Starbucks introduces Teavana tea in 88 stores in India

The Dollar Business Bureau

International coffeehouse chain Starbucks on Wednesday launched tea as a speciality offering in 88 stores in India under the brand of Teavana. 

“We had nine teas on offer and are doubling that with the launch of Teavana speciality teas. We are looking at attracting newer customers with our focus on tea, and are looking to double tea sales at our Starbucks stores,” Sumitro Ghosh, Chief Executive Officer, Tata Starbucks, told PTI.

In 2016, during his visit to India, Howard Schultz, Chairman and CEO, Starbucks described the country as a ‘key business opportunity’ for the company and announced the launch of speciality teas in 2017. 

In June 2016, Starbucks announced various joint initiatives in India along with its joint venture (JV) partner Tata Sons, which include expansion of the market of Himalayan Mineral Water, and giving training for job skills and Starbucks expertise in the retail operations to more than 3,000 youth, along with launching the Teavana. 

In 2017, Tata Starbucks is also planning to introduce a mobile app to target its loyalty programme clients.