Restaurant India News: Ai-CHA Plans 500-Store India Expansion as It Opens in Visakhapatnam

Ai-CHA, the Indonesia-based tea and premium ice cream brand, has expanded its footprint in India with the launch of a new outlet in MVP Colony, Visakhapatnam on June 14. The opening forms part of the company's broader strategy to strengthen its presence in the Indian food and beverage market beyond metropolitan cities.

Operating in 40 countries with more than 2,500 stores globally, Ai-CHA has been focusing on introducing its portfolio of fruit teas, milk teas, boba beverages, premium ice creams, and desserts to Indian consumers. The Visakhapatnam outlet follows the brand's recent entry into the Indian market through its debut store in Amar Colony, New Delhi.

The brand's menu in Visakhapatnam includes products such as Vanilla Ai-Scream, Ai-Squash Lemonade, Ai-Milk Tea Brown Sugar Pearl, and Sund-Ai Boba, alongside a wider selection of fruit teas, milk teas, boba beverages, sundaes, coffees, and hot drinks. The offering has been designed to cater to a broad consumer base, including students, families, and working professionals.

The launch highlights the growing demand for affordable, experience-led beverage formats in emerging urban markets. International foodservice brands are increasingly looking beyond India's major metros to tap into evolving consumer preferences in tier-II cities, where younger demographics are driving demand for global flavours and customisable beverage options.

Lee, Founder of Ai-CHA, said, "The response we have received since launching in India has been incredibly encouraging. It has reaffirmed our belief that Indian consumers are increasingly looking for new experiences while continuing to value quality and affordability. Visakhapatnam is an exciting next step for us, and we are delighted to bring Ai-CHA to the city. Our goal has always been simple: to create products that people can enjoy every day, whether it's students catching up with friends, families spending time together or professionals looking for a refreshing break. We look forward to becoming a part of those everyday moments."

Sarthak Mohindra, Country Head – India, Ai-CHA, said, "From the very beginning, we wanted Ai-CHA to grow beyond the metros and connect with consumers across India. Visakhapatnam stood out because of its young, vibrant consumer base and evolving food and beverage culture. The enthusiasm we have seen from customers gives us confidence that there is a strong appetite for what Ai-CHA offers. We are excited to introduce our globally loved beverages and desserts to the city and are committed to building a brand that consumers return to not just for the products, but for the overall experience."

The Visakhapatnam outlet has been developed as a dine-in format where customers can access the brand's complete product portfolio. The store also incorporates CACHA, Ai-CHA's global mascot, which forms part of the brand's identity across international markets.

Looking ahead, Ai-CHA plans to expand its India operations through a royalty-free FOFO franchise model, with a target of opening more than 500 stores nationwide over the next three years. The expansion strategy reflects increasing confidence among international beverage brands in India's organised café and quick-service restaurant sectors, particularly in markets where consumers are seeking new product formats that combine affordability with experiential value.