His paternal grandparents had to flee their home in what is now Pakistan during the tumultuous Partition of India in 1947. They eventually settled in Mumbai, where they built a thriving textile business
Krshna Moriani’s journey into the world of coffee was an unexpected turn in his life. Born into a family of Hong Kong Indian watch merchants, his future seemed predestined to take over the family business, as reported by scmp.com. However, his family’s history was shaped by the events of the past. His paternal grandparents had to flee their home in what is now Pakistan during the tumultuous Partition of India in 1947. They eventually settled in Mumbai, where they built a thriving textile business, as detailed in the South China Morning Post.
Krshna’s father, Lall, had different aspirations. In the 1970s, he ventured to Hong Kong in search of new opportunities, ultimately establishing a successful import-export enterprise specializing in mid-range watches that spanned across Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Nonetheless, Krshna, like his father, lacked the desire to inherit the family trade.
After completing his studies at Monash University in Melbourne in 2016, Krshna sought employment in Australia. He initially found a part-time role as a copywriter for a pet supplies company and later transitioned into the field of recruitment. These experiences were far removed from the world of coffee he would eventually enter.
However, six years later, his father’s diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease changed the course of Krshna’s life. His father’s health deteriorated to the point where he needed Krshna’s assistance. The prospect of inheriting the family business loomed large, and Krshna returned to Hong Kong, reluctantly embracing the world of watches and attempting to learn the ropes from his father.
It was during this challenging time that the concept of Barista Baba Coffee began brewing in Krshna’s mind. Moving back to Hong Kong with his fiancée, Charlotte, who hailed from Melbourne, Krshna found himself facing her demand for a good cup of coffee, something he couldn’t readily provide. His father’s illness escalated quickly, making it nearly impossible for him to pass on his knowledge. Despite their attempts to schedule meetings, these plans never materialized. Tragically, Krshna’s father passed away shortly after Krshna and Catherine’s wedding, on New Year’s Eve 2020.
With the increase in remote work arrangements, Krshna foresaw a growing need for quality coffee solutions. He had unwavering confidence that there was a niche in the market for top-notch coffee pods imported from Australia, ready to satisfy the discerning tastes of Hongkongers
In the midst of personal loss and grief, Krshna continued working in a marketing job while simultaneously researching and preparing to launch his coffee business. As the city of Hong Kong gradually emerged from the throes of the Covid-19 pandemic, a period marked by many residents relocating abroad, Krshna made the bold decision to not only remain in Hong Kong but also to establish his coffee business, offering roasted beans and pods imported from Australia.
Krshna’s affinity for Australian-style roasted coffee led him to believe that it was an underrepresented gem in the Hong Kong market. While Italian, French, and Japanese roasters had established a presence in various shops and markets, Australian coffee remained elusive in local supermarkets and online offerings. This observation compelled Krshna to introduce high-quality Australian coffee to Hong Kong.
Aware of the enduring work-from-home trend post-pandemic, Krshna ensured that his coffee was available in convenient pods for at-home consumption. He also addressed the growing demand for plant-based milk alternatives, providing clear labels on his products to guide customers in choosing the best blend for their preferred milk alternatives.
Krshna’s passion for Hong Kong, a city he had grown up in, was evident in his decision to start his coffee venture there. He believed that the city’s small yet densely populated environment, coupled with its residents’ openness to trying new things, provided a fertile ground for a thriving coffee culture. With the increase in remote work arrangements, Krshna foresaw a growing need for quality coffee solutions. He had unwavering confidence that there was a niche in the market for top-notch coffee pods imported from Australia, ready to satisfy the discerning tastes of Hongkongers.
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