Image Source: Lanka Business News
Sri Lanka’s flagship tea café brand, Tea Avenue, has officially launched its international journey with a much-anticipated expansion into the Indian market. The announcement marks the first step in a strategic bid to build a global footprint of over 200 outlets by 2035. Powered by a four-generation heritage and a modern vision for premium tea culture, Tea Avenue is poised to redefine how Indians—and soon the world—experience tea.
Key Highlights of Tea Avenue’s Expansion Strategy
Tea Avenue’s entry into India comes through a partnership with FranGlobal, the international division of Franchise India Group, bringing together Sri Lankan tea pedigree and Indian retail expertise.
The first phase will see flagship cafés, kiosks, and in-hotel tea stations roll out in Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore over the next 12–18 months, with formats designed for flexibility and scalability.
The café brand is part of Empire Teas, Sri Lanka’s leading tea exporter, which ships 14 million kilograms of Ceylon tea to over 120 countries annually—the foundation for global ambitions and uncompromising quality.
Franchise-Owned, Franchise-Operated (FOFO) models are central to the plan, inviting both established investors and newcomers to participate at varied levels, from full cafés to micro-kiosks.
Beyond the café experience, Tea Avenue will introduce a premium retail line featuring curated tea blends, collectible tea tins, and thoughtfully designed gift boxes, extending the brand into homes and gifting culture.
Blending Heritage, Innovation, and Experience
Tea Avenue combines four generations of tea expertise, dating back to 1936, with the De Silva family at the helm and a modern approach to global café trends.
The brand’s flagship outlets promise a blend of contemporary aesthetic and traditional storytelling, serving handpicked Ceylon teas, international café fare, artisanal desserts, and unique signature blends.
Alongside curated tea experiences, guests will find exclusive merchandise and retail products that embody the essence of Sri Lankan hospitality—evocative of tea’s status as both ritual and luxury.
Culture is central: India’s deep emotional and historical bond with tea means Tea Avenue is tailored to local tastes, aiming to complement coffee culture and re-energize tea appreciation.
Market Impact and Opportunities in India
Tea Avenue’s entry arrives at a time when India’s premium tea segment, artisanal beverage culture, and café lifestyle are experiencing rapid growth.
Flexible formats—spanning micro-cafés, airport kiosks, and hotel corners—position the brand to address varied consumer needs, from on-the-go urbanites to connoisseurs seeking longer, curated experiences.
The company’s strategy aligns with India’s growing urbanization and youth-driven demand for sophisticated, global food and beverage concepts.
Retail offerings—tea tins, blends, and gift sets—also target the expanding market in gift culture and home-based specialty drinks, broadening the brand’s impact beyond café settings.
Global Vision and Long-Term Ambition
CEO Jeewaka Liyanage highlights the brand’s long-term goal to build over 200 outlets by 2035 while establishing Tea Avenue as a synonym for premium immersive tea experiences worldwide.
India is identified as a cornerstone of Tea Avenue’s global journey, leveraging both Sri Lanka’s export pedigree and India’s massive consumer base.
Expansion plans include further global markets: Dubai, the UK, and Shanghai are next in line, driven by the brand’s successful Sri Lankan template and international collaborations.
Conclusion
Tea Avenue blends tradition and innovation, launching a new chapter in the global tea café story through its ambitious Indian entry. From premium Ceylon teas and immersive café experiences to elegant gift boxes and retail merchandise, Tea Avenue is set to shape the future of tea culture. With the target of over 200 outlets by 2035, the brand’s expansion is as much about building global connections as it is about serving a memorable cup of tea—rooted in heritage, but always looking ahead.
Sources: Lanka Business News
Advertisement
Advertisement
