Starbucks stores in India will have a distinct Indian imprint in its ambience, décor and offerings, a top company official has said.
The US-based coffee major also plans to invest in roasting of coffee beans in the country with its joint venture partner Tata Group.
John Culver, President, Starbucks Coffee China & Asia Pacific, met the Commerce and Industry Minister, Anand Sharma, on Tuesday to discuss the company’s expansion plans in India. Avani Saglani Davda, CEO of Tata Starbucks Ltd, also attended the meeting.
“Starbucks will not only design its stores with a distinct Indian flavour, it also seems that its product range would be developed with Indian tastes in mind,” a Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion official told
Starbucks entered India with its joint venture partner Tata last October by opening four outlets in Mumbai. It expanded to Delhi early this year by opening two outlets at the international airport.
Culver told Sharma that TSL is committed to high-quality coffee sourcing and long-standing sourcing relationship with India, according to an official release. He also explained their plans and initiatives as part of the coffee sourcing and roasting agreement with Tata Coffee.
Starbucks President said that his company was working with the coffee growing communities of India with a specific focus on agronomy and sustainable farming practices, along with its community investment initiatives and employment generation activities.
Starbucks also plans to involve local craftsmen in designing the outlets in India.
The minister said that it is a matter of happiness that a global investor is sensitive towards the needs of the local growers and recognises local talent. “India provides a robust investment environment which is being recognised by the global investors,” Sharma said.