Following Starbucks long-term Triple Shot Reinvention Strategy unveiled in November, Tata Starbucks Private Limited has announced its ambition of operating 1,000 stores in India by 2028 or one new store opening every three days. The strategy focuses on skilling local partners for jobs, opening new stores that serve customers with an elevated experience, and promoting Indian-origin coffee to Starbucks customers around the world.
Already a trillion-dollar economy, India is at an inflection point and is projected to become the world’s third-largest by 2030, according to economic forecasts, making it a focus area of growth for Starbucks. India’s strategic importance as one of Starbucks fastest-growing markets globally will see Starbucks doubling-down on its presence in the market.
Through a 50:50 joint venture between Starbucks Coffee Company and Tata Consumer Products Limited that launched in 2012, Tata Starbucks now operates in over 390 stores across 54 Indian cities, with approximately 4,300 partners (employees) who proudly wear the green apron.
To achieve its target of 1,000 stores by 2028, the company will double its workforce to approximately 8,600 partners as it plans to enter Tier two and three Indian cities, expand drive-thrus, airports and its 24-hour store footprint to serve customers where they are.
“Over the past 11 years, the Indian 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 honouring 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,” said CEO of Starbucks, Laxman Narasimhan.
Following the success of Starbucks Reserve Fort Mumbai, which 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. Catering to the growing number of coffee enthusiasts with a penchant for premium coffee experiences, the new Starbucks Reserve store will create unique moments of connection with customers through the artistry and craft of Starbucks black apron Coffee Masters.
In line with the 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.
“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,” said Sunil D'Souza, CEO & managing director at Tata Consumer Products.
