Starbucks Singapore and Miffy have teamed up to create a delightful collaboration that celebrates the arrival of Spring. 

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The Starbucks® + miffy Collection offers a range of Singapore-exclusive merchandise, including the iconic Puffer Tote Bag and the lovable Barista Miffy Plush. To complement the collection, Starbucks introduces the Peach Passion Blossom Cream Frappuccino®, a creamy and fruity beverage bursting with the essence of Spring.

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The Starbucks® + miffy Collection features a blend of Miffy's charming elements mugs, tumblers, and cold cups showcase Miffy's iconic designs, while the Puffer Tote Bag, available in Charcoal, Dusty Green, and Oat, adds a touch of functionality to everyday routines with Miffy and Starbucks hot cup charms. For fans of both Starbucks and Miffy, the collection offers the adorable Barista Miffy Plush. Dressed in the iconic Starbucks green apron, this cuddly companion embodies the spirit of Starbucks with a sprinkle of Miffy magic, transporting customers into the heartwarming world of Miffy.

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The Starbucks® + miffy Collection will be available in Singapore stores starting 13 March, as well as on the Starbucks® Online Store, LazMall and ShopeeMall, while stocks last.

Don't miss the enchantment of the Starbucks® + miffy Collection. Immerse yourself in the charm of Miffy and the Starbucks experience, available for a limited time only.

Starbucks and Miffy Bring Spring Joy to Singapore : Starbucks Stories Asia

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Starbucks Stories Asia

Starbucks and Miffy Bring Spring Joy to Singapore

Starbucks Singapore and Miffy have teamed up to create a delightful collaboration that celebrates the arrival of Spring.

https://stories.starbucks.com/asia/stories/2024/starbucks-and-miffy-bring-spring-joy-to-singapore/

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Embrace the lush and vibrant flavors of nature’s palette with Starbucks new Spring beverages across the Asia Pacific region.

NEW! STARBUCKS® FRENCH VANILLA MILLE-FEUILLE OATMILK LATTE

Say bonjour to the all-new Starbucks French Vanilla Mille-Feuille Oatmilk Latte, a delightful and buttery take on the classic French dessert, topped with flaky pastry toppings. Sip your way into spring with delightfully comforting light buttery notes, silky smooth vanilla, and creamy Oatmilk. With Starbucks signature espresso and topped with a swirl of caramel and flaky pastry toppings, this Parisian beverage is rich in sensory texture, delivering the lush flavors of the new season with every sip. Available as a hot, iced, and blended beverage.

NEW! STARBUCKS® PEACH PASSION BLOSSOM PURE MATCHA LATTE

Shake off the winter slumber and step into the season of full bloom with the Starbucks Peach Passion Blossom <a>Pure Matcha Latte </a>in hand. Feel the soft and creamy carpet of Pure Matcha and fruity nectarine come together with cold foam on top, and finally sprinkled with cranberry custard sugar. Available as a hot and iced beverage.

NEW! STARBUCKS® PEACH PASSION BLOSSOM CREAM FRAPPUCCINO® BLENDED BEVERAGE

This spring, enjoy the irresistibly creamy and fruity Starbucks® Peach Passion Blossom Cream Frappuccino® Blended Beverage. A fruity combination of Blossoms sauce, perfectly balanced with strawberry flavored sauce, this fruity, pastel-yellow beverage comes topped with a light layer of red cranberry custard flavored sugar and green Pure Matcha powder. Available as a blended beverage.

Enjoy the vibrancy of Spring with Starbucks new beverage lineup : Starbucks Stories Asia

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Enjoy the vibrancy of Spring with Starbucks new beverage lineup

https://stories.starbucks.com/asia/stories/2024/enjoy-the-vibrancy-of-spring-with-starbucks-new-beverage-lineup/

Supporting Starbucks partners bridge to a better future through education

On February 17, Starbucks celebrated the graduation of 46 partners (employees) who earned their bachelor’s degrees with Hanyang Cyber University as part of the Starbucks Korea College Achievement Plan. More than 400 partners have graduated from the program since its inception in 2016.

Scarlet, shift supervisor at Starbucks Mokdong, a graduate in Hotel and Food Service Management and recipient of the Academic Achievement Award said, “I applied because I wanted to pursue personal development in my own time after my scheduled work shift. It was great to be able to study without constraints of time and space, making it possible to continue even when I moved to a new location.”

Since 2016, Starbucks Korea has partnered with Hanyang Cyber University to support partners in pursuing higher education and earning their degrees.

Starbucks partners enrolled at Hanyang Cyber University are entitled to free tuition support. There is no obligation for them to stay at Starbucks after graduation. Full tuition support is provided to all students during the first semester. From the second semester, students who achieve an average grade of “B” or higher will be eligible for a scholarship to cover full tuition.

“Working at Starbucks, where I meet many people daily, I wanted to study the ‘human mind’. With the knowledge I gained, I want to embrace both partners and customers,” said Jade, shift supervisor at Starbucks Juan, a graduate with a degree in Psychology Counseling

Starbucks Korea and Hanyang Cyber University also offer the Coffee Journey Program to partners with exceptional academic records. This program allows them to learn about the latest coffee trends and expand their horizons by visiting Starbucks stores overseas. Partners can visit the iconic Starbucks Roasteries in Shanghai and Tokyo, and the Asia Pacific Starbucks office in Hong Kong to gain first-hand experience of the global coffee trends in the region.

“I am proud of the partners who have dedicated themselves to their studies with a passion for learning,” said Ryan Sohn, ceo of Starbucks Korea. “We will actively support the career development of partners who are doing their best to achieve their dreams through the Hanyang Cyber University bachelor's degree support program (Starbucks Korea College Achievement Plan).”

Over 400 partners earned their bachelor’s degrees through Starbucks Korea College Achievement Plan : Starbucks Stories Asia

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Over 400 partners earned their bachelor’s degrees through Starbucks Korea College Achievement Plan

https://stories.starbucks.com/asia/stories/2024/over-400-partners-earned-their-bachelors-degrees-through-starbucks-korea-college-achievement-plan/

The anniversary celebration will span six months starting February 28

The theme of the celebration is 5 Senses and Coffee

Starbucks Coffee Japan, Ltd. is marking the five-year anniversary of the Starbucks Reserve® Roastery Tokyo with a six-month long celebration starting February 28.

The concept of the anniversary is 5 Senses and Coffee. From the end of February until early September, the Tokyo Roastery will host a series of three experiential moments that engage the five senses. The commemorative collection released for the celebration will include mugs and bottles adorned with limited edition anniversary art.

The story behind the anniversary art

The art that has been created to celebrate this occasion builds on the theme that a story begins with the singing of the Siren. The art heralds the opening of the anniversary celebration period and is drawn by Shogo Ota, a Seattle-based artist who has worked on several collaborative pieces of art with Starbucks globally. The central motif is the Siren, a mermaid with two tails and a beautiful singing voice to charm sailors. The five stars represent the singing voice of the Siren as she reaches out. Elegant, billowing hair represents waves and the aroma of coffee. On the body, symbols of the Tokyo Roastery are painted, such as Cupper Cask and Roaster. The symbols weave in exterior architectural design, cherry blossom trees swaying along the Meguro River and coffee trees. The shape of the two tails is the most distinctive feature of the Siren and is reminiscent of rich coffee pouring into a cup.

During the anniversary promotion, partners (employees) at the Tokyo Roastery will welcome customers wearing a silk-screen printed bandana featuring this artwork.

Additional details are available at <a href="http://sbux.jp/roastery5th">Starbucks Stories Japan.</a>

Born in Gujo City, Gifu Prefecture. After graduating from high school, Shogo Ota moved to the U.S., and majored in art at the University of Idaho. After graduation, he worked at a design studio in Seattle. In November 2012, he established Tireman Studio in Seattle and started his own business. He has several collaborative experiences with Starbucks, such as Green Cup Starbucks launched in 2016, artwork in You &amp; Starbucks launched by Starbucks Coffee Japan in 2018, and the design for the cup with a single stroke in 2020. 

More information about Shogo Oto can be found <a href="https://www.tiremanstudio.com/">here.</a>

Anniversary rollout schedule and themes

Story and Coffee: February 28 to Early May

Unparalleled passion and incredible stories of are infused in the journey from a single coffee tree to the best cup of coffee available. Embark on a sensory experience as the coffee takes center stage at the Tokyo Roastery, where customers are invited to hear the stories of those who make Starbucks coffee come to life. In April, the Tokyo Roastery is planning to hold innovative events elevating the story of coffee throughout the month. More information is coming soon.

Handcrafted and Coffee: Early May to Late June

Handcrafted goods are everywhere at the Tokyo Roastery. Items made by baristas, chefs, craftsmen and artists have a unique texture and warmth that can only be found in products that have been crafted by hand with skill and thought. The Tokyo Roastery will deliver an experience customers can feel and taste together with the stories behind it.

Time and Coffee: Late June to Early September

At the Tokyo Roastery, there is a belief that coffee can be more enriched by pairing it with time. During the energetic morning sun, the relaxing evening, or in the deep night, coffee will sharpen the senses. The Tokyo Roastery provides a coffee experience that customers can savour with their five senses in harmony with the passage of time.

Artist collaboration collection reflecting the stories of the last five years

To celebrate the 5th anniversary of the Tokyo Roastery, seven items with anniversary art, such as mugs and bottles will be available on February 28. Merchandise will feature the Siren on stainless steel bottles; the infamous White Whale from which the Starbucks brand name is derived; the quetzal, African elephant, and Sumatran tiger, which symbolize the three major coffee origin countries; and the carp which is a national finish of Japan. The artwork illustrates the story of Starbucks, from the beginning in 1971 in Seattle, to today, celebrating five years of the Tokyo Roastery. The lineup comes with a total of seven items, such as mugs, shoulder bags and Coffee Passport, which is perfect for using as a coffee-tasting notebook.

Starbucks Reserve® Roastery Tokyo marks 5th anniversary : Starbucks Stories Asia

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Starbucks Reserve® Roastery Tokyo marks 5th anniversary

The anniversary celebration will span six months starting February 28 The theme of the celebration is 5 Senses and Coffee Starbucks Coffee Japan, Ltd. is marking the five-year anniversary of the Starbucks Reserve® Roastery Tokyo with a six-month long celebration starting February 28. The concept of the anniversary is 5 Senses and Coffee. From the […]

https://stories.starbucks.com/asia/stories/2024/starbucks-reserve-roastery-tokyo-marks-5th-anniversary/

Starbucks Japan is celebrating with new beverages like the Hanami Dango Frappuccino® and returning customer favourites such as Sakura AR

Starbucks Coffee Japan, Ltd. announced it is launching SAKURA Season on Thursday, February 15, 2024. Starbucks stores across the country will celebrate the season with two kinds of seasonal beverages, the Hanami Dango Frappuccino®, inspired by tricolor Dangos (sweet Japanese rice dumplings), the popular accompaniments to Hanami (Sakura/cherry blossom watching), and Hanami Sakura Cream, which evokes the image of blooming Sakura. 

The concept of SAKURA Series this year is “CHEERS to SAKURA” as a nod to the season of Hanami when people gather to cheers each other under the blossoming Sakura trees. This year, Starbucks customers’ returning favourite Sakura AR celebrates its fifth anniversary. Three new pieces of augmented reality content are available including the customizable coordination function of Bearista enabling its users to make Bearista perform cute dances.

Hanami Dango Frappuccino® and Hanami Sakura Cream deliver Japanese Hanami experience

This year’s SAKURA Series beverages include the Hanami Dango Frappuccino® and Hanami Sakura Cream, two beverages with a unique Starbucks twist on the Japanese Hanami experience.

The Hanami Dango Frappuccino® uses tricolor Dangos for the first time at Starbucks. The Dangos are garnished on and throughout the beverage to provide a taste experience from the first sip to the last. The body of the Frappuccino® is the blend of Hanami An sauce with white Anko flavour, Sakura and strawberry sauce and soy milk, to create a gentle Sakura flavor with Japanese taste. This is a cup topped with colorful Dangos and pink <a>feuillantine*</a> which depicts showering Sakura petals, adding visual excitement to your Hanami experience.

Hanami Sakura Cream is made up of mild steamed milk, Spring Blossoming Flavour Syrup which evokes the image of proudly blooming spring flowers and Caramel Flavour Syrup finished with the topping of crunchy Sakura feuillantine*. The beautiful hot beverage brings to you the experience of spring in full bloom.

*Feuillantine is a biscuit of thin, sweetened crêpe.

The updated Starbucks Sakura AR Experience delivers new content for 5th anniversary

Sakura AR, which provides early access to the Hanami experience every SAKURA Season, has three new pieces of content for its fifth year. The first one is “Fully bloomed!! Sakura Tree AR” designed to have a Sakura tree appear so customers can enjoy how the tree blooms and changes itself anytime and anywhere. Additionally, there are Bearistas hidden behind the petals and the trunk of the tree. 

The second AR experience is “AR Gift” in the form of a special Sakura envelope designed for Starbucks Card which, when customers scan it on their camera, shows Sakura designs and a cute Bearista who delivers a message. 

The third piece of content is “Dancing! Bearista AR,” a customizable Bearista who dances in ten different ways. As many as 920,000 coordination patterns are available to choose from. Customers can choose their favourite color of shirt, hat, glasses and stuffs to carry around to customize the Bearista’s style and watch how it dances. 

There is no need to download an app, Sakura AR is available through a smartphone simply by scanning the QR Code* printed on the retail receipt, shopper bag or Starbucks Online Store delivery box. Customers can also access a special site on the official Starbucks Japan website to enjoy Sakura AR.

Starbucks Sakura AR Content

Duration: From Wednesday, February 15 to Sunday, March 31, 2024

Available in participating Starbucks stores across Japan

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* Anyone can access this from Starbucks official website without QR Code.

SAKURA Season starts at Starbucks Japan on Thursday, February 15 : Starbucks Stories Asia

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SAKURA Season starts at Starbucks Japan on Thursday, February 15

Starbucks Japan is celebrating with new beverages like the Hanami Dango Frappuccino® and returning customer favourites such as Sakura AR Starbucks Coffee Japan, Ltd. announced it is launching SAKURA Season on Thursday, February 15, 2024. Starbucks stores across the country will celebrate the season with two kinds of seasonal beverages, the Hanami Dango Frappuccino®, inspired […]

https://stories.starbucks.com/asia/stories/2024/sakura-season-starts-at-starbucks-japan-on-thursday-february-15/

The limited-edition collection of drinkware features exquisite Kashmiri motifs inspired by centuries-old craftsmanship and the rich cultural heritage of Kashmir.

Tata Starbucks is excited to launch an exclusive collaboration with renowned fashion designer Manish Malhotra, offering a limited-edition lifestyle drinkware range collection that brings together the worlds of coffee and fashion. Inspired by the craftsmanship of Manish Malhotra and the cultural heritage of Kashmir, this collection is a fusion of global aesthetics and local traditions.

Starbucks has a history of collaborating with iconic brands to bring international style and glamour to its consumers. Through the collaboration with Manish Malhotra, Tata Starbucks offers a truly unparalleled experience for coffee, art, design, and fashion enthusiasts. The limited-edition collection features stoneware ceramic mugs, stainless steel tumblers, and an environment-friendly reusable cup, all adorned with exquisite Kashmiri motifs. These designs, inspired by centuries-old craftsmanship and the region's natural beauty, showcased the rich cultural heritage of Kashmir.

The collection showcases intricate patterns rich in cultural significance, reflecting the signature Kashmiri embroidery of the Manish Malhotra brand. With color palettes ranging from charcoal black and regal golds to pristine whites and subtle carmines, this range embodies the luxurious essence of traditional craft with a contemporary twist.

Legendary designer Manish Malhotra shared his excitement about the collaboration, stating, "I am delighted to have joined forces with Starbucks India to introduce this limited-edition collection. My aim was to design something deeply rooted in India while complementing the iconic tradition that Starbucks is renowned for. In crafting a signature collection for this collaboration, my goal was to seamlessly integrate the beauty and craftsmanship of Kashmir into everyday moments."

Sushant Dash, CEO of TATA Starbucks, expressed his enthusiasm about the collaboration, saying, "At TATA Starbucks, we believe in the power of design, art, and community in sharing elevated experiences for coffee lovers across India. From our stores to our packaging, each touchpoint at Starbucks reflected this commitment. We were thrilled to partner with Manish Malhotra, one of India's most prominent voices in fashion, to elevate our consumers' daily cup of coffee with his inimitable design language."

Each piece of merchandise is accompanied by a personalized note from Manish Malhotra. In addition, Starbucks Rewards members will have exclusive access to a limited-edition collectable set, which includes a stoneware ceramic mug, a stainless-steel tumbler, and a personalized note by Manish Malhotra.

Experience the blend of luxury, craftsmanship, and coffee with the Tata Starbucks and Manish Malhotra collaboration. Elevate your everyday moments and indulge in the art of savoring a cup of Starbucks coffee.

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Coffee, Art and Glamour - Tata Starbucks exclusive collaboration with Manish Malhotra : Starbucks Stories Asia

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Coffee, Art and Glamour &#8211; Tata Starbucks exclusive collaboration with Manish Malhotra

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https://stories.starbucks.com/asia/stories/2024/coffee-art-and-glamour-starbucks-indias-exclusive-collaboration-with-manish-malhotra/

Coffee, Art and Glamour – Tata Starbucks exclusive collaboration with Manish Malhotra

The 'STARBUCKS STAR★LIGHT' NFT project encourages customers to use personal cups to unlock limited edition NFTs through the collection of Eco stamps on their Starbucks® Rewards accounts

Today, Starbucks Korea announced the launch of its NFT (Non-Fungible Token) project, 'STARBUCKS STAR★LIGHT', the first of its kind for the company in Asia, encouraging customers to incorporate the use of personal cups into their daily lives by offering limited edition NFTs as rewards.

As part of the innovation to enhance the digital experience in the Starbucks® Rewards loyalty program for Starbucks customers, the collectable digital artwork (NFTs) will bring a new and unique feature for Starbucks® Rewards members.

Starting from January 16th, Starbucks will introduce ‘STARBUCKS STAR★LIGHT,’ gifting Starbucks NFTs to Starbucks® Rewards customers who order beverages via Siren Order (mobile order) using their personal cups, earning one Eco Stamp per purchase. Once enough Eco stamps have been collected, the stamps can be exchanged for NFTs. Customers can collect a maximum of three Eco stamps per day, and there are three tiers of collectible NFTs that can be redeemed. At the 'BASIC NFT' tier, customers can redeem one NFT for five Eco Stamps. Collecting fifteen Eco Stamps will unlock a limited edition 'CREATIVE NFT' with a total of 20,000 copies available. And accumulating twenty Eco Stamps will grant access to a limited edition 'ARTIST NFT', limited to 1,000 copies.*

The NFTs are designed in collaboration with Korea's largest digital art platform 'Print Bakery', featuring the works of many local artists and artist 'DADAZ', and they are designed to showcase diverse digital artwork based on the concept of ‘My Own Cup, featuring reusable cups and tumblers.*

To celebrate the launch of 'STARBUCKS STAR★LIGHT', an exhibition featuring the NFT artworks from local Korean artists will be showcased at Starbucks® Jongno R store in Seoul until the end of January. The exhibition showcases Starbucks' commitment to sustainable, eco-friendly practices alongside the featured NFT artworks.

"We hope that customers visiting Starbucks will integrate the use of personal cups into their daily lives and enjoy the unique experience of owning their very own NFT,” said Ryan Sohn, ceo of Starbucks Korea. “Starbucks Korea will continue to introduce a variety of promotions to offer our customers an array of eco-friendly benefits. "

*Only one NFT can be issued per account, customers need to collect the required number of Eco Stamps to obtain their desired NFT. For instance, once a customer receives a 'BASIC NFT' with 5 Eco Stamps, obtaining NFTs of other levels will not be possible.

* The functionality of the Starbucks NFTs will be limited, with restrictions on gifting, selling, or trading.

Starbucks Korea announces new NFT project - 'STARBUCKS STAR★LIGHT', the first of its kind for Starbucks in Asia : Starbucks Stories Asia

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Starbucks Korea announces new NFT project &#8211; &#8216;STARBUCKS STAR★LIGHT&#8217;, the first of its kind for Starbucks in Asia

The 'STARBUCKS STAR★LIGHT' NFT project encourages customers to use personal cups to unlock limited edition NFTs through the collection of Eco stamps on their Starbucks® Rewards accounts

https://stories.starbucks.com/asia/stories/2024/starbucks-korea-announces-new-nft-project-starbucks-star-light-the-first-of-its-kind-for-starbucks-in-asia/

Starbucks Korea announces new NFT project – ‘STARBUCKS STAR★LIGHT’, the first of its kind for Starbucks in Asia

Starbucks Korea dedicated Starbucks Jongno R as its eighth Community Store, marking a continued commitment to enhance youth employment, on January 9th. A portion of proceeds from this store will be donated to Junior Achievement Korea (JA Korea) to create pathways to opportunities for young people.&nbsp;

Lee Eun-Hyung, CEO of JA Korea, stated, "I am delighted to join Starbucks Korea in this meaningful community store project, a step forward from our eight-year collaboration in youth skill-building program," and " we are committed to making the 8th Community Store a beacon of hope for young people in the local community.”

Ryan Sohn, CEO of Starbucks Korea, said, "This collaboration, which now extends to include vocational high school students and other young community members in need, represents a significant expansion of our youth employment support efforts. We are dedicated to empowering more youth through this new Community Store, helping them to design and grow a bright future.”

The Starbucks skill-building education programs operated with JA Korea will be expanded from teenagers to include community college students and underserved groups in various regions. The program will also include Opportunity Fairs, offering lectures and experiential learning programs including resume photo shooting, personal assessment, barista job counseling, and mock interviews.

Partnering since 2015, Starbucks and JA Korea have jointly developed career education and employment programs, impacting over 20,000 vocational high school students nationwide. This partnership has enabled 470 youth to embark on careers as Starbucks baristas.

Starbucks Korea announces its eighth Community Store to bolster youth employment initiatives : Starbucks Stories Asia

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Starbucks Korea announces its eighth Community Store to bolster youth employment initiatives

Starbucks Korea dedicated Starbucks Jongno R as its eighth Community Store, marking a continued commitment to enhance youth employment, on January 9th. A portion of proceeds from this store will be donated to Junior Achievement Korea (JA Korea) to create pathways to opportunities for young people.

https://stories.starbucks.com/asia/stories/2024/starbucks-korea-announces-its-8th-community-store-to-bolster-youth-employment-initiatives/

For the first time since taking the helm of Starbucks, chief executive officer Laxman Narasimhan traveled to India to celebrate a slew of exciting <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/press/2024/tata-starbucks-to-accelerate-growth-to-1000-stores-double-employment-in-india-by-2028/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">company announcements</a> in the new year. The two-city visit was especially personal, as Narasimhan was raised in Pune and spent several years working in Mumbai (Bombay) before moving abroad.&nbsp;

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In partnership with India-based Tata Starbucks Private Limited, Starbucks currently operates 390 stores in 54 cities across the country and employs nearly 4,300 partners (employees), with plans to open 1,000 stores by 2028 – the equivalent of one store opening every three days. Reflecting on that upward trend, Narasimhan – who goes by Laks for short – delivered a strong message to partners (employees) throughout his time in country:&nbsp;&nbsp;

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A Vision for Starbucks in India with Coffee and Partners at the Core&nbsp;

On hand to announce the opening of 1,000 additional stores throughout India over the next four years, Laks reinforced Starbucks ambition to reach new customers in innovative ways, wherever they are. Future store formats will continue to celebrate inclusion and diversity, while also emphasizing third place experiences that foster meaningful human connections over coffee. As part of Starbucks promise to be a bridge to a better future for our partners, the opening of nearly twice as many new stores in country will also mean unprecedented opportunities for them to receive career advancement and development. &nbsp;

The energy and enthusiasm for these initiatives was evident nearly everywhere Laks traveled, including Mumbai where he engaged with dozens of store partners and helped announce the winners of this year’s Starbucks Coffee Championship. A young barista named Madhav took home the trophy for his region. He says he joined the company a few years ago during a troubling time in his life – and grew to love the culture, his customers and his team. &nbsp;

“When I saw [Laks] go behind the bar – that’s when the term ‘partner’ came alive. He was working with us and knew what we were doing,” Madhav shared while proudly donning the black apron of a coffee master. Not only did he work alongside Laks making drinks for others, but he also gave the CEO some tips he has learned over time for steaming better milk. “That was an experience I will always cherish.” &nbsp;

During a partner open forum, Laks discussed the back story and principles of <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/mission/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Starbucks updated mission, values and promises</a>. He also shared memories of growing up in India and his journey from a curious child who loved the game of cricket – India’s favorite sport – to his humble beginning decades later at Starbucks, where the veteran executive immersed himself in store culture and trained to be a barista for six months before succeeding former CEO Howard Schultz. For him, the process of earning his green apron in the field and being trained by retail partners of many backgrounds was a grounding and pivotal experience that set him up for the chief executive position he holds today based at the Starbucks Support Center in Seattle.&nbsp;&nbsp;

At a time when the world feels so divided and in conflict, Narasimhan believes Starbucks can provide people with places to come together, to connect and to find common ground while also feeling a sense of belonging and joy. In fact, after touching down in India after a long flight and stepping inside a Starbucks away from crowded streets, he noted that it was the partners in the green aprons who grounded him and brought him into the present.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“When someone who feels disconnected comes into the store and a partner asks their name and how they can help, it feels great. It starts with a name,” he told the forum audience. “It’s a little overwhelming to say it's great to feel back at home. So, thank you for having me.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

Fielding questions from partners about the path forward, Laks focused on the importance of reinvigorating company culture and doubled down on his promise to be a partner-centered leader with high ambitions. He referred frequently to the company’s recently unveiled <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/press/2023/starbucks-announces-triple-shot-reinvention-strategy-with-multiple-paths-for-long-term-growth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Triple Shot Reinvention strategy</a>, which means more opportunity than ever for growth in India’s trillion-dollar economy through elevating coffee experiences – exemplified by the announcement of a second Reserve store to open in market and the forthcoming global release of the locally grown Starbucks Reserve(R) whole bean coffee, Monsooned Malabar. &nbsp;

“Coffee is the heart of this company, and we must all learn and embrace it,” he said. “The promise of India is enormous, but for us to accomplish [our goals], we need to be sure we're building a business that's got great substance, that's got a great core to it, and is differentiated. At our best for our customers in India, we uplift the everyday.” &nbsp;

Remembering Roots, Working Alongside Partners&nbsp;

Since he began his role as CEO, Laks has committed to working at least one shift as a barista in a Starbucks store every month. It’s a key aspect of his goal to remain close to the field and understand frontline store operations from the highest levels of the company.&nbsp;&nbsp;

India took things to a whole new level.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In Mumbai, store leader Sunil reported that Laks “was checking in with my entire team, with each and every person. He asked us about the store, he joined us for a coffee tasting – and he talked to partners in Hindi. I was not expecting that. It really touched my heart.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

Leaders including Michael Conway, group president for Starbucks International and Channel Development, and Emmy Kan, president of Starbucks Asia Pacific, also joined Laks in-store. Together, they watched firsthand as retail partners worked their magic with customers – displaying pride in their coffee craft through offering tastings and engaging in meaningful conversations.&nbsp;

By the time they reached his hometown of Pune, Laks took the opportunity to go behind the bar of the nearest Starbucks. Wearing his green apron and a localized nametag, he worked alongside partners and interacted with the community that raised him. For some, figuring out this new barista was actually the chief executive of Starbucks inevitably led to requests for photos and autographs. &nbsp;

“He had a happy vibe and a smile all the time,” Preeti, a 10-month partner, said of her temporary shift partner. “It was like talking to an old friend.”&nbsp;

As he does with every in-store visit, Laks asked many questions of store partners, from business fundamentals and how long they’d worked for Starbucks to their best barista tips and their long-term career goals. There were many high-fives – and the consistent sound of laughter.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Dinesh, a store manager and nearly ten-year veteran of Starbucks in India, says customers and partners alike were delighted to see Laks hand off drinks to customers and even speak in their local language, Marathi.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

“The global CEO of Starbucks is of Indian origin,” he said. “We are very proud, and he’s a very down-to-earth person. It was a great moment for us. A proud moment for us.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

On his way back to the U.S., Laks shared some of his reflections about the experience as well. He loved seeing up close how partners in India are leveraging the mission of Starbucks and its numerous initiatives with Tata Starbucks Private Limited to build better lives for themselves and their families.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The visit coincides with ambitious new plans to expand Starbucks presence and elevate coffee experiences across one of the fastest-growing markets in the world.

Photo Essay: Starbucks CEO Laxman Narasimhan Comes Home to India : Starbucks Stories Asia

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Photo Essay: Starbucks CEO Laxman Narasimhan Comes Home to India

https://stories.starbucks.com/asia/stories/2024/photo-essay-starbucks-ceo-laxman-narasimhan-comes-home-to-india/

Enters tier 2 and 3 cities, to double workforce, diversify store formats to meet customer preferences

Announces opening of second Starbucks Reserve® store and a new Indian arabica coffee to elevate the Indian coffee experiences

Following Starbucks long-term <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/press/2023/starbucks-announces-triple-shot-reinvention-strategy-with-multiple-paths-for-long-term-growth/">Triple Shot Reinvention Strategy</a> unveiled in November, Tata Starbucks Private Limited today announced its ambition of operating 1,000&nbsp; stores in India by 2028 &nbsp;or one new store opening every three days. The strategy focuses on skilling local partners for jobs, opening new stores that serve customers with an elevated experience, and promoting Indian-origin coffee to Starbucks customers around the world.

Already a trillion-dollar economy, India is at an inflection point and projected to become the world’s third-largest by 2030 according to economic forecasts, making it a focus area of growth for Starbucks. &nbsp;India’s strategic importance as one of Starbucks fastest-growing markets globally will see Starbucks doubling-down on its presence in the market.

Through a 50:50 joint-venture between Starbucks Coffee Company and Tata Consumer Products Limited that launched in 2012, Tata Starbucks now operates in over 390 stores across 54 Indian cities, with approximately 4,300 partners (employees) who proudly wear the green apron.

To achieve its target of 1,000 stores by 2028 the company will double its workforce to approximately 8,600 partners as it plans to enter Tier 2 and 3 Indian cities, expand drive-thrus, airports and its 24-hour store footprint to serve customers where they are.

As he visited India this week, Laxman Narasimhan, chief executive officer, Starbucks said, “Over the past 11 years, the India market has grown to become one of Starbucks fastest-growing markets in the world. With a growing middle class, we are proud to help cultivate the evolving coffee culture while honoring its rich heritage. With our trusted business partner, Tata, and our green apron partners, we are well-positioned to capture the limitless opportunities as we open one store every three days in India and further our aspiration to become truly global.”

Elevating India’s Bean-to-Cup Coffee Experiences

Following the success of <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/asia/stories/2022/starbucks-10-years-in-india/">Starbucks Reserve Fort Mumbai</a>, that opened in 2022, Tata Starbucks will open the second Starbucks Reserve® store this year as part of the long-term commitment to elevate the coffee experience in India. Catering to the growing number of coffee enthusiasts with a penchant for premium coffee experiences, the new Starbucks Reserve® store will create unique moments of connection with customers through the artistry and craft of Starbucks® black apron Coffee Masters.

In line with the mission to elevate high-quality Indian arabica coffee, Starbucks Reserve® whole bean coffee Monsooned Malabar from India will be available both at Starbucks Reserve® Stores in India and the U.S. later this year.

Sunil D'Souza, CEO &amp; managing director at Tata Consumer Products said, “Tata Consumer Products and Starbucks have enjoyed a remarkable journey, elevating India’s coffee culture and craftsmanship rooted in high-quality Indian arabica coffee beans. As we move into the next chapter of growth, we will continue to develop India’s coffee culture to deepen connections with our customers, while innovating to bring our unique Indian offerings to the global stage.”

Uplifting the Partner Experience to Bridge to a Better Future

Starbucks has a history of being a bridge to a better future for its partners and recently through the company’s Starbucks College Achievement Plan (100% tuition coverage) achieved the milestone of more than 12,000 graduates in the U.S. from Arizona State University to date. Over 25,000 Starbucks partners currently participate in the Starbucks College Achievement Plan and Pathway to Admission fully sponsored by the company.

In India as well, Tata Starbucks invests in the well-being of partners with industry-leading benefits by empowering its diverse partners, creating equitable development opportunities, and becoming the first food and beverage company in the market to establish a five-day workweek for its people. The company is proud to report that over a third of current partners have been promoted within the organization.

Supporting vocational skilling

Tata Starbucks will empower women in India by providing vocational skills training for underserved young women seeking careers in the F&amp;B retail industries. In partnership with The Starbucks Foundation, which awarded a grant to Trust for Retailers &amp; Retail Associates of India (TRRAIN) to provide 2,000 young women workforce development training, skills building and mentoring by 2024, Tata Starbucks extended on-the-job learning options for program participants in stores in Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad and Mumbai.

As Tata Starbucks grows across India, the company remains committed to expanding through elevated coffee experiences, unique store formats and personalized moments of human connection for sustainable growth. Sushant Dash, chief executive officer of Tata Starbucks added, “Thanks to the strong foundation we have built in India, we are entering our next chapter of growth, driven by our unwavering commitment to create a uniquely Starbucks Experience that uplifts customers, communities and partners. With partners forming the heartbeat of our organization and shaping our success in India, we will continue to make meaningful investments that bridge a better future for all partners. Coupled with our focus on reimagining the ‘third place’ and extending our coffee leadership, we are poised to catalyze further growth in India.”

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Tata Starbucks to Accelerate Growth to 1,000 Stores, Double Employment in India by 2028 : Starbucks Stories Asia

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Tata Starbucks to Accelerate Growth to 1,000 Stores, Double Employment in India by 2028

The strategy focuses on skilling local partners for jobs, opening new stores that serve customers with an elevated experience, and promoting Indian-origin coffee to Starbucks customers around the world.

https://stories.starbucks.com/uploads/sites/29/2024/01/pressrelease_Laks-op2-1024x683.jpg

https://stories.starbucks.com/asia/stories/2024/tata-starbucks-to-accelerate-growth-to-1000-stores-double-employment-in-india-by-2028/

Available at select Starbucks® stores for a limited time, enjoy moments of comfort and connection with new winter beverages across the Asia Pacific region.

NEW! STARBUCKS® VIENNA CREAMY LATTE

Introducing the all-new Starbucks Vienna Creamy Latte, an exquisite new take on the classic Viennese coffee, crafted with a sumptuous Vienna Cream Foam. This silky smooth, caramelly, and delicious beverage combines our signature espresso, mocha sauce, Vanilla Mascarpone cheese, and vanilla seeds. Topped with a velvety Mascarpone cream and aromatic Burnt Caramel powder, take a pause to savor this indulgent treat. Available as a hot, iced, and blended beverage.

NEW! STARBUCKS® HONEY PLUM PURE MATCHA LATTE

Delightfully sweet and perfectly fruity, take a moment to reset and recharge with the Starbucks Honey Plum Pure Matcha Latte in hand. Experience the comforting flavors of pure matcha and honey plum, leaving you drifting in sweet, fruity heaven. With added purple Plum Foam and sweet Plum powder, this beautiful pastel hued beverage is refined with unfolding layers of intriguing, new flavors. Available as a hot and iced handcrafted beverage.

NEW! STARBUCKS® PEACH PLUM PEARLS OOLONG

Take a step back from the bustle of the holidays with the refreshingly soothing and oh so comforting Starbucks Peach Plum Pearls Oolong. Layered with real fruit chunks, our floral Teavana™ Zen Clouds Oolong Tea is mixed with plum and peach sauce and Sugar Cane syrup for a beautiful blend of sweet and sour flavors. The iced beverage comes with Plum flavored pearls for a fruity explosion. Available as a hot and iced handcrafted beverage.

Get cozy with Starbucks new winter beverages : Starbucks Stories Asia

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Get cozy with Starbucks new winter beverages

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https://stories.starbucks.com/asia/stories/2024/get-cozy-with-starbucks-new-winter-beverages/

The Shalu Beishih Store opening commemorates Starbucks 25th anniversary in the market

On November 28th, Starbucks Taiwan announced the opening of its first certified Greener Store, The Shalu Beishih Store, commemorating its 25th anniversary in the market. This drive-thru store is part of the company’s <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/press/2023/starbucks-verifies-3500-greener-stores-globally/">global expansion</a> of its open-source Greener Store Framework intended to reduce global carbon emissions, water usage and waste sent to landfills by 50% by 2030.

The Shalu Beishih Store meets performance-based standards of the <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2021/starbucks-greener-stores-accelerate-global-movement-towards-a-more-sustainable-future/">Greener Stores Framework</a> across environmental impact areas such as energy efficiency, water stewardship, and waste diversion, designed to accelerate the transformation towards lower-impact stores. The Shalu Beishih Store is the first store in the market with electric vehicle (EV) charging stations and offers digital signage to reduce paper usage, water recycling for irrigation, energy-efficient appliances, and certified low-emitting materials for interior design finishes.

The Shalu Beishih Store features an arched roof that draws inspiration from ocean waves and mountains that surround the store. The building symbolizes the progression of waves along the coastline and the cascade of nearby mountains. The store features exclusive merchandise and a specially designed Starbucks Card that reflects the architecture and surroundings of the store.

A new beverage, Brown Sugar Kuzuko Jelly Iced Shaken Black Tea Latte, which takes its flavor cues from the local environment was also introduced. It combines brown sugar Kuzuko, reminiscent of the fall season, with a matcha milk foam visually resembling the nearby mountains.

Starbucks opens first Greener Store in Taiwan : Starbucks Stories Asia

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Starbucks opens first Greener Store in Taiwan

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