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Starbucks, The Brand is synonyms with great coffee in India.
Started its Bharat adventure on October 19, 2012, with the opening of its first store in Mumbai at Elphinstone Building, Horniman Circle.
Initially the entry was a 50:50 joint venture between Tata Global Beverages and Starbucks Corporation, under the name Tata Starbucks Private Limited.
Today, Tata Global Beverages is now Tata Consumer Products but the quality and the ambience still is a massive crowd puller.
As per FY24
- Starbucks India has become the country’s top coffee chain surpassing Café Coffee Day.
- Tata Starbucks saw its earnings from operations grow by 12.05% to Rs 1,218 crore in FY24.
- Starbucks India’s losses went up by 3.2X, increasing to Rs 80 crore in FY24.
Resource taken from https://www.infomance.com/financial-reports/starbucks-india-fy24-revenue-up-12-yoy-rs-80-cr-loss/
Starbucks History Ride
The brand is a global powerhouse in the field of the Mighty Joe intakes.
Founded humbly by three partners Jerry Baldwin, Zev Siegl, and Gordon Bowker on March 30, 1971 at Pike Place Market, Seattle, Washington.
Later Howard Schultz joined the brand in 1982 as Director of Retail Operations and Marketing and eventually bought it for an approx. $3.8 million and thus the process of expansion started into a vast network of cafes, both domestically and internationally.
In 2012, it landed on our mecca shores with I have a Dream slogan and rapidly became a household name.
Today, it boasts of having a Global presence: 35,000+ stores in over 80 countries.
Highly Impressive.
Presently its managed by CEO (as of 2025): Laxman Narasimhan.
As per some sources (I cannot confirm), The name “Starbucks” was inspired by Starbuck, the first mate in Moby Dick, and the company logo featured a twin-tailed mermaid (siren), evoking the allure of the sea and its seafaring history.
What makes Starbucks so popular in India
From its beginnings in 2012, today operates approximately 473 outlets across 74 cities in the country.
In the fiscal year 2024, this giant brand opened a record 95 new stores, surpassing the previous year’s 71 .
A Massive rise, isn’t it.
In Fiscal year 2025, a further increase is expected.
The main USP here is that, it offers a unique blend of its global favorites combining expertly well with our local flavors, making it a perfect combination that appeals to masses.
Ours is a vast country with a diverse universal appeal.
Different Religions, Languages and Cultures, makes it very difficult to cater to everyone.
But by combining its classic taste comforts, ambience, style with our beautiful Native twist, makes the appeal of it very tempting.
A favorite joint for the young and old, spending hours, mixing intellectual conversations with happy smiling laughs making it a site to admire.
A true example of a successful business that perfectly practices a genuine KYC.
Digital Innovation & Ethical Sourcing
Digital Innovation has crept into all walks of life today.
The food and beverage industry is no different.
Through its own mobile App and Third Party Partners like Swiggy & Zomato, has made it an easy order and delivery process.
The brand also believes in Home Grown sustainability & actively initiates training to farmers under its ‘CAFE’ program and locally sources a significant portion of its beans.
Perfect Food & Beverage Combinations at Starbucks India
It offers a wide range of Food & Beverages in its menu. But here are some classic and popular combinations as told to me by the staff themselves.
1. Caffe Latte (Refreshing mornings or relaxed afternoon)
Food Pairing: Butter Croissant or Blueberry Muffin
A smooth espresso-based drink paired with a buttery snack is ideal for a morning or relaxed afternoon.
2. Masala Chai Tea Latte or South Indian Filter Joe (when available seasonally)
Food Pairing: Chicken Kathi Roll or Tandoori Paneer Sandwich
These options offer a local flavor profile that blends traditional spices with its branded signature style.
3. Java Chip Frappuccino or Caramel Macchiato (For the sweet Tooth in You)
Food Pairing: Chocolate Brownie or New York Cheesecake
Perfect for those who enjoy dessert-like beverages with indulgent pairings.
4. Cold Brew or Iced Shaken Hibiscus Tea with Lemonade (For the Indian Summers)
Food Pairing: Egg White & Chicken Multigrain Croissant
Great for a light lunch or warm days—cool and energizing.
5. Oat Milk Cappuccino or Almond Milk Flat White (Vegans among you)
Food Pairing: Vegan Croissant or Hummus and Pita Pocket
Of course I shall also add that these combinations might differ and you may have a better list.
But this is mine 🤓
Mumbai Specific Combinations
As a resident of this great city where people already look mighty caffeinated without taking any caffeine, this chain still holds the highest popularity.
As a true Java Aficionado, I may have visited multiple outlets of this brand and also its competitors, i too shall attest to its quality.
I personally am open to both Hot & Cold beverage versions here.
In Mumbai alone it operates more than 100 outlets in different areas.
Here are some Important locations
1. Fort
Elphinstone Building, 10 Veer Nariman Road
2. Church Gate
Ram Mahal, 8 Dinshaw Vacha Road
3. Goregaon
Oberoi Mall, Film City Road.
4. Andheri
T2 Mumbai Airport Departure, No T2, Level 4, 1st Departure Gate.
Other Notable Outlets Near you
Multiple outlets across Mumbai at Dadar Bandra, Colaba, Worli, Juhu etc.
Find Brand Outlets easily.
A marketing piece at multiple outlets that staff here have probably memorized and smilingly say to all customers “Whether you’re in the mood for a traditional chai/coffee or an innovative Mumbai-inspired creation, The Cafe has something to satisfy every palate”.
I say, Ok & sit at the nearest table 😶
The Challenges
Through the successes, also comes its Challenges.
The café market here is very price-sensitive, and local outlets often undercut costs to compete with big brands.
Morever, the major chunk of the India’s population still finds comfort at street-side vendors and regional cafés
Its major challenge is of reaching out and educating those untapped sources to build a broader audience base.
Here I Conclude
Globally renowned for its Joes, but in our market mere lattes and cappuccinos wouldn’t work.
To win us over, It adopted in its menu Indianized offerings like Masala Chai, Elaichi ,Mewa Croissant, Murg Kathi Wrap, and Tandoori Paneer Sandwich while also maintaining its premium classic international offerings.
Also, The Diwali merchandise, special Holi-themed drinks, and region-specific store aesthetics , all aimed at creating that emotional connect with us, ‘The Customers’ bringing The Mighty Joe into the discussion in a Tea loving culture.
The Brands National story is not just in its Java gobble but also the overall experience it offers.
It’s an intelligent fusion of global vision and local wisdom, premium branding with accessible products, and Western café culture with Indian hospitality.
Even through its tough times, as most businesses at some stage discover, It has stood tall among its competitors like Our very own CCD, Blue Tokai, Barista, Third Wave, Costa and many others.
It surely lives up to its worldwide business mantra of, “From Seattle to the World” and through sheer hard work & genuine customer focus, makes Starbucks in India, A Perfect Coffee Combination.