Starbucks zeroes in on Delhi, Mumbai

Terming India as a land of 'great opportunities', world's largest coffee chain Starbucks has identified Delhi and Mumbai as possible starting points for its venture in the country with a joint venture partner.

"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," a company official said.

While reports suggested that Starbucks has plans to enter the Indian market in partnership with Pantaloon's Kishore Biyani and VP Sharma, Head of Starbucks' Indonesian franchise, the official declined to confirm them.

"We do not comment on rumours 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," the official said.

The company plans to target the young adults of the country for expanding its presence in India and also aims to reap the benefits of a growing coffee culture in a traditionally tea-drinking nation.

Besides, the company is also seeing robust growth potential in the vast population of the country and an appetite for the western brands among the youngsters here.

Earlier, Starbucks' Chairman Howard Schultz had stated that planning and research was well underway for its India plans and the company was holding discussions with potential joint venturepartners.

"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," he said.