(May 15, 2024) Coming from the family of the Indian multinational snack food company and restaurant chain, Bikanervala, entrepreneurship runs in the blood of Mishthi Aggarwal. The fourth-generation entrepreneur is the only female specialty coffee roaster in India, a certified Q grader, and an authorised SCA trainer. As the founder and CEO of 93 Degrees Coffee Roasters, Mishthi oversees the production of bespoke blends innovated and developed in her organisation’s research and development centre.
“During my travels across the world, I was inspired by the rich coffee culture and it led me to venture into the coffee industry,” Mishthi tells Global Indian. “While India is the seventh largest producer of coffee in the world, most of it is exported. I want to inculcate the specialty coffee culture in our Indian lifestyles. This will not only allow us to enjoy our high-quality homegrown coffees but at the same time promote the flourishing agri-economy,” adds the Harvard University alumna.
Mishthi Aggarwal
93 Degrees Coffee Roasters
At 93 Degrees Coffee Roasters, each coffee batch undergoes gentle roasting in high-quality equipment to capture the fullest flavours from every bean. This meticulous process helps in discovering the window of peak flavour, resulting in a perfect roast. When a coffee achieves the desired mark, it is served at cafes and made available on shelves as whole beans.
Established in the year 2022, the organisation is based out of Gurugram, Haryana. “Being born in a business family, you pick up all the traits and values that are discussed in the household. I think I imbibed the qualities of diligence and entrepreneurship from my family very early on in life,” Mishthi tells. “My family always supported me in my venture and with their constant encouragement I have been able to lay a strong foundation at 93 Degrees Coffee Roasters.”
As the sole owner of 93 Degrees Coffee Roasters, the 27-year-old leads a team of 15 dedicated individuals who share her passion for specialty coffee. “While I am the primary decision-maker and visionary for the company, I deeply value the collaborative effort and diverse perspectives that each team member brings to the table.” Together the team strives to uphold the highest standards of quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction in every aspect of business operations.
93 Degrees is Mishthi’s first business venture. “It has been a transformative journey so far,” she remarks. The decision to embark on this path was not taken for the heck of getting into business following her family’s legacy, rather it was a result of her deep passion for coffee and a desire to make a meaningful impact in the coffee industry of India.
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Juggling business in India and studies in the US
Mishthi started her business venture in 2022 while she was still a student of Harvard. “Managing the day-to-day operations of 93 Degrees while pursuing my management studies at Harvard has been both demanding and rewarding,” she remarks. “Thanks to the flexible learning options offered by Harvard, I was able to strike a balance between my academic commitments and the responsibilities of running a business. Leveraging technology and effective time management strategies, I ensured that the company continues to thrive in my absence,” she tells, highlighting that the insights gained from her course enriched her decision-making ability and contributed in running the business even from abroad.
“Each day brings new challenges and opportunities for growth, and I am grateful for the invaluable lessons learned along the way.” While there have been hurdles to overcome, a sense of fulfilment derived from building something from the ground up makes every obstacle worth it for Mishthi.
Blending legacy and innovation
“Coming from an esteemed business family, entrepreneurship was the most natural progression for me. I have enjoyed the process of establishing 93 Degrees Coffee Roasters. Also, I have learnt to respect traditions in businesses even while innovating and discovering new trends in the industry,” says the fourth-generation entrepreneur. She looks at her grandfather, as a visionary entrepreneur who instilled in her the qualities of integrity, persistence, and diligence towards excellence from a young age.
Drawing inspiration from his entrepreneurial journey Mishthi learned to blend tradition with innovation, respecting the rich heritage of her family business while pioneering new ventures in uncharted territories.
“Throughout my entrepreneurial endeavour, I have been fortunate to have the support and guidance of my family members. They are the mentors and advisors of my journey. Their experience, wisdom and the values that they instilled in me has shaped my identity as an entrepreneur,” she remarks.
Visionary leaders in the coffee industry who have reshaped the landscape of specialty coffee globally are also people who inspire Mishthi Aggarwal, fuelling her ambition to make a meaningful impact in the world of specialty coffee.
Beyond business
As an entrepreneur, Mishthi’s aspirations for 93 Degrees Coffee Roasters extend beyond mere profitability. She envisions her brand becoming synonymous with exceptional quality, sustainability, and social responsibility in the coffee industry. “By cultivating strong partnerships with local farmers, we aim to create a positive impact at every stage of the coffee supply chain. Ultimately, I strive to elevate the coffee experience for our customers while contributing to the greater good of society,” she tells.
93 Degrees Coffee Roasters is deeply committed to empowering local coffee farmers through initiatives aimed at promoting fair trade practices, sustainable agriculture, and community development. “Partnering with coffee-growing communities and advocating for their rights and well-being, we aim to create a more equitable and sustainable coffee industry for generations to come,” Mishthi shares, talking about her aspirations.
On the path of leadership
Before enrolling in the master’s in management at Harvard University, Mishthi completed her bachelors of science in economics from the University of Nottingham, and a three-year diploma course in coffee skills from Specialty Coffee Association of Europe (SCAE), one of the world’s largest coffee trade associations.
“As an authorised AST (Authorised Specialty Coffee Association Trainer), certified by the SCAE, I possess the necessary credentials to educate and train others in the art and science of specialty coffee,” she mentions. Her Q Grader Arabica certification, awarded by the Coffee Quality Institute makes her an expert in evaluating and grading coffee beans – a unique position as a female leader in a male-dominated industry.
She has served as a jury member with the National Coffee Board for the National Latte Art Championship and National Barista Championship in the past. Winners went on to participate in global competitions. As a jury member she evaluated and critiqued the performance of contestants based on criteria such as taste, technique, and presentation. The entrepreneur and trainer loved being in the judge’s shoes. She looks at it as an opportunity to contribute towards the advancement of the coffee industry of India on a global scale.
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Challenges and triumphs
“As a budding entrepreneur, I have encountered numerous challenges along the path to building and growing 93 Degrees Coffee Roasters. From navigating the complexities of supply chain management to overcoming financial hurdles and fierce competition, each obstacle has tested my resilience and determination,” she remarks adding, “However, I firmly believe that challenges present opportunities for growth and innovation. I have been able to overcome the obstacles and emerge stronger than before.”
The entrepreneur, who has just returned after completing her masters at Harvard, aims to make her venture bigger and contribute wholeheartedly in the specialty coffee industry of India as a certified Q grader, and an authorised SCA trainer.
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