Canada’s most loved coffee brand, Tim Hortons, to open 250+ restaurants across the country over the next five years. Tim Hortons will open in New Delhi this year, followed by Punjab and other parts of the country.
Tim Hortons, an iconic coffee brand founded in 1964 in Canada, will enter India as part of an exclusive agreement with AG Café, a joint venture entity owned by Apparel Group, a global fashion and lifestyle retail conglomerate Gateway Partners, an emerging markets alternative investment manager.
The brand is known for its freshly prepared iconic beverages like the smooth and creamy ‘French Vanilla’ and its creamy blended frozen coffee, the ‘Iced Capp’ along with made-to-order food and baked goods offerings, like the delicious bite-sized morsels of traditional donuts called ‘Timbits’. Tim Hortons will open in New Delhi this year, quickly followed by Punjab and other parts of the country. With over 50 years of coffee expertise, the brand has captured the hearts and taste buds of many.
India is one of the world’s fastest-growing markets for speciality coffee retail chains. The growth can be attributed to the changing lifestyle of the young population, rising disposable income, and a keenness to explore global experiences. With this launch, India will become the brand’s fourth country in the Asia Pacific region and plans to open over two hundred and fifty outlets over the next five years.
“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,” said David Shear, President, RBI International, the parent company of Tim Hortons. “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.”
Tim Hortons India will be led by Navin Gurnaney, an experienced and reputed professional who will serve as the company’s India CEO. He was previously the CEO of Starbucks India. Speaking on the announcement, Navin 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.”
Speaking on the announcement, Nilesh Ved, Chairman & 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 of 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 Hortons coffee when we open in New Delhi.”
Tim Hortons is Canada’s largest restaurant chain operating in the café industry, and international expansion has become an increasing priority for the brand. Over recent years the brand has introduced its well-loved offerings to guests beyond Canada and the United States. Tim Hortons has over 5,100 restaurants across 13 countries and growing, including the Middle East, China, the UK, Mexico, Spain, Thailand, and the Philippines. Tim Hortons is one of North America’s largest coffee/tea/donut restaurant chains. In 1964, the first Tim Hortons restaurant in Hamilton, Ontario, opened its doors. Canadians and guests worldwide have been ordering Tim Hortons iconic Original Blend coffee, Double-Double coffees, Donuts, and Timbits in the years since. Over the last 55 years, Tim Hortons has captured the hearts and taste buds of Canadians and guests worldwide and has become synonymous with serving Canada’s favourite coffee. More than a coffee and bake shop, Tim Hortons is part of the Canadian fabric, and guests can enjoy hot and cold specialty beverages – including lattes, cappuccinos and espressos, teas, and our famous Iced Capps – alongside delicious breakfast, sandwiches, wraps, soups and more. Tim Hortons has more than 5,100 restaurants around the world. For more information on Tim Hortons visit TimHortons.com
