Blue Tokai Coffee Roasters sets sights on Middle East with Ambrosia Gulf partnership

UAE – Indian specialty coffee company Blue Tokai Coffee Roasters has set in motion a bold expansion into the Middle East, forging a new partnership with Ambrosia Gulf to act as its master franchisee for the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region.

This collaboration will see the launch of Blue Tokai’s first café in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the fourth quarter of 2025, marking the brand’s formal entry into the Middle Eastern market.

This move represents a significant chapter for Blue Tokai, which has become synonymous in India with its farm-to-cup approach, transparent sourcing, and commitment to quality.

With more than 175 cafés across India and an international presence that includes Tokyo, Blue Tokai is now preparing to introduce its single-estate coffees and craft-focused brewing methods to a new audience in the GCC.

The partnership with Ambrosia Gulf is designed to ensure that Blue Tokai’s values of authenticity and customer experience are upheld as the brand expands its global footprint.

Ambrosia Gulf, part of the Ambrosia Foods Group and backed by Pulsar Capital, brings a wealth of experience in scaling food and beverage brands across borders.

The company’s successful management of franchises such as Biryani By Kilo in the GCC is expected to play a crucial role in the rollout of Blue Tokai cafés throughout the region.

The flagship UAE café will offer guests a distinctive experience centered on traceable, craft-driven coffee, manual brewing, and a transparent supply chain.

Beyond the café environment, the partnership will introduce Blue Tokai’s fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) portfolio to the GCC, targeting not only retail customers but also the HoReCa sector, hotels, restaurants, and cafés, as well as direct-to-consumer channels.

Matt Chitranjan, co-founder and CEO of Blue Tokai, highlighted the significance of entering a market that values traceability, craft, and community, and noted Ambrosia Gulf’s operational insight and local expertise as key to building a vibrant network of cafés.

Vish Narain, Executive Chairman of Ambrosia Gulf, expressed enthusiasm about bringing Blue Tokai to the UAE and emphasized the partnership’s alignment with their vision to thoughtfully expand premium food and beverage offerings in the GCC.

As preparations advance for the UAE debut, Blue Tokai’s expansion into the Middle East stands as a pivotal moment in its international journey, blending Indian coffee heritage with world-class hospitality and operational excellence.

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