
The Morning Brief Corner Office Conversation with Philippe Schaillee, Global CEO, Costa Coffee
May 6, 2025
Philippe Schaillee, the Global CEO of Costa Coffee since April 2023, shares insights into India's evolving coffee culture. He reveals how Costa is navigating the fierce competition from brands like Blue Tokai, emphasizing a city-focused growth strategy with local partnerships. The conversation dives into Gen Z's taste for cold brews and their influence on coffee trends. Philippe also discusses the challenges of post-COVID inflation and maintaining quality, while positioning Costa Coffee as a key player in the burgeoning Indian coffee market.
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Costa's Global Ambition and Scale
- Costa Coffee aims to be a top three global premium coffee brand with a startup mindset despite its legacy status since 1971.
- It operates in over 40 countries, serving 4 million cups daily through 4,300 outlets, also venturing into ready-to-drink coffee with Coca-Cola.
India's Coffee Market Shift
- India is shifting from a tea-drinking culture to premium coffee consumption as GDP and disposable income rise.
- Around 40-50 million Indian consumers are moving toward specialty coffee, a key focus for Costa Coffee.
Gen Z Pushes Coffee Trends
- Gen Z significantly drives the shift to premium coffee through demand for cold and flavored coffee options.
- Costa emphasizes a digital customer journey, with initiatives like the Costa Club loyalty program to engage younger consumers.
