Starbucks India has crossed Rs 1000 crore in annual sales, a decade after opening its first store in the country. The coffee chain has grown rapidly, expanding to over 200 stores in 16 cities across India. The company has achieved this milestone despite facing tough competition from established Indian coffee chains like Cafe Coffee Day and Barista.
Starbucks has been successful in India by catering to local tastes while maintaining its global brand image. The coffee chain has introduced a range of Indian-inspired beverages like the Mumbai-style cutting chai latte and the Teavana Mumbai Masala Chai. Additionally, the company has also incorporated local food items like the tandoori paneer roll and the kathi roll into its menu.
Starbucks India’s success is also attributed to its focus on customer experience. The company has introduced initiatives like the Starbucks Rewards program, which allows customers to earn points for every purchase and redeem them for free drinks and food items. The coffee chain has also launched mobile ordering and payment options to enhance convenience for its customers.
More About Starbucks
The COVID-19 pandemic posed significant challenges for Starbucks India, with the company temporarily closing many of its stores during the nationwide lockdowns. However, the coffee chain adapted to the situation by introducing new initiatives like contactless delivery and curbside pickup. The company also launched its first drive-thru store in India last year.
Starbucks India’s growth is expected to continue in the coming years, with the company planning to expand to new cities and open more stores. The coffee chain also aims to launch its Starbucks Delivers service in more cities, allowing customers to order Starbucks beverages and food items from the comfort of their homes.
The success of Starbucks India highlights the growing demand for coffee and the increasing popularity of Western-style coffee chains in the country. The coffee industry in India is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of over 8% in the coming years, presenting a significant opportunity for coffee chains like Starbucks to expand their operations in the country.