Tata Global Beverages Limited and Starbucks Coffee Company announced in February a joint venture between the iconic international coffee brand and the 2nd largest branded tea company in the world. The 50/50 joint venture, named TATA Starbucks Limited, will own and operate Starbucks cafés which will be branded as Starbucks Coffee “A Tata Alliance”.

The retail stores will be developed in cities across the country, beginning with stores in Delhi and Mumbai later in 2012.

In a separate sourcing and roasting agreement between Starbucks Coffee Company and Tata Coffee Limited, Tata Coffee Limited will roast coffee to supply Tata Starbucks Limited, and to export to Starbucks Coffee Company. Together, the JV will enable an expanded range of beverage offerings for Indian consumers.  As an example, the companies have agreed to jointly leverage assets and innovation to offer a premium tea product branded, Tata Tazo.

“We’re very pleased to have found the best partner for Starbucks in Tata – a company that shares so many of the same values for conducting business in a way that earns the trust and respect of our customers and partners (employees),” said John Culver, president, Starbucks China and Asia Pacific. “We look forward to bringing the Starbucks Experience to customers in India by offering high quality arabica coffee, handcrafted beverages, locally relevant food, and legendary service. ”