Tata Starbucks Ltd. (TSL), on Tuesday, stated its desire to work closely with the coffee-growing communities of India for the sourcing of high-quality coffee.
Starbucks Coffee President (China and Asia-Pacific) John Culver, who met Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma here, conveyed that TSL was committed to high-quality coffee sourcing, and a long-standing sourcing relationship with India.
Mr. Culver informed the Commerce Minister of the joint venture’s plans to focus on agronomy and sustainable farming practices, along with its community investment initiatives and employment generation activities.
Mr. Sharma was also informed that local craftsmen would be involved in designing the outlets in India, which would have a distinct Indian imprint in its ambience and offerings.
Tata Starbucks, the 50-50 joint venture between Starbucks Coffee Company and Tata Global Beverages, last month expanded its operations by opening two outlets at Terminal III of Indira Gandhi International Airport here.
Starbucks plans to extend its presence in this segment with the launch of its stores at the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport in Mumbai by the end of March.