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Tag: Third Wave Coffee

  • Third Wave Coffee and Smoor stir up sweet brews with Diwali hampers

    Third Wave Coffee and Smoor stir up sweet brews with Diwali hampers

    MUMBAI: This Diwali, it’s sweets meets sips. Third Wave Coffee and luxury chocolate brand Smoor have teamed up to brew a festive pairing of rich coffees, artisanal chocolates and keepsakes in three limited-edition hampers.

    Crafted to capture the spirit of togetherness, the collaboration offers a blend of two rituals at the heart of Indian celebrations: the sweetness of mithai and the warmth of coffee. Priced from Rs 1,299 onwards, the hampers will be available across Third Wave Coffee and Smoor outlets and on Swiggy and Zomato from 25 September.

    The collection features: classic hamper with Vienna roast easy coffee bags, a mug, Smoor’s choco mithai and almond snaps, a diya and greeting card; Indulgence hamper layering Vienna and monsoon malabar roasts with choco mithai, pistachio kunafa bites, a diya, handcrafted mug and tote bag; Luxe hamper starring Ratnagiri specialty single-origin festive blend, a French press, choco mithai, kunafa, artisanal mug, diya and bespoke greeting card.

    “Coffee is more than a beverage, it is a comforting ritual that connects people,” said Third Wave Coffee, CEO, Rajat Luthra. “Pairing it with Smoor’s indulgent chocolates makes these hampers more than gifts, they’re modern experiences.”

    Smoor, CEO, Vimal Sharma added, “Our craft in chocolate paired with their mastery of coffee brings distinct experiences in perfect balance, creating hampers that are thoughtful and truly special.”

    With signature brews, handcrafted treats and festive touches like diyas and cards, the hampers aim to elevate gifting from the conventional to the memorable. Because this Diwali, celebration isn’t just about lights and laddoos: it is about savouring every sip and every bite, brewed and sweetened to perfection.

  • Indonesian coffee unicorn hopes to brew up a storm in India

    Indonesian coffee unicorn hopes to brew up a storm in India

    MUMBAI: The aroma of Indonesian coffee has wafted into India’s bustling café scene as Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing coffee chain, Kopi Kenangan, has  planted its flag at Pacific Mall in Delhi’s Tagore Garden. Valued at over $1 billion—making it the region’s first food and beverage unicorn—the brand is brewing ambitious plans for the world’s most populous nation.

    “India’s vast young population and growing appreciation for diverse coffee experiences make it an ideal market for Kenangan Coffee. We are committed to delivering high-quality coffee that resonates with local preferences, creating memorable moments for every customer,” says  Kenangan Brands co-founder & CEO Edward Tirtanata, backed by heavyweight investors including Peak XV Partners and Meta co-founder Eduardo Saverin’s B Capital.

    The coffee upstart is positioning itself as a challenger to pricier global giants like Starbucks and Tim Hortons. With espresso shots starting at a modest Rs 99 and larger servings below Rs 150—roughly Rs 80-100 cheaper than premium competitors—Kopi Kenangan is clearly betting its beans on price-conscious customers.

    The company’s secret ingredient? Gula Aren, an Indonesian palm sugar with a lower glycemic index than refined alternatives, aimed at health-conscious Indians who still fancy a sweet fix. This nutritious twist might just be the sugar rush needed to stand out in India’s increasingly frothy café marketplace.

    With plans to open 10+ stores by end-2025 and intentions to pour up to Rs 40 crore into sourcing and expansion over the next two years, the brand isn’t just dipping its toe in the market—it’s diving in headfirst.
    “Our mission is to blend Indonesian craftsmanship with local flavours,” says vice president and general manager for India Sanjay Mohta, as the company prepares to tap local coffee producers to complement its Indonesian offerings.

    India’s café culture is still percolating compared to mature markets, but with consumption estimated at over one million 60-kilogram bags between 2023-2024, there’s plenty of room to grow. While established chains like Café Coffee Day have seen their market share drip away due to financial troubles, newcomers including Third Wave Coffee and Blue Tokai have been gaining steam.

    For now, the Indonesian outfit is targeting students and young professionals in their first jobs—Gen Zers and millennials looking for an affordable caffeine kick. After Delhi, the brand plans to expand to Mumbai and Bengaluru, hoping its wallet-friendly prices and locally-sourced ingredients will help it brew up a loyal following.
    In a market where even fast-food giants like McDonald’s are trying to espresso themselves, Kopi Kenangan will need more than just cheap prices to avoid becoming another has-bean. But if it can capture India’s increasingly caffeinated hearts, this Indonesian import might just become everyone’s cup of tea—or rather, coffee.

     

  • Third Wave Coffee adds a pizza twist with a slice of fun and flavour

    Third Wave Coffee adds a pizza twist with a slice of fun and flavour

    MUMBAI: A jingle, a dance, and now pizza! Third Wave Coffee is taking its love for café culture to the next level with the launch of its new range of pizzas, brought to life through the brand’s peppy new campaign “Slice of Joy”. Pairing wood-fired slices with signature brews, the chain’s latest offering is anything but a half-baked idea.

    The star of the campaign is the quirky ‘Sip Sip Bite’ jingle, which has baristas busting out choreographed moves across 140 plus cafés in India. Not just a digital gimmick, the jingle plays out live in-store every day at 1 PM, 4:30 PM, and 7 PM, transforming casual coffee runs into spontaneous dance breaks.

    “At Third Wave Coffee, we’ve always believed in doing things differently – whether it’s how we brew coffee or build community inside our cafés,” said Third Wave Coffee co-founder Ayush Bathwal. “With ‘Slice of Joy,’ we’re inviting customers to experience something new. The ‘Sip Sip Bite’ jingle isn’t just a song – it’s a celebration of our baristas, our culture, and this exciting new chapter.”

    Best known for its premium brews and community-first ethos, Third Wave’s foray into pizza is a cheeky nod to the joy of comfort food done right. Think of it as a match made in heaven or at least in a well-designed café with cheesy slices meeting artfully poured flat whites.

    The pizzas, available nationwide starting this week, aim to serve up more than just food they’re meant to be shared, Instagrammed, and savoured alongside the brand’s signature blends. The campaign is already sparking buzz online, with users grooving along to the jingle and sharing their own Sip Sip Bite moments.

    True to its name, Slice of Joy is a celebration of the simple pleasures of hot coffee, fresh pizza, and the warm camaraderie of your favourite café crew. In a world of grab-and-go, Third Wave Coffee invites you to sip, stay, and maybe even dance.

  • Akshat Arora takes on role of marketing director at Third Wave Coffee

    Akshat Arora takes on role of marketing director at Third Wave Coffee

    MUMBAI: Akshat Arora has stepped into the position of marketing director at Third Wave Coffee, effective January 2025. With over 13 years of experience in brand management and client relations, he brings expertise in digital marketing, e-commerce, influencer partnerships, and experiential marketing to the team.

    Arora holds an MBA in marketing from Symbiosis Institute of Management Studies and a bachelor’s in business economics from Maharaja Agrasen College. His previous roles include leading marketing efforts for Tim Hortons India, where he served as head of marketing and product, and driving digital initiatives at Bisleri International. He also served as Reliance Brands (Steve Madden)-marketing head and Jaguar Land Rover marketing manager for around three years each.

     Said Third Wave Coffee CEO Rajat Luthra: “Akshat’s extensive experience and innovative approach to business strategies makes him an invaluable addition to our team. Given the opportune stage the brand is at, we look forward to partnering with him as we embark on the next phase of our journey. We are confident that Akshat’s leadership will elevate our marketing strategies and deepen our connection with coffee enthusiasts nationwide.”
     
    “Third Wave Coffee has already defined India’s coffee culture with its specialty coffee offerings and customer-first approach. My focus would be on creating a deeper preference for the brand and driving brand love as we continue to innovate and grow. Together with the team, I am committed to strengthening the brand’s legacy of transforming how India experiences coffee,” said Arora.

    In his new role, Akshat will spearhead initiatives to enhance brand resonance, expand digital outreach, build consumer engagement through offline and online channels and strengthen the brand’s competitive edge in an increasingly dynamic market. His appointment comes at an exciting juncture as Third Wave Coffee celebrates the milestone of opening its 125th cafe and continues its expansion across India, reinforcing its leadership in the specialty coffee sector.

    (Updated 21 January 2025 with inputs from Third Wave Coffee.)

  • Third Wave Coffee marks eight years of creative journeys

    Third Wave Coffee marks eight years of creative journeys

    Mumbai: Third Wave Coffee marked eight years of fueling creative journeys with their specialty coffee, with a befitting celebratory campaign titled #InspiringIndianCrea8ors. The month-long campaign celebrates creators from various fields and applauds their unique stories and creative journeys that were sparked while indulging in their favorite delight at Third Wave Coffee neighborhood cafes. To mark the occasion, the brand has released a special digital film featuring a curated group of visionary creators – ranging from authors and restaurateurs, to digital marketers and entrepreneurs – who discovered their creative spark within the warm, welcoming space of Third Wave Coffee cafes. Through candid insights and personal reflections, these creators share how the café became their haven for inspiration and innovation. #InspiringIndianCrea8ors only further underscores the brand’s continued commitment to nurturing its community.

    Third Wave Coffee CEO Rajat Luthra says, “At Third Wave Coffee, we believe in the power of coffee and community to inspire, connect, and fuel creativity. Over the past eight years, we’ve witnessed our stores transform from more than just grab & go coffee places, to social hubs drawing people together to collaborate, innovate and grow. We are delighted to have played a part in many aspiring tales and are humbled by the love bestowed on us by our consumers. With #InspiringIndianCrea8ors, we pay an ode to the bright minds that find their niche at our cafes, and aspire to make a positive difference – armed with a cup of their favourite coffee.”

  • Third Wave Coffee honoured motherhood with Mothers’ Day campaign

    Third Wave Coffee honoured motherhood with Mothers’ Day campaign

    Mumbai: Third Wave Coffee, coffee QSR (Quick Service Restaurant) just concluded its week-long Mother’s Day campaign – a heartfelt tribute to the unsung heroes of our lives – mothers. As part of its commitment to fostering community and celebrating the spirit of motherhood in all its manifestations, Third Wave Coffee embarked on a multifaceted journey to express gratitude for the extraordinary love and resilience that mothers bring into our lives and the multiple hats they wear.

    Starting by celebrating the extraordinary women in our lives with the launch of  “Mama’s Brew Crew,” a Coffee recipe book curated by the Third Wave Coffee community, this heartwarming collection features coffee and coffee-inspired recipes for food and beverages. Compiled with love, the recipe book is a testament to the cherished memories and culinary legacies passed down through generations. More than just a collection of recipes, “Mama’s Brew Crew” offers a glimpse into the special coffee rituals and traditions passed down through generations, and celebrates the timeless bond between mothers and their loved ones. 

    “We were overwhelmed by the incredible response to our call for submissions,” said Ayush Bathwal, co-founder at Third Wave Coffee. “The stories and recipes we received are a beautiful testament to the important role moms and mom figures play in our lives. This book is a tribute to them and a perfect culmination of our mother’s day celebrations.”

    Featuring a diverse collection of recipes collected directly from customers through an open call across Third Wave Coffee’s social media channels. Of the total of 45 entries, 5 were shortlisted by the in-house Chef through a rigorous selection process which emphasised quality, nostalgia and innovation among the recipes received.

    The brand also collaborated with luxury skincare brand Kama Ayurveda for Mukhaabhyanga Masterclass, a one-of-a-kind guided face yoga session across select outlets in Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore exclusively for ‘mothers’ of children, pets, and plants alike! The sessions saw an overwhelming participation of over 60 mother figures and included coffee-tasting sessions to sign off the session.

    Third Wave Coffee engaged its audience throughout the week with various activities, from heartfelt social media campaigns #DearMama to in-store celebrations. The in-store celebrations involved fun painting workshops for mothers and their children where they all painted depictions of the mother-child bond. Additionally, the brand also signed off with the release of a poignant reel that pays homage to the female baristas within the Third Wave Coffee family while extending gratitude to all mothers.

    As part of its commitment to fostering community and celebrating the spirit of motherhood in all its manifestations, Third Wave Coffee embarked on a multifaceted journey to express gratitude for the extraordinary love and resilience that mothers bring into our lives and the multiple hats they wear.

    As Third Wave Coffee continues to champion inclusivity, diversity, and community engagement, the brand remains committed to uplifting voices and celebrating the extraordinary contributions of individuals from all walks of life. Third Wave Coffee has been growing rapidly since 2016, from being a roastery with a single store in Koramangala to now having over 100 stores across 8 cities in the country. In a short time, the company has catapulted to one of India’s leading coffee brands, directly competing with global players in this space. Most recently, the company raised US$ 35 million in Series C funding from Creaegis and existing investor WestBridge Capital.