Sustaining Growth Through Cross-Disciplinary Innovation: A Sustainable Business Analysis of Kopi Kenangan (Kenangan Brands) Toward Long-Term Sustainability

Abstract

This study analyzes the cross-disciplinary innovation journey of Kopi Kenangan (Kenangan Brands), Indonesia's first new retail F&B unicorn, from its founding in 2017 through its regional expansion in 2022–2024. The research examines how the company integrates product, process, business model, and digital innovations while sustaining competitive advantage in a rapidly evolving market. Using a combination of Schumpeterian innovation theory, business model frameworks (Osterwalder & Pigneur), digital platform theory, absorptive capacity (Cohen & Levinthal), and service ecosystem theory (Norman & Ramirez), this paper systematically maps Kopi Kenangan's innovation dimensions. Triple Helix and Penta Helix frameworks are applied to assess its stakeholder ecosystem, and Critical Management Studies (CMS) perspectives are employed to interrogate social, cultural, and environmental consequences of its growth model. Findings reveal that Kopi Kenangan's competitive strength derives from local taste differentiation, omnichannel integration, ERP/SAP-powered operations, and digital loyalty platforms. However, sustaining this growth ethically requires deeper academic collaboration, verified sustainability metrics, fair labor practices, and culturally adaptive internationalization. Strategic recommendations are provided to support Kopi Kenangan's transition from a growth-first to a growth-plus-sustainability model.