Is Starbucks Exiting India? Tata Consumer, Its Partner, Addresses the Reports
Starbucks, one of the world’s most renowned café chains, operates in India through a 50:50 joint venture with Tata

Starbucks, one of the world’s most renowned café chains, operates in India through a 50:50 joint venture with Tata
Starbucks, one of the world’s most renowned café chains, operates in India through a 50:50 joint venture with Tata Consumer Products Limited (TCPL), a part of the Tata Group’s FMCG division. Recent speculation suggested that Starbucks Corporation, the US-based coffee giant, was planning to exit the Indian market. However, TCPL has firmly dismissed these claims, calling them baseless and inaccurate.
The reports hinted that Starbucks might be considering leaving India due to high operational costs, growing losses, and increasing competition from affordable local alternatives. Entering India in October 2012 through its partnership with the Tata Group, Starbucks opened its first store in Mumbai’s iconic Elphinstone Building.
Currently, the company operates 457 outlets across 70 cities and aims to expand its footprint to 1,000 stores by FY28. Starbucks recorded a 12% increase in operational revenue, reaching ₹1,218.06 crore in FY24. However, its net losses widened to ₹79.97 crore from ₹24.97 crore in FY23, primarily due to its aggressive expansion strategy.
Financial data from the business intelligence platform Tofler shows Starbucks’ advertising and promotional expenses rose by 26.8% to ₹43.20 crore, while royalty payments stood at ₹86.15 crore. Despite the losses, TCPL MD & CEO Sunil D’Souza remains confident about Starbucks’ growth in India. “Store-level profitability is not a concern for us. As we scale up, we are confident about achieving sustainable profits,” D’Souza shared in a recent interview.
With plans for significant growth, innovative offerings, and a focus on enhancing customer experience, Starbucks reiterates its commitment to the Indian market, seeing it as a key region for long-term expansion and success.
Struggling to sell one multi-million dollar home currently on the market
Struggling to sell one multi-million dollar home currently on the market
Struggling to sell one multi-million dollar home currently on the market