New Delhi (India), September 11: In the ever-changing world of coffee, where each cup tells a different story, one name stands out as a true pioneer: Mr Vikram Khurana, CEO of Kaapi Solutions. From World Barista Champion to visionary "coffeepreneur," his career epitomises the essence of devotion, creativity, and the profound impact of coffee on people's lives.
A Rising Coffee Professional
Vikram Khurana is a worldwide recognised person in the Indian coffee community and a qualified Arabica Q Grader. Khurana's22-year career in the coffee industry has left an indelible legacy by revolutionising coffee culture in India.
A Pioneering Path with Culinary Roots
Vikram's journey began with a solid foundation in hospitality management. His schooling at R.M Institute, which is linked with the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA), prepared him for his future endeavours. He travelled to the United Kingdom to study kitchen management and culinary arts after acquiring valuable experience in food and beverage service at the prominent Park Royal Hotel.
A Passion for Coffee Brewing
Vikram's coffee adventure took an exciting turn when he joined Café Coffee Day as a café manager in 2001. His passion for coffee and cuisine was evident within a month of joining, leading to a quick promotion as the cuisine and Beverage trainer for North India.
The Pinnacle Achievement: From India to the World
Vikram's destiny reached a climax in 2002 when he competed in the inaugural India Barista Championship (now known as the National Barista Championship). His triumph propelled him to the international stage, where he represented India at the World Barista Championship in Oslo, Norway. An astonishing third-place finish and a coveted Silver Medal highlighted his knowledge and the extraordinary quality of Indian coffee on a global scale.
Entrepreneurship and the Advancement of Coffee
Vikram's adventure did not end with his barista victories. His unshakable dedication to the coffee industry led him to Dubai, where he spent three years polishing his abilities and assuming more major roles in the coffee industry. This experience eventually led to his first entrepreneurial enterprise as a proud partner and CEO, where he introduced innovative technologies to India's expanding coffee market.
More Than Just Machinery at Kaapi Solutions
When Vikram started Kaapi Solutions in 2017, the coffee story took another fascinating turn. This company went beyond the conventional coffee machine vendor, expanding its offerings to include consulting and beverage development support. The goal was simple: to cultivate a coffee entrepreneurship culture in India.
Promoting Coffee Culture
Vikram's vision of India as a coffee-centric nation continues to inspire. He has sponsored the National Barista Championship through Kaapi Solutions, and he has served as a National Jury Member since 2007. Vikram works tirelessly to transmit information and foster the coffee culture for the next generation of coffee enthusiasts and entrepreneurs as a Visiting Faculty in Coffee Quality Management appointed by the Coffee Board of India and a speaker at the KAAPI Shastra Programme.
A Wholesome Approach to Coffee
Kaapi Solutions, led by Khurana, provides a complete approach to coffee training, development, and education. The company has garnered acclaim for installing about 17,000 coffee machines and providing advisory services to recognised companies such as Tim Hortons and Pret Manger in India, with an amazing 65% market share in conventional espresso equipment.
A Transformational Legacy
Vikram Khurana's journey from World Barista Champion to successful coffeepreneur transcends personal storytelling. It represents the transforming power of passion, ingenuity, and coffee in moulding careers and nurturing enterprises. Vikram'snarrative continues to inspire and motivate, and his legacy adds to the ever-changing tapestry of the worldwide coffee community.
(Disclaimer: ABP Network Pvt. Ltd. and/or ABP Live does not in any manner whatsoever endorse/subscribe to the contents of this article and/or views expressed herein. Reader discretion is advised.)