Toby’s Estate begins South Asian journey from Sri Lanka

 By Cheranka Mendis

Spreading the rich aroma of world class coffee in Sri Lanka, Toby’s Estate Coffee has now planted its seeds here by opening up a flagship store in Mount Lavinia, with plans to spread its roots to a greater audience within the country.

Thick with the whiff of coffee beans and freshly-brewed latte, the store, which stands on Galle Road in close proximity to KFC and Singer Mega, is a quiet and beautiful hideout bathed in light and furnished with comfortable seating, making it the ideal place to catch your breath after or during a busy day of work.

Originating from Australia, Toby’s Estate Coffee now available through its flagship store is sourced from all over the world, according to the high quality demarcation adhered by the company.

Marking its first South Asian part of Toby’s Estate’s global chain, the Sri Lankan store will deliver the ultimate coffee experience providing customers with a large range of specialty coffees, including estate, origins and delicious flavoured coffees, and a complete menu of espresso-based beverages such as lattes, cappuccinos, cocoas, and gourmet teas.  

Functioning in three continents – Australia, North America, and Asia – the entry into Sri Lanka is part of the company’s plan to expand within the South Asian region. While countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, China and Thailand are showing positive growth signs in coffee consumption, the company will grow selectively and will take its time in determining its next move, Toby’s Estate Founder Toby Smith said.

Arriving in Sri Lanka to promote the word, Smith noted that the aim is not just to promote the coffee but also bring a refined high quality taste in the ever-increasing beverage segment to local tables. “What we strive for is quality – in the beverage, in training, and in all aspects of the product and service. We want to introduce quality caffeine to Sri Lankan consumers and educate them,” he said. “We are very excited about the prospects. There are exciting times ahead.”

Having tied up with Brad’s Food Pvt. Ltd., Smith commented that the local partners were the right mix with which to expand its business. “After setting up in Singapore, we were looking to develop ourselves in the Asian market. We were looking for the right people. Suffice to say we are extremely happy with what we see here today.”

Toby’s Estate General Manager Asia Pacific Andrew Low added that the company has identified Asia as a location with unlimited opportunity. “We are looking for business partners who share the same values, focuses on quality in food and beverages, and training,” Low said. “Sri Lanka fits well with our plans.”

The company is also looking at sourcing coffee beans from Sri Lanka in the future. Two companies have been identified so far, he said, and if they produce beans that are on par with the quality Toby’s is looking for, Sri Lanka could enter the list of countries to provide the necessary beans in the future.

After establishing itself in Sri Lanka through its flagship store, Toby’s will look at wholesale customs and then potentially the key hotels in Colombo. “We also wish to teach and train the staffers of such hotels in the art of coffee making,” Toby’s Estate Singapore Head Roaster Alvaro Sanchez added. “Oftentimes the bitterness customers complain about is because it is not prepared correctly. We do not want to comprise the end result. Therefore we will train the staffers as well.”

From delicate and lively to rich and bold, Toby’s Estate Coffee roasts coffee beans for all coffee lovers. The world-renowned coffee chain will give all discerning connoisseurs in Colombo the best coffee experience in town.

Whichever Toby’s Estate Beverage one chooses, they could be assured that it will be freshly crafted in the store using the highest quality ingredients. Toby’s Coffee serves espresso beverages that cater to a lifestyle market with discriminating taste.

Sip the hot white chocolate for a special bonding time with loved ones or friends. Served hot, this unique espresso concoction blends with white chocó syrup, steamed milk and a white chocó design. Its iced coffee mocha is a perfect blend of espresso, chocó syrup or cold milk, one layer of whipped cream and a dash of chocó powder. The froccino caramel, meanwhile, is blended with caramel syrup and a shot of whipped cream, while the cappuccino classic drink is made to exact standards for the most authentic cappuccino experience.

“It’s a difference you will taste and a difference you will appreciate,” Sanchez added.

Pic by Sameera Wijesinghe