Case Study: Prototype Development of Coffee Cube – A Product Innovation in the Coffee Segment

Coffee is deeply embedded in global culture, serving as a daily essential for millions. In India, particularly in Karnataka, coffee holds immense economic and cultural importance, with the state contributing nearly 70% of India’s coffee production (Chakravarty, 2020). Coorg and Chikmagalur remain the primary coffee-growing regions, renowned for their high-quality beans. While traditional filter coffee remains a staple, changing consumer lifestyles have led to a surge in demand for instant and portable coffee solutions, particularly among urban youth and working professionals who seek convenience without compromising on taste. To address this evolving demand, Coffee Cube was developed as an innovative ready-to-use coffee solution. The cube format integrates instant coffee, milk powder, and sugar, allowing consumers to prepare a well-balanced cup of coffee in seconds by simply adding hot water. This concept emerged from a Project-Centric Learning (PCL) initiative, aiming to bridge the gap between traditional coffee preparation and modern convenience. This case study explores the development process, challenges faced, consumer insights, and future prospects of the Coffee Cube.