Greek coffee brand Mikel Coffee is making strides towards entering the Indian market by granting master franchise rights to Greko India. This move marks Mikel Coffee's debut in South Asia as they focus on establishing their first store in the Delhi NCR region. Following this initial launch, the Larissa-based coffee chain, in collaboration with Greko India, plans to expand their presence in major Indian cities including Mumbai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Pune, Chennai, and Bengaluru.
"We are thrilled to enter one of the world's fastest-growing economies. India's expanding coffee culture presents a wealth of opportunities for us, especially with the rising demand for artisanal coffee experiences," stated Eleftherios Kyriakakis, CEO of Mikel Coffee.
Founded in 2008, Mikel Coffee has grown to operate 258 outlets in Greece, alongside an additional 120 outlets across 18 international locations, mostly in Europe and the Middle East. The brand also operates stores in Canada, the US, and Australia.
Mikel Coffee's entry into India aligns with a broader trend of international coffee chains seeking to tap into the country's rapidly expanding branded coffee shop market. Greek coffee chain Coffee Island is set to open its first Indian store by January 2025. Other international players like Indonesia’s Kopi Kenangan, France’s Bagelstein, and Belgium’s Le Pain Quotidien have also announced plans to venture into the Indian market within the upcoming months. Meanwhile, US-based The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf has collaborated with Kolkata-based Ekaagra Ostalaritza Pvt Ltd to expand from 30 to 250 outlets in India over the next five years.
Greko India, a Haryana-based consultancy, specializes in enhancing ties between India and Greece through initiatives in real estate investment, cultural exchange, and collaborative platforms.