Trent has signed a licensing agreement with Caffe Nero to open cafes inside its Westside and Zudio stores, people familiar with the matter said. The Trent Caffe Nero deal follows unsuccessful discussions about a similar arrangement with Tata Starbucks.

Key Takeaways

  • The number of cafes, rollout schedule and commercial terms were not immediately available.
  • Trent and Tata Starbucks had disagreed over store locations and formats, people familiar with the talks said.

Trent Caffe Nero Deal Follows Starbucks Talks

Trent and Tata Starbucks could not agree on the nature and locations of Starbucks outlets within the retailer’s network, the people said. Tata Starbucks is a joint venture between Tata Consumer Products and Starbucks Coffee Co.

Starbucks wanted a prominent, front-facing position within Trent stores, while the retailer was unwilling to accommodate that arrangement, the people said. They added that differences over Starbucks’ control of formats and locations also contributed to the breakdown.

Trent and Caffe Nero did not comment. The people familiar with the matter also said Harish Bhat, a Tata veteran associated with Starbucks’ development in India, recently stepped down from Trent’s board to avoid a potential conflict of interest.

Cafe Plans Remain Undisclosed

The agreement would give Trent access to a specialist coffee brand without developing its own cafe business. For Caffe Nero, Westside and value-fashion chain Zudio offer a route to shoppers through an established retail network.

Caffe Nero was founded in London in 1997 and operates in several countries, including the UK and US. The scale and pace of its planned presence through Trent remain unclear.

Read More News

More FinanceVelix news

Disclaimer

This FinanceVelix article provides general information, not personalized financial, investment, legal, or tax advice. Market prices, interest rates and economic conditions can change; investments carry a risk of loss. Facts reflect the material available when published and may change. Check important information independently and consult a qualified professional when needed. Mentioning an asset, company, or service is not an endorsement.