India

In a move that it says will allow it to concentrate on its core business of branded products, Tata Tea has announced that it will exit the beverage retail sector, including its Chai Unchai café’s which were launched in Bangalore in January 2008. Five outlets have already been opened since then.

"The company has decided to exit from café business like Chai Unchai in Bangalore," according to Sangeeta Talwar, executive director - marketing, Tata Tea.

Talwar said the recently introduced cold drink brand, TiON, has been well accepted in Tamil Nadu, gaining a 3% market share in Chennai. The company intends to introduce TiON to more South Indian states.