MUMBAI, 20 November 2025: Starbucks Coffee Company, in collaboration with Tata Starbucks Pvt. Ltd., has announced a new Farmer Support Partnership (FSP) aimed at strengthening India’s coffee value chain and advancing sustainable farming practices.
The initiative, launched on November 20, seeks to empower 10,000 Indian coffee farmers by 2030 through an integrated agronomy support model.
The FSP, to be based in Karnataka, will draw on Starbucks’ global expertise and Tata’s deep roots in the Indian coffee ecosystem. Farmers from Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala will be connected to agronomists and global best practices through open-source training modules. The partnership aims to ensure improved crop quality, higher productivity, and long-term climate resilience across key coffee-growing regions.
A network of technical “model farms” will be established to demonstrate sustainable farming solutions, test new varietals, and align global methods with India’s traditional practices. These farms will also serve as testing grounds for agroforestry models and regenerative agriculture techniques designed to reduce carbon intensity and optimise water and waste management.
The collaboration builds on Starbucks’ global Farmer Support Centers in Indonesia, China, and Costa Rica, which offer research-backed insights into varietal development, soil health, and ethical sourcing. Indian farmers will additionally gain access to Starbucks’ 2026 digital agronomy training tools, covering modules on coffee quality, C.A.F.E. (Coffee and Farmer Equity) practices, and sustainability standards.
As part of its long-term commitments, Tata Starbucks will distribute one million high-yield Arabica seedlings to farmers over the next five years. The initiative aims to simultaneously improve farm profitability and reinforce India’s position in the global coffee supply chain.
Brian Niccol, chairman and chief executive officer of Starbucks, described India as one of the company’s “fastest-growing markets” and emphasised the partnership’s role in building a more sustainable coffee ecosystem. Sunil D’Souza, Managing Director and CEO of Tata Consumer Products, said the collaboration would drive “tangible impact” and support the future of responsible coffee farming in the country.
The announcement coincides with Starbucks reaching a significant retail milestone: the opening of its 500th outlet in India. Located in Delhi NCR, the new Starbucks Reserve® store is designed to deliver an elevated, immersive coffee experience. It reflects Tata Starbucks’ focus on deepening India’s premium coffee culture through curated beverages, distinctive store design, and locally inspired innovations.
Tata Starbucks, formed in 2012 as a joint venture between Starbucks Coffee Company and Tata Consumer Products, continues to expand its footprint while prioritising job creation and professional development for its employees. The company reiterated its commitment to offering a welcoming “third place” experience for customers and championing high-quality Arabica sourced from India and global origins.
Sushant Dash, CEO of Tata Starbucks, said the FSP represents a meaningful investment in the country’s coffee-growing communities. He added that the company would continue to nurture a vibrant coffee culture built on sustainability, craftsmanship, and customer experience.
