Date:15/04/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/04/15/stories/2006041503901700.htm

Business

Companies exploring urban coffee culture

Staff Reporter

KOCHI: Several companies have drawn up plans to launch outlets to promote the coffee-drinking habit among the urban population.

Modern coffee outlets have already been set up at several metros. Kochi too has been found to be an ideal city to launch such outlets. Barista Coffee Company, a coffee retailer, recently opened its first outlet in the city. "Kochi has already become one of the important industrial centres in the country. The launch of the outlet in Kochi will augment the coffee drinker's experience to new heights," says a top official of the company.

Another recent launch in the brewing business of coffee is Mr.Bean Coffee Junction of the Tatas. The `shop within a shop' concept has been adopted in Kochi. The coffee outlet is situated within a well known bookstore.

The Kochi outlet is a combination of a coffee bar and a retail outlet, explains H.Ashraff, Managing Director of Tata Coffee Limited. The urban consumer today seeks an experience by placing a premium on brand, quality and more importantly on personal choices and preferences.