While many suggest that tea is the most popular beverage in India, the popularity of coffee is on the rise. ABC Coffee, an integrated coffee grower, roaster and retailer, is taking advantage of the growing thirst for coffee, by expanding its network of vending machines and to-go coffee shops. Prior to the expansion, the company operated 288 Café Coffee Day outlets in 57 cities, and more than 300 Xpress takeaway kiosks. This leader in environmental and social responsibility supports local coffee growers and planters, helping them to improve yields and advance crop resistance to blights and disease. IFC is supporting the $52 million expansion with a combination of debt and equity financing.
IFC role and development impact:
- $15 million in long term financing, otherwise unavailable from local sources
- Support for environmental and social responsibility leader: ABC’s coffee is certified for responsible coffee growing
- Demonstrates the business case for sustainability: ABC is the nation’s market leader, with a strong record of growth and profit while investing heavily in community and in environmental protection: outreach projects include a school and technical college; training for coffee farmers
- 2,000 new direct jobs when expansion is complete, plus indirect job creation back through the supply chain to the local farming communities
- Sets high standards for hygiene and cleanliness in Indian food and beverage service sector
