Starbucks plans major expansion in India — to open one store every three days
Starbucks Corp. has its sights set on one of the world’s most tea-loving countries.
Tata Starbucks, a 50-50 joint venture between Starbucks Corp. and Tata Consumer Products Limited, plans to operate 1,000 stores in India by 2028, which equals one new store opening every three days. The venture currently more than 390 Starbucks locations in 52 cities across India, which is projected to become the third-largest economy in the world by 2030.
To achieve its target of 1,000 locations, the company will enter smaller (Tier 2 and 3) Indian cities, and expand drive-thru and airport locations as well as its 24-hour store footprint. It will double its workforce to approximately 8,600 employees.
“Over the past 11 years, the India market has grown to become one of Starbucks fastest-growing markets in the world, said Laxman Narasimha, who took the reins as Starbucks CEO in March 2023, during a trip to India this week. “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.”
In addition, the company said it will open a second Starbucks Reserve location in India as part of the long-term commitment to elevate the coffee experience in India. Scheduled to open this year, the store follows the success of Starbucks Reserve in Mumbai, which opened in 2022.
Vocational Skills Training for Young Women
Tata Starbucks will empower women in India by providing vocational skills training for underserved young women seeking careers in the food and beverage 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,” said Sushant Dash, CEO of Tata Starbucks. “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.”