OREANDA-NEWS. October 5, 2012. Tata Starbucks, the 50/50 joint venture between Starbucks Coffee Company (Nasdaq: SBUX) and Tata Global Beverages, today confirmed that the first store in India will open in the Horniman Circle area of Mumbai by the end of October 2012.

The store will also be the first Starbucks location to feature espresso sourced and roasted locally from India through the coffee sourcing and roasting agreement with Tata Coffee. Espresso sourced from India will be a hallmark feature of all Starbucks stores in the market, highlighting the quality espresso available in India and Tata Starbucks' commitment to delivering a truly unique and authentic Starbucks Experience to customers throughout India.

“We are delighted to be able to announce our progress toward opening our first store in India and to introduce locally sourced espresso,” said John Culver, president, Starbucks China and Asia Pacific. “Being able to use the highest quality espresso, sourced and roasted in India, is an important part of delivering a locally relevant experience to our customers in the market.” Mr Culver went on to state, “This is the first step Starbucks and Tata Coffee are taking toward developing and improving the profile of Indian-grown arabica coffees around the world, by elevating the stature of Indian coffee as well as improving the quality of coffee through sustainable practices.”

“Tata Global Beverages is a company known for bringing memorable tea consumption moments to consumers in India," stated Harish Bhat, CEO, Tata Global Beverages. “The joint venture is in line with Tata Global Beverages’ strategy of growing through strategic alliances in addition to organic growth. We are excited about the opportunity to innovate in the retail space and bring new beverage moments to more consumers.”

Tata Starbucks today also announced the appointment of Avani Saglani Davda as CEO.

Ms Avani, who has worked for Tata companies for more than ten years, joined the Tata group as a TAS (Tata Administrative Services) probationer in 2002. Most recently, she worked in the vice chairman’s office for Tata Global Beverages, where she was responsible for driving and facilitating key strategies and initiatives for the company as well as marketing and business development assignments. She also played a pivotal role in the development of the joint venture relationship between the two companies in preparation for entry into the Indian market.

“Ms Avani is the perfect leader for Tata Starbucks,” stated RK Krishnakumar, vice chairman, Tata Global Beverages. “Working closely with Ms Avani for many years now, I am confident she will bring the local business acumen, customer focus and commitment to delivering the highest quality Starbucks Experience to our customers in India. We are incredibly pleased with the progress of our joint venture and look forward to the opening of our first Starbucks cafe in October of this year.”

Ms Avani will report to the board of directors for Tata Starbucks. Continuing to be based in Mumbai, her appointment is effective immediately.

Regarding her appointment, Ms Avani said, “It is a great privilege to represent this joint venture between two leading beverage companies, and to bring one of the world's most iconic brands into the dynamic Indian economy. My aim is to deliver the highest quality products and a truly unique and authentic experience to our customers throughout India, and to invest in the communities we serve across the market.”

Tata Starbucks will own and operate Starbucks cafes in India.