CHENNAI: Chennai, rather TN, is synonymous with filter kaapi. And no visit to the southern state is complete without the mandatory shots of cuppa. Marketeers too have been trying different things to tap the potential offered by this favourite brew — from ready-to-use packaged decoction that can provide an instant high to coffee lovers, to exporting it to the diaspora.

Last week, the news of Starbucks new CEO Laxman Narasimhan, taking charge became a talking point at any and every major business meeting. This was the case at the IIT Madras Research Park, at an event meant to announce a collaboration with a German auto MNC.

Following some small talk about hyperloops, Elon Musk and India’s scientific temperament, a trio of entrepreneurs (all Tamilians) changed lanes to talk about Laxman. His name, an unmistakable reflection of his south Indian or Tamil roots, led many to wonder if he will introduce the Kumbakonam degree filter kaapi in the global brand’s portfolio?

The entrepreneurial possibility of filter kaapi going global came up spontaneously which made all attendees smile. Many south Indians in the US have sheepishly swapped their morning cuppas for extra dark espressos and decaf lattes in neatly-labelled styrofoam cups.

Maybe it wouldn’t be such a bad idea after all to replace that with a brass tumbler of kaapi — to go.

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