Milklab Fuels India’s Specialty Coffee Boom with Barista-First Strategy
Partnering with the Foodservice Industry to Deliver Premium Plant-Based Milks
Milklab, Noumi Limited’s (ASX: NOU) flagship barista plant-based milk brand, is accelerating its presence in India’s fast-growing specialty coffee market thanks to a strategic partnership with the foodservice industry. Designed specifically for professional baristas, the Milklab range, including almond, oat, soy, coconut and macadamia milks is engineered to perform under espresso coffee conditions, delivering superior froth, texture, and taste.
India’s coffee culture is evolving rapidly, with a surge in independent cafés and premium chains such as Blue Tokai, Third Wave Coffee, and Subko. Milklab is tapping into this momentum by focusing on café-first distribution, collaborating directly with baristas and café owners to ensureproduct performance and build brand loyalty.
Tailored for India’s Diverse Palates and Preferences
India’s large vegetarian population and growing demand for dairy alternatives make it an ideal market for Milklab’s plant-based offerings. The almond variant resonates strongly due to India’s cultural affinity for almonds. Milklab packaging has been localised to align with Indian regulatory standards and to meet consumer expectations.
Milklab’s range provides consumer choice and caters to a variety of dietary preferences. This versatility makes Milklab a preferred choice for cafés with a focus on delivering inclusive menus without compromising on quality and taste.
Collaborative Growth with Olympia Industries
Milklab’s India expansion is powered by a pan-India distribution partnership with Olympia Industries Ltd. This model enables nationwide reach, from metro cities like Mumbai and Delhi to emerging café hubs in Tier-2 cities. Olympia handles imports, customs, warehousing, and inland distribution, while Milklab provides barista training, in-café demonstrations, and ongoing support from its Australian headquarters.
Performance-Driven, Café-Led Expansion
Milklab’s success in India is measured not just in sales, but by the number of specialty cafés onboarded and the depth of engagement with baristas. The brand’s technical reliability frothing without splitting under espresso heat and acidity is a key differentiator in the food service channel.
With scalable UHT production in Australia and a dedicated export logistics team, Milklab ensures consistent product quality and reliable replenishment cycles. This operational excellence supports its café-first strategy and sets the stage for future retail expansion.
Looking Ahead
Milklab plans to deepen its footprint in India and other key markets across Southeast Asia and the Middle East. Innovation will continue to meet global demand for high quality café-style dairy alternative beverages. The brand’s commitment to sustainability and transparency under the “Healthier Tomorrow” ESG sustainability plan of parent company, Noumi further strengthens its appeal in values-driven markets.
Milklab’s mission is simple: win the professional barista, and the consumer will follow.
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