Global cafe chain The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf has signed a master franchise agreement with Ekaagra Ostalaritza to drive its growth in India.

Under the agreement, Ekaagra Ostalaritza has secured exclusive rights to expand the brand with plans to open 250 cafes over the next five years.

The coffee chain – owned by Jollibee Food Corp – began its operations in India in 2008 and currently runs around 30 locations, mainly in Delhi and Mumbai.

Commenting on the partnership, Yousif Abdulghain, chief development officer for CBTL, said Ekaagra Ostalaritza’s expertise and local insights make an ideal partner. 

 “India’s dynamic coffee and tea market offers incredible potential,” said Abdulghain.

“Together, we are poised to establish The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf as a key player in the country’s specialty beverage space.”

Established in August this year,  Ekaagra Ostalaritza is backed by Prannay Sureka – MD of Indian venture capital firm Alex Group of Companies. 

“This partnership represents a shared goal of creating a premium and unique coffee and tea experience tailored to Indian consumers,” added Vikram Nagpal, chief business officer at Ekaagra Ostalaritza. 

Founded in California, USA, in 1963,  Coffee Bean opened its first international store in Singapore in 1996 and was acquired by the Philippine fast-food chain operator Jollibee Foods Corporation in 2019. 

The chain has more than 1000 stores in 24 countries.