Asmita Mukherjee | Hyderabad 
Since its inception in 2017, Kaapi Solutions has redefined India’s coffee landscape under the leadership of Vikram Khurana, a coffee aficionado with over 23 years of experience in the Italian coffee industry and global coffee cultures. Transforming the specialty coffee ecosystem, Kaapi Solutions has become a one-stop destination for cutting-edge coffee equipment, barista training, and consultancy. In an exclusive interaction with Asmita Mukherjee, Khurana shares his vision for Kaapi Solutions, the challenges of building a Pan-India presence, and the strategies driving the rise of third-wave coffee culture in India.
What inspired you to start Kaapi Solutions, and how has the journey evolved since its inception in 2017?
As the CEO of Kaapi Solutions, my journey with coffee spans decades, driven by an enduring passion for this extraordinary beverage. With over 23 years immersed in the Italian coffee industry and diverse global coffee cultures, I’ve come to understand that coffee is far more than a drink—it’s an experience, a craft, and a true art form. When we established Kaapi Solutions in 2017, our vision was clear: to bridge the gaps in India’s coffee ecosystem. Our mission goes beyond offering coffee machines; we strive to deliver comprehensive solutions that empower businesses to flourish.
Can you share the vision behind making Kaapi Solutions a one-stop destination for coffee equipment in India?
At Kaapi Solutions, our goal has never been limited to delivering equipment. We envisioned ourselves as a true partner, empowering hotels, cafés, and restaurants to consistently serve exceptional coffee. Beyond providing cutting-edge technology, we offer consultancy, barista training, and guidance in coffee selection. Our mission is to build a holistic ecosystem that equips hospitality businesses with the tools and expertise they need to thrive in a competitive and ever-evolving market.
What challenges did you face in establishing a Pan-India presence for a niche segment like specialty coffee machinery, and how did you overcome them?
Venturing into the niche segment of speciality coffee machinery came with its challenges. Speciality coffee in India is still an emerging market, brimming with potential but often undervaluing the critical role of technology in crafting exceptional coffee. Many businesses view advanced machinery as an expense rather than a long-term investment. Our approach has been centered on education—engaging with clients to highlight the cost-benefit dynamics and demonstrating how quality technology not only minimizes operational challenges but also enhances their offerings, ultimately driving growth.
One of our key challenges was helping businesses and consumers understand the true essence of specialty coffee. Manual brewing alone is not enough; advanced technology and proper training are critical to ensuring exceptional coffee. We stepped in as educators, conducting workshops, training sessions, and consultations to emphasize the importance of superior beans, skilled preparation, and cutting-edge machinery.
Cost sensitivity and logistical challenges were key hurdles we addressed to drive growth. Many businesses underestimated the long-term benefits of high-quality machinery, so we introduced flexible financing and scalable solutions, enabling them to start small and grow. By highlighting reduced maintenance costs and enhanced customer satisfaction, we built trust in advanced technology. To expand into tier-2 and tier-3 cities, we established a robust service network, ensuring reliable after-sales support and training nationwide.
Specialty coffee is more than a trend—it’s a transformative movement shaping India’s coffee culture. At Kaapi Solutions, we empower businesses with the tools, knowledge, and support to deliver world-class coffee experiences, making “specialty” not just a label but a standard we uphold every day.
The international coffee markets have significantly influenced our strategy. Globally, businesses emphasize robust investments in high-quality equipment to ensure consistent output and reduced maintenance costs. In India, however, the focus often leans toward minimizing upfront costs, which can lead to higher operational challenges over time. At Kaapi Solutions, we champion a shift in this perspective. Investing in the right technology from the outset isn’t just a smarter choice—it’s transformative. It empowers cafés and hotels to prioritize growth and customer satisfaction instead of grappling with recurring repairs and inconsistent quality.
With the rise of third-wave coffee culture in India, how is Kaapi Solutions helping shape the preferences of Indian consumers and businesses?
India’s third-wave coffee culture is a fascinating evolution, celebrating coffee as an artisanal craft. We’re proud to be at the forefront of this movement, playing a pivotal role in shaping its growth. Through our advanced coffee machines and comprehensive training programs, we enable hospitality businesses to deliver the nuanced flavors and elevated experiences today’s discerning consumers seek. Additionally, we collaborate with clients to design workflows and spaces that optimize efficiency while enhancing the overall customer experience.
Could you provide insights into Kaapi Solutions’ financial growth and performance over the past few years?
We have a strong belief in the Indian coffee market, which has undergone a significant transformation over the past decade. Our financial performance reflects this optimism, with an impressive growth rate of over 60% in the last seven years. For the current fiscal year, we’re aiming for a growth rate of 25% or more. These numbers not only showcase our success but also highlight the exciting opportunities we’re creating for coffee entrepreneurs across India.
How does Kaapi Solutions plan to expand its market presence in untapped cities or tier-2 and tier-3 markets? Are there any collaborations or partnerships in the pipeline to enhance your product portfolio or customer base?
Geographically, our focus is on expanding into underserved markets in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, while continuing to grow our presence in Tier 1 cities. These regions are experiencing increasing demand for premium coffee experiences, and we are well-positioned to meet that need. Operationally, we’re ramping up our Experiential Centres and enhancing our customer support infrastructure to become the go-to solution for anyone looking to build or scale a coffee-related business.
One of our most exciting initiatives is KofiHaus, our direct-to-consumer brand dedicated to the home coffee segment. With the home brewing market poised for remarkable growth, KofiHaus is designed to deliver world-class coffee machines and solutions tailored specifically to the preferences of Indian households. To support this initiative, we are making significant investments in our e-commerce platform, ensuring a seamless and engaging shopping experience that will be pivotal in driving growth for this segment.
India’s smaller cities present vast untapped potential, and we’re excited to expand our footprint in these markets. Our approach includes building partnerships with local distributors, offering tailored financial and operational solutions, and running outreach programs to educate businesses about the value of specialty coffee. By streamlining access to premium equipment and training, we aim to democratize high-quality coffee experiences across the country.
Kaapi Solutions offers a diverse range of coffee equipment. How do you ensure the machinery remains cutting-edge and relevant to Indian businesses?
At Kaapi Solutions, we have had the privilege of partnering with esteemed brands like Costa Coffee, WeWork, and Marriott—testaments to our unwavering commitment to excellence. Whether it’s assisting a boutique café in perfecting its signature brew or enabling a large hotel chain to maintain consistency across properties, we collaborate closely with our partners to craft unforgettable coffee experiences.
What role do Kaapi Solutions play in supporting café entrepreneurs and hospitality brands in creating premium coffee experiences?
The Indian coffee industry is at a pivotal moment, and Kaapi Solutions is proud to be part of its transformation. Our journey is driven by a commitment to quality, innovation, and the belief that every cup of coffee has the potential to inspire. As a leader in the specialty coffee segment, our mission is not just to meet today’s needs, but to anticipate tomorrow’s demands—empowering India’s hospitality sector to craft truly world-class coffee experiences. By blending global expertise with local insights, we are not just shaping coffee; we’re shaping culture.
