Bacha Coffee has big global plans – from Seoul to Paris the chain is spreading its coffee culture. Now it has Australia in its sights.
The brand relaunched in 2019 and is managed by TWG Tea’s parent company V3 Gourmet.
Franchise Executives asked Maranda Barnes, chief commercial officer at V3 Gourmet, about the brand, its growth and plans for Australia.
FE: What is different about Bacha Coffee?
Maranda Barnes: Bacha Coffee was founded in 1910 in Marrakech, Morocco within the walls of the spectacular Dar el Bacha where the greatest cultural and political minds of the century gathered over glittering pots of “coffee of Arabia” or Arabica, as it is known today. The original Bacha Coffee location is a destination. It draws visitors from all over the world to experience a century of Moroccan heritage and the finest coffee.
The brand has expanded across Asia, the Middle East, Europe and North Africa, with unique and exclusive coffee rooms and boutiques, coffee bars, travel retail and takeaway concepts.
It offers more than 200 coffees (100 per cent Arabica) from 35 well-reputed coffee producing countries.
We pride ourselves in transforming coffee from an everyday commodity to an extraordinary sensorial journey. Our commitment to slow roasting traditional brewing methods and unrivalled quality elevates the coffee experience. It encourages coffee lovers to embark on a coffee ritual rather than a quick caffeine fix.
FE: What is the business structure offered for international expansion?
Maranda Barnes: As a luxury brand, the crux is in maintaining consistency in quality in every market. In order to achieve that, we have explored various models to successfully position our brand, depending on market requirements.
We expanded into Indonesia in partnership with a franchisee, and into South Korea via an exclusive franchise and distribution agreement. We remain steadfast in tapping on the pros of each business structure that our partners are best suited for. Understanding and catering to market nuances ensures customers enjoy an authentic experience.
FE: What have been the big milestones for the brand this year?
Maranda Barnes: We have seen tremendous and continuous growth since we relaunched the brand five years ago. We have significantly expanded our global footprint this year with multiple openings.
In August, Bacha Coffee opened its first two-storey standalone flagship boutique, takeaway and coffee room on Cheongdam-dong in the Gangnam District of Seoul, South Korea.
Indonesia has recently opened two new locations in the city’s top luxury malls, Plaza Senayan and Plaza Indonesia. The GCC region saw new establishments in key cities like Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha.
On the digital front, we have expanded our reach within Europe. We now deliver to over 20 European countries from our headquarters in France. This complements the highly anticipated unveiling of our Paris flagship on the Champs-Élysées in Q1 2025.
FE: How and when will Australia get a Bacha store?
Maranda Barnes: While Bacha Coffee is already available in Australia through our online boutique, plans are underway to officially launch the brand through a physical location within the next few years. At the moment, we are looking out from the right partner with an understanding of luxury lifestyle to establish Bacha Coffee in key cities across Australia.
Our priority is to partner with an entity with the expertise, network and capability to imbue each location with the right experiential offering found in every Bacha Coffee location around the world.
FE: Why do you think the brand will suit the Australian market?
Maranda Barnes: Australia’s renowned coffee culture, particularly in cities like Sydney and Melbourne, is a testament to the nation’s passion for speciality coffees and discernment towards quality. The appeal of Bacha Coffee has captivated every market where it has opened around the world. We believe that Australians will share the same appreciation towards our offerings.
FE: Do you see potential for 10 or more stores across Australia?
Maranda Barnes: Definitely! Australians are discerning coffee drinkers who have a passion for quality speciality coffee. That makes it an ideal market for us to enter, through select locations in key cities, shopping malls and establishments aligned with Bacha Coffee’s culture.
