the same time, the dynamics of the café culture are changing, driven by remote work and social media influence that encourages customers to seek out visually appealing spaces. Establishments like Nishant Sinha’s Roastery Coffee House in Lucknow tap into this trend by creating inviting environments alongside their expansive menu of coffee options.
Despite the atmosphere of growth, challenges persist for small coffee shop owners, who often struggle with operational costs and maintaining quality. Singhal warns that some owners may compromise quality, risking the reputation of this burgeoning coffee movement. Yet, discerning entrepreneurs like Neha Das and Nishant Ashish, who opened The Eden’s Café in Ranchi during the pandemic, emphasize building lasting relationships with customers over immediate profit.
This evolving coffee culture reflects India’s rich history with the beverage and presents a promising future for coffee in places previously dominated by tea.
This uptick in coffee appreciation has sparked an entrepreneurial surge, as other local coffee shops respond to a growing consumer base willing to invest in specialty brews. Bharat Singhal, founder of Billi Hu Roasteries, notes a rising sophistication among customers who are not only willing to spend more on premium products but also showing increased awareness of coffee origins. Meanwhile, insights from consultant Bhavi Patel reveal that 44% of the Indian population now partakes in coffee, with a notable shift toward specialty offerings.
At the same time, the dynamics of the café culture are changing, driven by remote work and social media influence that encourages customers to seek out visually appealing spaces. Establishments like Nishant Sinha’s Roastery Coffee House in Lucknow tap into this trend by creating inviting environments alongside their expansive menu of coffee options.
Despite the atmosphere of growth, challenges persist for small coffee shop owners, who often struggle with operational costs and maintaining quality. Singhal warns that some owners may compromise quality, risking the reputation of this burgeoning coffee movement. Yet, discerning entrepreneurs like Neha Das and Nishant Ashish, who opened The Eden’s Café in Ranchi during the pandemic, emphasize building lasting relationships with customers over immediate profit.
This evolving coffee culture reflects India’s rich history with the beverage and presents a promising future for coffee in places previously dominated by tea.
