Canadian coffee establishment Tim Hortons is set to enter India with a launch in New Delhi planned for later this year.
This joint venture entity will be owned by Apparel Group, a global fashion and lifestyle retail conglomerate and Gateway Partners, an emerging markets alternative investment manager.
In India, Tim Hortons will be led by Navin Gurnaney, who will serve as the company’s India CEO. He was previously the CEO of Starbucks India.
Post the launch in New Delhi, it will expand its offerings in Punjab and then the rest of the country.
India is the fourth market it is present in the Asia Pacific region.
David Shear, president, RBI International, the parent company of Tim Hortons, said, “We are thrilled to be bringing Tim Hortons to India, with Apparel Group and Gateway Partners. India is known for taking its beverages and food very seriously. The delicious premium quality coffee and fresh food that guests around the world have grown to crave from Tim Hortons will be coming to India, marking this launch as a critical step in our international expansion plans."
Gurnaney said, "We are very happy to bring Tim Hortons, a global café brand, to our guests in India. The launch will lead to major investments in market-leading talent and innovation, creating new jobs and providing a direct boost to the hospitality sector. We are excited ahead of this launch and we look forward to bringing the best of the café experience to Indians.”
Nilesh Ved, chairman and CEO, Apparel Group, said, "The food and beverage sector is seeing a revival after a long period of covid-induced lull, and we see this as the most opportune time to introduce a new brand and have an aggressive plan to cater to the demand. As a global company with proven capabilities worldwide, we are happy to bring the Tim Hortons experience to India.”
V. Shankar, co-founder and chief executive officer, Gateway Partners, said, "This exciting new venture builds on our existing strong partnership with Apparel Group, and the India venture has the promise and the potential to be a true “game-changer”. It is also aligned with Gateway's approach of investing in well-established market leaders who cater to core consumption needs. I cannot wait to have a cup of Tim Horton’s coffee when we open in New Delhi.”
