The company will also double its workforce to approximately 8,600 partners as it plans to enter tier 2 and 3 Indian cities, expand drive-thrus, airports and its 24-hour store footprint
Bengaluru: Coffeehouse chain Starbucks is aiming to operate 1,000 stores in India by 2028 or one new store opening every three days, the Seattle-based beverage giant said in a post on its website.
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, the company said.
The new goal aligns with Starbucks long-term triple shot reinvention strategy unveiled in November which 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.
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 2 and 3 Indian cities, expand drive-thrus, airports and its 24-hour store footprint to serve customers where they are, it said in its post.
Starbucks-branded coffee chain in India is operated by a 50:50 joint-venture between Starbucks Coffee Company and Tata Consumer Products Ltd. Since 2012, Tata Starbucks, has opened over 390 stores across 54 Indian cities, with approximately 4,300 employees.
“Over the past 11 years, the India market has grown to become one of Starbucks’ fastest-growing markets in the world. 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 Laxman Narasimhan, chief executive officer, Starbucks who is on a brief India visit this week.
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 the mission to elevate 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, managing director at Tata Consumer Products.
Tata Starbucks also invests in the well-being of partners and is the first food and beverage company in the market to establish a five-day workweek for its people.
The company is empowering 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.
“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. Coupled with our focus on reimagining the ‘third place’ and extending our coffee leadership, we are poised to catalyze further growth in India,” said Sushant Dash, chief executive officer of Tata Starbucks.
