US coffee giant Starbucks to enter India in 2007

Starbucks is currently in talks with a number of potential joint venture partners to finalise the locations.

Coffee connoisseurs can look forward to a new brew in their cups soon, with US-based coffee retail giant Starbucks Corporation set to open its outlets in India in 2007.

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Starbucks is currently in talks with a number of potential joint venture partners and is in the process of finalising the locations for opening its retail outlets in the country.

Starbucks' spokesperson T May Kulthol stated from Seattle that the company was excited about the great opportunities that India presents to the company.

"We are looking forward to offering the finest coffee in the world to customers in this country within the next 18 months," she said.

Sources close to the company said that it has zeroed in on Delhi and Mumbai for its first retail outlets in India, while it was scouting for other locations as well for a grand foray into the country.

The company is also in talks with a number of leading companies -- including the existing players in the market and others, who are planning to foray into the retail market, they added.

"When we open a new market, we take time to make sure we have the right joint venture partner or licensee to help develop the brand," Kulthol said.

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