Introduction
India’s love affair with coffee is getting stronger — and the latest entrant into this evolving space is a brand that’s already stirred up Southeast Asia. Meet Kopi Kenangan, Indonesia’s coffee unicorn, entering India as Kenangan Coffee with plans to open 50 outlets in the next 3 years, backed by a ₹40 crore investment.
This isn’t just another international café chain eyeing India. Kopi Kenangan is bringing a mix of tech, emotion, and affordability — setting it apart in a crowded market.
A Unicorn with a Purpose: Brewing Memories, Not Just Coffee
Founded in 2017 by Edward Tirtanata and James Prananto, Kopi Kenangan was born out of a gap between overpriced global coffee chains and inconsistent local cafés. Their vision? Serve high-quality coffee at an affordable price.
With over 1,000 outlets across Southeast Asia, funding from Sequoia Capital, and a valuation exceeding $1 billion, the brand became Indonesia’s first F&B unicorn — and they’re just getting started.
The name Kopi Kenangan translates to “Coffee with Memories” — a powerful brand emotion that now travels to India under the name Kenangan Coffee.
Edward Tirtanata, Co-Founder of Kopi Kenangan says, “We’re not just selling drinks. We’re offering people a moment to remember — every single time,”
India Playbook: Go Big, Move Fast, Stay Local
Kenangan Coffee’s India strategy is well thought out, aggressive, and hyper-local:
- Café Formats: Launching with both full-sized cafés (800–1000 sq. ft.) and grab-and-go outlets (200–300 sq. ft.) across Delhi NCR and Mumbai.
- Digital DNA: A mobile-first experience from day one — app-based ordering, loyalty programs, and delivery built in.
- Adapted Menus: Featuring 35+ beverages and 20+ food items, tailored for Indian taste preferences.
- Revenue Mix: Unlike their other markets, food will contribute 25% to revenue in India — a nod to how food-centric Indian café visits are.
What Sets Kopi Kenangan Apart?
India already has its fair share of café brands. But Kopi Kenangan stands out with a few powerful USPs:
1. Gula Aren – The Palm Sugar Gamechanger
Their signature ingredient — Gula Aren (a traditional Indonesian palm sugar) — replaces refined sugar, delivering a rich, caramel-like flavor that’s also more natural and healthier.
2. Tech at the Core
Kopi Kenangan isn’t just a café — it’s a tech-enabled F&B company. Their app drives orders, engagement, and loyalty, offering a seamless experience across touchpoints.
3. Affordable Premium Positioning
It’s not luxury pricing, and it’s not low-cost café fare either. Kenangan Coffee hits the sweet spot — specialty coffee and elevated experience without breaking the wallet.
Why India is Ready for Kopi Kenangan
India’s urban coffee market is growing at 10–12% CAGR. With more Gen Z and millennials spending time at cafés for work, hangouts, and lifestyle, the demand for experience-driven, health-conscious, tech-first brands is at an all-time high.
Kenangan Coffee checks all the right boxes:
- Emotional connect through storytelling.
- Healthier, unique ingredients like palm sugar.
- Frictionless digital experience for convenience-driven consumers.
The Bigger Picture: A New Wave of Global Disruptors
Kopi Kenangan’s entry isn’t just about one brand — it reflects a broader trend of global F&B disruptors eyeing India. With recent entrants like Tim Hortons, Pret A Manger, and Popeyes, the Indian market is becoming a hotspot for globally scalable, tech-savvy brands.
For franchise partners, Kenangan Coffee presents a high-potential, proven model with room for fast, local growth.
For customers — it’s a refreshing new story in their coffee routine.
Final Thoughts: A Cup Full of Potential
Kopi Kenangan isn’t just testing the waters in India. It’s here to make an impact — blending global brand power with deep local insights.
If it continues on its current path, Kenangan Coffee could become a breakout brand in India’s café culture, offering not just better coffee, but a more meaningful experience.
So next time you’re deciding between the usual brew or something new — take a sip of memory. You might just find your new favorite.
