Starbucks looks to work with Indian coffee growers

In order to increase presence in India, US coffee chain Starbucks is looking at ways to work with local coffee growing communities with focus on agronomy, sustainable farming practices and creating jobs.

Starbucks Coffee president (China and Asia Pacific) John Culver informed Commerce, Industry and Textiles Minister Anand Sharma of the company's various initiatives in India at a meeting in New Delhi on Tuesday, according to an official statement.

Culver told Sharma on the company's activities regarding working with the coffee growing communities of India "with a specific focus on agronomy and sustainable farming practices, along with its community investment initiatives and employment generation activities.”

The company's equal joint venture in India, Tata Starbucks Ltd (TSL) chief executive Avani Saglani Davda also accompanied Culver at the meeting.

"Culver

conveyed to Sharma that TSL is committed to high quality coffee sourcing and long standing sourcing relationship with India. Culver also explained their plans and initiatives as part of the coffee sourcing and roasting agreement with Tata coffee," the statement said.

Besides, the minister was told that local craftsmen will be involved in designing the outlets in India that will have a distinct Indian imprint in ambiance and offerings, it added.

Commenting on the meeting, Sharma said: "India provides a robust investment environment, which is being recognised by the global investors."

It is a matter of happiness that a global investor is sensitive towards the needs of the local growers and recognises the local talent, he added.

Starbucks had entered the Indian market in October 2012 with the launch of three stores in Mumbai.

Last month, Tata Starbucks opened two more outlets at the National Capital's Indira Gandhi International Airport. The third one in the city will be inaugurated tomorrow