Brand reimagines café culture with bold flavours, vibrant formats and consumer-first innovation
Costa Coffee, the coffeehouse brand under The Coca-Cola Company, has completed 20 years in India, celebrating a journey that has helped shape the country’s café culture and redefine the way urban consumers connect over coffee. From its first store two decades ago to a network of over 200 outlets today, the brand is positioning India as one of its top five global markets, with ambitious expansion plans.
“Today’s consumers are informed, expressive, and eager to explore quality. Costa’s strategy is built around this very insight. Over the past two decades, we’ve focused on curating bold, flavour-led innovations and creating café spaces that reflect how India connects, creates, and unwinds,” said Aparna Chopra, Head of Franchise Emerging Markets – India, SEA & Japan, Costa Coffee. “As we look ahead, our ambition is to continue innovating with purpose, listening closely to our consumers, and brewing moments that matter.”
Blending global standards with local flavour
Costa Coffee has become synonymous with more than coffee, particularly among Gen Z consumers who see cafés as hubs of self-expression and social connection. The brand’s innovations range from seasonal and festival-themed beverages — such as the Diwali Rose and Pista latte — to limited-edition cup designs and collaborations with Indian creators like Shivesh Bhatia. Its Maple Hazel Latte for autumn and zesty Chili Guava Refresher also highlight how Costa merges international craft with local palettes.
Beyond beverages, Costa has refreshed its store formats to suit India’s evolving café lifestyle. Vibrant interiors, flexible seating, and enhanced digital touchpoints are designed to resonate with young, experience-led consumers. The cafés now double up as cultural spaces for community-driven initiatives, artistic collaborations, and immersive brand moments.
Strategic growth through partnerships
Costa Coffee’s momentum is supported by high-visibility tie-ups and partnerships. Its long-standing association with PVR INOX multiplexes and presence in airports, malls and highways reflect a strategy of being accessible across consumer touchpoints. Global sporting partnerships — including the Olympics and ICC World Cup — have further bolstered the brand’s image. At the Paris 2024 Olympics, three Costa baristas represented India, showcasing their craft on a global platform.
Celebrating two decades with loyal customers
To mark its milestone anniversary, Costa Coffee is extending a month-long offer to Costa Club members, giving them 20 per cent off handcrafted beverages from 5 September. The initiative underlines the brand’s emphasis on rewarding loyalty while making its celebrations inclusive and accessible.
Looking ahead, Costa plans to accelerate its presence across diverse venues, tapping into India’s growing out-of-home consumption market. With premium coffee consumption on the rise and consumers seeking experiences that blend taste, connection and creativity, Costa Coffee is poised to strengthen its position in India’s evolving café landscape.
