Blue Tokai Coffee Roasters has announced a strategic partnership with Ambrosia Gulf, appointing the company as the master franchisee for the GCC region, starting with a flagship launch in the United Arab Emirates.
With a network of over 175 cafés in India and a growing international footprint—including cafés and a roastery in Tokyo—this partnership marks the company’s official debut in the Middle East. Blue Tokai is set to bring its signature farm-to-cup coffee experience to a new and discerning customer base across the Gulf region.
Pulsar Capital, a mid-market investment firm with a broad presence across India, the Middle East, and other emerging markets, backs Ambrosia Foods Group, under which Ambrosia Gulf operates. Pulsar Capital specializes in scaling high-quality businesses by providing hands-on strategic and operational support.
In India, Ambrosia is preparing to launch its first Papa Johns outlet in September 2025. Meanwhile, in the GCC region, Ambrosia Gulf manages the Biryani By Kilo franchise, showcasing its strong operational capabilities and extensive experience in cross-border brand expansion.
“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.”
Alongside launching cafés, Blue Tokai and Ambrosia Gulf will introduce Blue Tokai’s FMCG segment in the GCC region. This partnership will make the brand’s complete range of products available across multiple channels—serving not only café customers but also expanding into the HoReCa (Hotels, Restaurants, Cafés) and Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) segments. This move will significantly expand Blue Tokai’s reach and accessibility throughout the Gulf markets.
The coffee brand will open its first café in the UAE in Q4 2025, where it will offer customers its acclaimed single-estate coffees, artisanal brewing techniques, and a signature café experience built on transparency, quality, and craftsmanship.
