Blue Tokai Coffee Roasters Enters GCC Market Through Strategic Partnership with Ambrosia Gulf
Blue Tokai Coffee Roasters has announced a strategic partnership with Ambrosia Gulf, which will act as the master franchisee for the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. The collaboration will begin with the launch of a flagship outlet in the United Arab Emirates.
With a growing footprint of over 175 cafés across India and an international presence that includes a roastery and cafés in Tokyo, Japan, this partnership marks Blue Tokai’s official entry into the Middle Eastern market. The brand aims to bring its farm-to-cup coffee philosophy to a new, discerning customer base in the Gulf.
Trusted Regional Expertise
Ambrosia Gulf is part of the larger Ambrosia Foods Group, backed by Pulsar Capital, a mid-market investment firm with a broad presence in India, the Middle East, and other emerging economies. Pulsar Capital is known for nurturing scalable, high-quality businesses through active strategic and operational support.
In India, Ambrosia is gearing up to launch Papa Johns in September 2025, while in the GCC, it currently operates the Biryani By Kilo franchise — showcasing its proven capabilities in cross-border brand development and execution.
Leadership Commentary
“We’re excited to bring Blue Tokai to the UAE and share its incredible coffee story with the region,” said Vish Narain, Executive Chairman of Ambrosia Gulf. “We’re focused on building brands that prioritize quality, authenticity, and customer experience — values that Blue Tokai exemplifies. This partnership aligns perfectly with our vision to thoughtfully grow premium food and beverage offerings across the GCC.”
“It’s an exciting time for Blue Tokai as we grow beyond India into a market that appreciates traceability, craft, and community,” said Matt Chitranjan, Co-Founder and CEO of Blue Tokai. “Ambrosia Gulf brings deep operational insight and a strong local understanding of consumer expectations. We’re confident they are the right partners to build a vibrant network of Blue Tokai cafés across the region.”
“Partnering with a group that already operates leading food brands across India and the GCC gives us confidence as we scale internationally,” added Shivam Shahi, COO of Blue Tokai. “This is not just an expansion — it’s an opportunity to build a thoughtful, regionally aligned presence while staying true to our core values.”
Expanding Beyond Cafés: FMCG and HoReCa Channels
Beyond cafés, the partnership also encompasses Blue Tokai’s FMCG product range. The full portfolio of products will be launched across the GCC, serving not just café customers but also HoReCa (Hotels, Restaurants, Cafés) and Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) markets. This move is set to significantly enhance the brand’s accessibility and market reach.
Flagship Café Launch in Q4 2025
The first Blue Tokai café in the UAE is scheduled to open in Q4 2025. It will showcase the brand’s single-estate coffees, manual brewing techniques, and its distinctive transparent, craft-first café experience — offering the region a true taste of Blue Tokai’s artisanal roots.
