MAM
Coffee cafes to see huge growth in India
BANGALORE: At the Indian International Coffee Festival 2007 (IICF) in Bangalore, which is being touted as the largest coffee event in Asia, the mood was quite upbeat among the café chains, at least.
Café Coffee Day (CCD) CEO Naresh Malhotra says that there is room for 5,000 cafes in India over the next few years, a view that is endorsed by competitor Barista Coffee Company (BCC) CEO Partha Dattagupta. CCD, the largest coffee café chain, recently announced the opening of its 400th café in Kolkata. Malhotra plans to grow his chain by another 800 over the next two to three years. BCC plans to launch 25 of their lounge format coffee parlors this year.
Industry experts say that in most segments you have ‘the big three’ – In India besides the above incumbents there is room for a third one. Who that third player is going to be is anybody’s guess, what with the recent announcement of Starbucks to grow their chain globally by adding 2,500 cafes and their first one in India by December this year. Then there is Reliance Group’s ‘Java’, which currently has been limited to their stores and petrol bunks that could be another contender for the crown.
As already reported on Indiantelevision.com, illycaffe announced their plans to foray into India through the franchisee route with the opening of 5-10 ‘Perfect Italian Coffee Cafes’ – called ‘Espressamente’ this year and to double this number by the next.
With other existing players such as Coffee World, Mumbai’s Mochas, which is planning to expand to Bangalore according to rumors, other regional players such as the Chennai based ‘Quickies, Café Inch also trying to fight for a larger pie, and the Coffee board’s recent and other planned initiatives to popularize coffee, the potential for growth is huge.
So far café chains have generally built their brands by word of mouth rather than ad-spends. Maybe the entry of so many players could change the rules of the game, since most would be fighting for the pie that is largely limited to the urban areas (except in Karnataka where coffee consumption, even in the rural areas, is already quite high). The current brand building methods as well as products could well see a sea change with all the players vying for throat share.
Coffee, which has been fighting for the share of throat with tea, milk, carbonated drinks and other juices, is consumed mainly in the South, which once had a lion’s share of 92 per cent of the coffee consumers in India. The trend has been changing now, the ratio between the South and other areas has moved to 80:20. Coffee cafes contribute just 15 per cent of the market share, but have the maximum visibility. Malhotra, who revolutionized the industry by the fast paced growth of his chain, says that there is a tremendous shift in how anything is sold today.
Findings of a survey by Gallops for the Coffee Board “Recent trends in Coffee Consumption and Consumer Attitudes” show that the Indian per capita consumption is an abysmally low 75 grams as compared to 4 kgs in Germany, 4.1 kgs, 9 and 11 kgs for the US, Switzerland and Finland repectively, and hence there exists a huge opportunity when current Indian demographics and psychographics are considered. Coffee had a penetration of 62 per cent in 2005 as against tea which had a penetration of 95 per cent. Coffee came in third for throat share – tea with 89 per cent, followed by milk with 24 per cent and coffee a close third with 23 per cent.
The survey also threw interesting findings for the cafes and the marketing and advertising fraternity – Family drinking of coffee was a key to early adaptation and that most regular and occasional coffee drinkers started drinking coffee at an early age. The Coffee board was considering creatively promoting coffee to a younger audience so that early drinking habits are formed.
Among the factors that could be exploited, according to industry experts, are the wellness trends among the young, the growing middle class and the growth of the IT-ITES sector in India.
As homes evolve to reflect a growing focus on wellness, hygiene, and long-term durability, the materials we choose are coming under sharper scrutiny. It’s no longer just about how a space looks, but also about how it performs under daily use. From accidental spills in the kitchen to everyday wear in living spaces, the right materials can make the difference between a home that simply appears clean and one that actively supports healthier living.
Across categories like paints, surfaces, and furniture, there is a clear shift towards solutions that minimise toxins, resist stains, and are easier to maintain. Here’s how thoughtful material choices can help create a home that is both beautiful and better for everyday life.
Cleaner Walls: The Shift to Low-VOC Paints
Walls cover the largest surface area in any home, making them a critical factor in indoor air quality. Traditional paints often contain high levels of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), or chemicals that can release harmful fumes long after application. These emissions are known to contribute to headaches, respiratory irritation, and long-term health concerns, particularly in enclosed spaces.
This has led to a growing preference for eco-friendly paints, which are formulated using natural, non-toxic, and sustainable materials. With low to zero VOC content, these paints significantly reduce indoor air pollution and create a safer environment for families, especially children and the elderly. Water-based formulations are another key advancement, as they limit the use of hazardous solvents without compromising on finish or durability. Brands like Nippon Paint have introduced eco-friendly, child-safe paint ranges that align with this shift towards healthier interiors.
Beyond composition, finish also plays a role in maintenance. Satin, eggshell, and semi-gloss emulsions are increasingly preferred for interiors, as they are less absorbent and more resistant to stains, making walls easier to clean and maintain over time.
Hygienic Surfaces: Where Performance Meets Everyday Living
If walls influence air quality, surfaces, especially in kitchens and children’s bedrooms or play areas, directly impact hygiene. Interestingly, studies have shown that kitchen surfaces can sometimes harbour more bacteria than bathrooms, largely due to frequent exposure to food, moisture, and spills.
This makes the choice of countertop and surface material particularly important. Porous materials can absorb liquids, leading to staining and potential bacterial growth over time. In contrast, non-porous surfaces offer a more hygienic alternative, as they prevent absorption and are easier to clean.
Engineered quartz surfaces have emerged as a strong solution in this space. For instance, offerings from Specta Quartz Surfaces are designed to address both hygiene and durability concerns. Being non-porous and impenetrable, these surfaces do not absorb liquids, making them resistant to common household stains such as tea, coffee, turmeric, or juice. They also offer ease of maintenance, as most spills can be cleaned with a damp cloth, and occasional use of mild soap is enough to restore the surface.
Additionally, they are NSF and GreenGuard certified, proving that these surfaces are safe for direct food contact and do not support the growth of bacteria, mould, or mildew. This is particularly relevant in Indian kitchens, where cooking often involves heavy use of spices, oils, and frequent cleaning.
Smart Furniture Choices
Furniture is another area where material choice plays a crucial role in maintaining a clean and healthy home. Sofas, chairs, and wardrobes are constantly exposed to dust, spills, and daily wear, making durability and stain resistance key considerations. Fabrics like microfiber, leather, and synthetic blends like polyester or olefin are becoming popular for upholstered furniture. These materials are designed to repel liquids, resist scratches, and withstand regular use, making them ideal for households with children or pets.
Brands like Orange Tree offer furniture that combines aesthetic appeal with practical material choices. Laminates from companies like Century Ply are now designed to be stain-resistant and durable, making them suitable for wardrobes, cabinets, and seating. These finishes not only enhance longevity but also reduce the effort required for daily upkeep.
Designing for Long-Term Well-Being
What ties these material choices together is a broader shift in how we think about our homes. Cleanliness is no longer just about routine maintenance, it begins with selecting materials that are inherently easier to maintain, safer to use, and more resistant to wear.
Low-VOC paints contribute to better air quality, non-porous surfaces improve hygiene, and performance-driven furniture materials reduce the stress of everyday living. Together, they create an environment that supports both physical health and peace of mind.
As modern lifestyles become more fast-paced, the demand for homes that are low-maintenance yet high-performing will only continue to grow. By choosing materials that can handle spills, resist stains, and stand the test of time, homeowners can create spaces that are not just visually appealing, but also fundamentally healthier to live in.
