Starbucks Coffee Company has unveiled a new Farmer Support Partnership (FSP) in India, reinforcing its long-term focus on advancing the country’s coffee sector. The initiative, developed in collaboration with Tata Starbucks Private Limited and supported by Starbucks Coffee Trading Company (SCTC), aims to empower 10,000 Indian growers by 2030. Anchored in Karnataka and designed to benefit producers across Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala, the FSP blends local expertise with Starbucks’ global agronomy insights to elevate bean quality, sustainability, and farmer incomes.
As part of this program, technical “model farms” will be set up with partner growers to trial new varietals and introduce climate-smart solutions suited to Indian conditions. These farms will act as demonstration hubs to share innovative agricultural practices and agroforestry approaches that boost productivity while preserving environmental health. Knowledge exchanged through the initiative will be closely linked to Starbucks’ international Farmer Support Centers in Indonesia, China, and Costa Rica, creating a strong pipeline for research collaboration.
Digital training will also be central to the partnership. Farmers in India will gain access to Starbucks’ upcoming online learning tools covering crop management, ethical sourcing under C.A.F.E. (Coffee and Farmer Equity) practices, regenerative farming principles, and techniques that help lower carbon, water, and waste impact. Over the next five years, the FSP will focus on improving yields, strengthening profitability, and enhancing climate resilience. To support expansion of high-quality Arabica farming, Tata Starbucks will distribute one million advanced seedlings to growers statewide.
The launch comes as Starbucks celebrates its 500th store opening in India—an important milestone since Tata Starbucks was formed in 2012. The brand continues to invest in elevating India’s coffee culture with Reserve® experiences, premium store formats, and opportunities for meaningful career growth among its workforce. As Sushant Dash, CEO of Tata Starbucks, notes, the new farmer partnership reflects a vision that not only fuels business growth but also supports the communities behind every cup.
