Italian coffee chain Lavazza is set to make its India return through a franchise agreement with Everstone Capital-backed company Culinary Brands, according to The Economic Times.
The franchise deal, including Lavazza coffee vending machines Fresh & Honest, was reported to completed several weeks ago. Lavazza exited India in 2014 after selling off its stake in Barista Coffee to the local company Carnation Hospitality. Everstone Group currently operates fast food chain Burger King and Subway.
The source said Lavazza coffee would be introduced in several Subway stores as well since Everstone already operates BK Coffee under the Burger King franchise in the country.
India has recently become the promised land for many international cafe retail chains due to the rise in consumer demand for premium coffee and coffee experience. Earlier this month, Australian coffee chain The Coffee Club was reported to enter the country with its first store set to open next year in partnership with local franchiser CK Israni Group.
Meanwhile, Canadian coffee brand Tim Hortons announced earlier this year its plan to open more than 250 stores in India over the next five years, competing directly with Starbucks which operates 224 stores in the market as of last August.
