In Episode 7 of Magazine St. Kitchen x Thrive presents Speak Greasy with Gauri Devidayal Season 2, we delve into the fascinating Indian coffee industry with Yahvi Mariwala, the Co-Founder of Nandan Coffee. Yahvi, a third-generation coffee grower, shares the rich legacy of Nandanvan Estate in Kodaikanal, where her family has been cultivating organic coffee since the 1960s. Originally a passion project by her grandparents, Nandan Coffee has now evolved into a recognised brand under the dynamic leadership of the sister duo - Yahvi and Parthavi Mariwala.

Gauri and Yahvi reminisce about their first meeting as stall owners at a farmers' market in 2017, setting the stage for a deep dive into the coffee business. Yahvi recounts her journey from taking a gap year in Kodaikanal to test the waters to now single-handedly, rebranding and marketing Nandan Coffee to Indian consumers. She emphasises the recent explosion of coffee culture in India, comparing it to the appreciation of fine wines, and discusses the factors contributing to this growth, including increased travel, access to information, and improved ease of doing business.

Yahvi candidly shares her challenges and learnings, from cold calling restaurants to educating baristas about coffee processes and equipment. The episode also highlights the collaboration between Nandan Coffee and Gauri's restaurants namely The Table and Mag St., demonstrating the importance of understanding a restaurant's specific needs.

Listeners will gain insights into differentiating a coffee brand in a competitive market, the significance of organic certification, and the importance of bridging the gap between farmers and consumers. Yahvi also introduces Nandan's initiative to support local farmers through a cooperative model, enhancing their ability to process and sell coffee under the Nandan brand.

Tune in to explore the burgeoning coffee industry in India, the future prospects for tier 2 cities like Jaipur, and the diverse sub-industries within the coffee sector. Whether you're a coffee enthusiast or an aspiring entrepreneur, this episode offers valuable perspectives on navigating and thriving in the coffee business.