NE BUSINESS BUREAU
AHMEDABAD, OCT 4
Starbucks India announced that it is celebrating the Festival of Lights with the debut of a new seasonal whole-bean coffee, Starbucks Diwali Blend, to customers across India and select global markets. Reinforcing Starbucks long-term commitment to the market, the exclusive Starbucks Diwali Blend honours India’s coffee-growing communities by highlighting new estates each year from India’s rich tradition of expert coffee producers, a release said.
Starbucks Diwali Blend is a tribute to the region’s deep coffee heritage and expertise, made with hand-selected coffee from Valparai, Jumboor and Suntikoppa estates in the verdant hills of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. The indulgent and immersive experience was developed specifically for customers in India. This unique blend features a balanced acidity, warm notes of cocoa, a syrupy body with notes of chocolate and hints of spice and stone fruit, the statement added.
The package design depicts themes of light and illumination, with images of lanterns and elaborate traditional patterns. The central rangoli pattern reflects the symbolic triumph of good over evil and embodies the spirit of Diwali, the most auspicious day of the year in India. Starbucks®Diwali Blend is the second Starbucks whole bean coffee to be entirely sourced, roasted and packaged in India, following the launch of Starbucks® India Estates Blend in 2013.
“Diwali holds incredible significance as a source of light and hope for Indians around the world,” said Navin Gurnaney, CEO, Tata Starbucks Pvt. Ltd. “This moment gives us the perfect opportunity to bring joy and cheer into the lives of our customers, which is especially meaningful now. This new annual offering is inspired by India’s cultural dynamics and rich coffee heritage, and Tata Starbucks remains committed to providing our customers with a unique, unparalleled Starbucks experience that celebrates India’s coffee culture.”
To overcome the challenges associated with creating a new coffee during COVID-19, Starbucks collaborated remotely with the local coffee team to trial, develop and roast the Diwali Blend. From different coordinates across the globe, the team successfully sampled different combinations together before landing on the final blend. This is Starbucks first coffee blend that’s been created remotely.
“Starbucks Diwali Blend is a true testament to coffee’s power to bring people together – from bean to cup. The exquisite blend is hand-selected and sourced from Tata estates in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. The unique partnership between Starbucks and Tata Beverages highlights the craftsmanship of notable coffee planters of India and showcases the Starbucks prowess to deliver great-tasting and high-quality coffee”, said Sunil D`Souza, CEO, Tata Consumer Products.
“We are pleased to be able to celebrate and honour this important festival by introducing a new whole bean coffee that is sourced, roasted and packaged in India,” said Sara Trilling, president, Starbucks Asia Pacific. “India has a deep coffee heritage and we are pleased to be able to bring this unique and special coffee to customers around the world.”
Starbucks Diwali Blend is available for a limited time across all stores in India. The delightful tin is perfect to take home, gift or add a touch of joy to celebrations by sharing with family and friends. Customers can enjoy the Starbucks Experience at 196 stores across India.
