Tata Starbucks Limited, the 50:50 joint venture between Seattle-based Starbucks Coffee and Indian company Tata Global Beverages, has confirmed that the first store in India will open at Horniman Circle in Mumbai by the end of October 2012.

The store will be the first Starbucks location to feature espresso sourced and roasted locally from India through the coffee sourcing and roasting agreement with Tata Coffee Limited. Espresso sourced from India will be a hallmark feature of all Starbucks stores in the market.

“This is the first step Starbucks and Tata Coffee Limited 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,” said John Culver, president, Starbucks China and Asia Pacific.

The joint venture underlines Tata Global Beverages’ strategy of growing through strategic alliances in addition to organic growth, says Harish Bhat, CEO, Tata Global Beverages.

Tata Starbucks has also appointed Avani Saglani Davda as CEO. Davda has worked for the Tata companies for more than 10 years when she joined the Tata Group as administrative service 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.

“My aim is to deliver the highest quality products, a truly unique and authentic experience to our customers throughout India, and to invest in the communities we serve across the market,” said Davda.

Tata Starbucks will own and operate Starbucks cafés in India.

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