Starbucks, the global coffee giant has announced ambitious plans for India. From its current store count of almost 400 stores, the company aims to reach 1,000 cafes by 2028 and double its workforce in the country.
The company’s Indian-origin CEO was on his maiden visit to the country after he took over the top role at Starbucks in 2023.
Starbucks unveiled its long-term Triple Shot Reinvention Strategy in Nov. ‘23. Triple Shot Reinvention will focus on three priorities: elevating the Starbucks brand; strengthening the company’s digital capabilities; and becoming truly global; customized with “two pumps” unlocking efficiency and reinvigorating partner culture.
As he visited India this week, Laxman Narasimhan, Chief Executive Officer, Starbucks said, “Over the past 11 years, the India market has grown to become one of Starbucks fastest-growing markets in the world. With a growing middle class, we are proud to help cultivate the evolving coffee culture while honoring its rich heritage.”
“With our trusted business partner, Tata, and our green apron partners, we are well-positioned to capture the limitless opportunities as we open one store every three days in India and further our aspiration to become truly global”, he added.
Following the success of Starbucks Reserve Fort Mumbai, that opened in 2022, Tata Starbucks will open the second Starbucks Reserve® store this year as part of the long-term commitment to elevate the coffee experience in India.
In line with its mission to elevate high-quality Indian arabica coffee, Starbucks Reserve® whole bean coffee Monsooned Malabar from India will be available both at Starbucks Reserve® Stores in India and the U.S., later this year.
Starbucks entered the Indian market in October 2012 through a 50/50 Joint Venture with Tata Consumer Products Limited and currently operates more than 390 stores in India across 54 cities.
After opening its first cafe in Mumbai followed by New Delhi, Hyderabad, Chennai, Bengaluru, Pune, Kolkata, etc., the company spread its network wider to reach Tier 2/3 towns and tourist destinations such as Surat, Ludhiana, Bhopal, Siliguri, Nashik, Bhubaneshwar, Dehradun Mysore as well as setting up several cafes along Highways, some of which operate 24/7.
The company runs operations through a network of over 4,200 partners (employees).
Sunil D’Souza, CEO & Managing Director at Tata Consumer Products said, “Tata Consumer Products and Starbucks have enjoyed a remarkable journey, elevating India’s coffee culture and craftsmanship rooted in high-quality Indian arabica coffee beans.”
“As we move into the next chapter of growth, we will continue to develop India’s coffee culture to deepen connections with our customers, while innovating to bring our unique Indian offerings to the global stage”, he added.
Sushant Dash, Chief Executive Officer, Tata Starbucks added, “Thanks to the strong foundation we have built in India, we are entering our next chapter of growth, driven by our unwavering commitment to create a uniquely Starbucks Experience that uplifts customers, communities and partners.”
“With partners forming the heartbeat of our organization and shaping our success in India, we will continue to make meaningful investments that bridge a better future for all partners. Coupled with our focus on reimagining the ‘third place’ and extending our coffee leadership, we are poised to catalyze further growth in India”, he added.
Tata Starbucks will empower women in India by providing vocational skills training for underserved young women seeking careers in the F&B retail industries.
In partnership with The Starbucks Foundation, which awarded a grant to Trust for Retailers & Retail Associates of India (TRRAIN) to provide 2,000 young women workforce development training, skills building and mentoring by 2024, Tata Starbucks extended on-the-job learning options for program participants in stores in Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad and Mumbai.