Starbucks targets Delhi and Mumbai for initial launch

Starbucks targets Delhi and Mumbai for initial launch

World’s largest coffee chain Starbucks has said that they believe India could become a huge market for them in the coming years and they have selected Delhi and Mumbai to be their launch pad for the Indian market.

A company representative said in a statement on their plans for the Indian market: “We target opening the doors to our first store in India, with a yet-to-be announced joint-venture partner by the end of 2007 either in New Delhi or Mumbai.”

Market sources have claimed that the company is currently talking with local retailing giant Pantaloon to enter the Indian market.

Starbucks has declined to comment on these rumors. The company spokesperson said: “We do not comment on rumors and speculations. However, we are enthusiastic about bringing the unique Starbucks experience to one of the most exciting growth markets in the world in the near future.”

Starbucks’ Chairman Howard Schultz had recently said about their plans for India: “We are scouting locations, meeting with government officials, all towards gaining additional market knowledge and building critical relationships to make our market entries a success.”