Starbucks may also sell mineral water

When US coffee chain giant Starbucks forays in India later this year, it might offer more than just a cuppa - a new mineral water brand and grants for clean water projects could be part of the package.

The world's largest coffee chain, which is planning to open its first Indian store this year and has zeroed in on New Delhi and Mumbai for the launch, has announced a $1 million grant for a clean water project to commemorate World Water Day on March 22.

The grant would come from Starbucks' Ethos Water Funds, which has also announced a $1million grant for Kenya.

Starbucks had acquired Ethos Water in 2005, and distributes it across its stores in the US.

While the company spokesperson told PTI from Seattle that it was pre-mature to discuss the launch of Ethos in India, industry observers said Starbucks could eventually bring the brand to the country after opening its coffee chain.

Starbucks is holding a shareholders' meeting tomorrow where it is expected to announce progress on its growth plans including its expansion into new markets like India.

Industry observers also expect the company to hold its annual "Coffee Break" in India - a promotional programme initiated this year under which it distributes free cups of coffee for a day.