Starbucks Coffee Company, in collaboration with Tata Starbucks, has launched a Farmer Support Partnership (FSP) to strengthen India’s coffee value chain and empower 10,000 farmers by 2030. Meanwhile, Starbucks will also open its 500th Indian store this week in Delhi NCR—a Starbucks Reserve® coffeehouse offering a premium, immersive experience.
The FSP, based in Karnataka, brings together Tata Starbucks’ deep local insight, India’s coffee-growing legacy, and Starbucks’ global agronomy expertise. It will connect Indian farmers and agronomists with global best practices through open-source agronomy models. Additionally, it will support farmers in key coffee-growing states—Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala—by boosting productivity, enabling sustainability, and strengthening links to Starbucks’ global farmer network.
Furthermore, the partnership will set up “model farms” to test farming innovations, introduce new varietals, and embed sustainable agronomy techniques suited to Indian conditions. It will also draw on insights from Starbucks Farmer Support Centers in Indonesia, China, and Costa Rica. Through Starbucks’ upcoming 2026 digital training tools, farmers will gain access to online modules on agronomy, C.A.F.E. practices, coffee quality, regenerative agriculture, and climate-resilient methods.
Over the next five years, Tata Starbucks will additionally donate one million high-yield Arabica seedlings to enhance productivity and farmer profitability.
During his India visit, Brian Niccol, Starbucks CEO, said, “India is one of our fastest-growing markets… It’s a long-term commitment to build a stronger, more sustainable coffee ecosystem that benefits everyone, from bean to cup.” Sunil D’Souza, CEO of Tata Consumer Products, added, “We are pleased to pair Starbucks’ global agronomy expertise with Tata’s footprint in India to drive tangible impact.”
Moreover, Tata Starbucks continues expanding rapidly. The opening of its 500th store marks an important milestone in strengthening India’s coffee culture. The new Starbucks Reserve® location will highlight elevated store design, handcrafted beverages, and storytelling rooted in Starbucks’ coffee heritage.
Sushant Dash, CEO of Tata Starbucks, emphasized, “As the largest specialty coffee player in India, we are proud to bring the Farmer Support Partnership… Our commitment extends beyond growth to investing in farmers, partners, and customers.”
Since entering India in 2012 as a 50/50 joint venture, Starbucks has grown to nearly 500 stores across 81 cities, supported by more than 4,437 partners. Together, Starbucks and Tata Starbucks aim to continue shaping India’s vibrant, sustainable coffee ecosystem.
