ITV

Tag: TATA Starbucks

  • Ameer Ismail signs off after 28 years at Lintas Live: PR titan to chase new-age dreams

    Ameer Ismail signs off after 28 years at Lintas Live: PR titan to chase new-age dreams

    MUMBAI – After nearly three decades of steering one of India’s most respected PR engines, president of Lintas Live, Ameer Ismail, has officially called time on his storied stint at MullenLowe Lintas group.

    Ismail, a name long synonymous with the rise and reinvention of Lintas Live (formerly LinOpinion), is stepping down to pursue “new opportunities” in the ever-evolving world of communications, hinting at an AI-infused future that has him excited and energised.

    “I’ve had a dream run,” said Ismail. “The future of PR is exhilarating—AI is opening up an entirely new canvas. My next move will build on the deep experience I’ve gathered across disciplines.”

    Joining Lintas in 1996, Ismail became one of India’s longest-serving PR heads. Over the years, he transformed the agency from a traditional public relations outfit into a digital-first, integrated comms powerhouse—fusing media strategy, influencer engagement, crisis comms, and creative storytelling into award-winning campaigns
    .
    His leadership earned client trust across sectors, with marquee names like Tata Starbucks, Etihad Airways, Hyatt, Budweiser, Sony Pictures Networks India, and Visit Victoria turning to Lintas Live for cutting-edge comms.

    Ismail held multiple senior roles within the group—across dCell, Advent, and Lintertainment—before spearheading the Golin joint venture and joining its global leadership in 2014. By 2018, he was also chief growth officer at PointNine Lintas, all while continuing to captain the PR business.

    With over 500 brands and countless C-suite leaders under his strategic wing, Ismail’s counsel became industry gold. He’s served on advisory boards and juries for Sabre, Abby, and Fulcrum, and was feted by CMO Asia in 2011 for his contribution to corporate comms.

    While he readies for his next act, Lintas Live, backed by a robust client roster and mentored leadership, remains in steady hands. Ismail will stay on in the short term to ensure a smooth transition.

    A committed mentor and academic, he continues to lecture at top comms schools including Symbiosis, XIC, and Scranton University, and serves on the Score advisory council.

    As Ameer Ismail bows out, the Indian PR world salutes a leader who didn’t just follow trends—he wrote the playbook.

  • Starbucks unveils 50 store in Bengaluru with first drive-thru outlet

    Starbucks unveils 50 store in Bengaluru with first drive-thru outlet

    MUMBAI: Starbucks marked a significant milestone with the opening of its 50 store in Bengaluru, also unveiling its first drive-thru outlet in South India. The occasion was commemorated with a special event attended by Tata Starbucks CEO Sushant Dash and Swiggy Food Marketplace CEO Rohit Kapoor.

    The event highlighted the strength of the long-standing partnership between Starbucks and Swiggy, which began eight years ago with just six stores in Mumbai. Since then, the collaboration has expanded across 70 cities and 350+ stores nationwide, supported by Swiggy’s robust delivery ecosystem.

    As part of the celebration, Kapoor joined 50 Swiggy delivery partners on a ride to the new store, capping the journey with a cup of Starbucks coffee. Dash added a personal touch by brewing a signature Americano for Kapoor symbolising their shared passion for quality and consistency.

    Tata Starbucks CEO Dash shared, “Our 50 store in Bengaluru and first drive-thru in South India marks an exciting new chapter in our growth journey one rooted in accessibility, innovation, and deep local relevance. At Starbucks, we use the specialty grade Arabica for every cup of coffee, serving the finest quality to every consumer. Swiggy has been a trusted partner in this journey, helping us deliver the Starbucks experience to customers wherever they are. As we expand across India, we remain committed to crafting new moments of connection, whether in-store or delivered to your doorstep.”

    Swiggy Food Marketplace CEO Kapoor added, “Starbucks’ 50 store in Bengaluru is not just a milestone for their retail footprint, but also a marker of how far this partnership has come. From just a handful of stores in one city to now serving customers in 70 cities Swiggy has been proud to partner with Starbucks every step of the way. Together, we’ve worked to make high-quality coffee and food experiences more accessible to millions of consumers across the country. As we scale further, we’re excited to keep pushing boundaries and delivering memorable experiences, one order at a time.”

    The duo has collaborated on popular campaigns such as ‘Double the Love,’ ‘Friday Frappuccino,’ and ‘Items at 199,’ and co-created the ‘Classics’ menu tailored to Indian palates. This celebration reflects not just a store count but a shared mission to bring premium coffee and food closer to consumers, in-store and at home.

  • Tata Starbucks launches #MeriSpecialJagah campaign

    Tata Starbucks launches #MeriSpecialJagah campaign

    Mumbai: Tata Starbucks has launched its Diwali campaign, #MeriSpecialJagah, inviting Indian families to celebrate the festival at Starbucks. Over 12 years in India, the brand has adapted to local tastes, becoming part of daily life for consumers. This Diwali, Starbucks offers a curated range of festive treats, creating an inviting atmosphere that reflects the spirit of Indian homes during the festival.

    Tata Starbucks head of product and marketing Mitali Maheshwari said, “Starbucks has always been about creating a welcoming space for everyone. We are committed to celebrating local traditions and fostering genuine connections among our customers. What truly brings our campaign idea of #MeriSpecialJagah to life is the resonance of Indians celebrating Diwali at a place that makes them feel ‘at home’ (an extension of the third place that the Starbucks stores hold in the consumers minds) in the festive avatar. With our beautifully decorated stores, special take-away Diwali cups, limited edition offerings in food and beverage that highlight ingredients and flavours closely associated with the festival, our curated range of gifting options; we have ensured that every element of what makes Diwali special for our customers is recreated at Starbucks.”

    The brand film features a young man, Ninad, who proposes to invite family friends to Starbucks for a Diwali gathering, giving his mother a break from cooking. Initially hesitant, his parents are convinced when they see Ninad’s confidence in replicating the warmth of home at Starbucks. The family arrives at a beautifully decorated Starbucks, welcomed by a friendly barista. As relatives join, they enjoy a festive ambiance and a Diwali menu with local ingredients like saffron and pista, along with desserts like Gulab Jamun Trifle, Khubani Barfi Bar, and White Choco Kaju Nankhatai. The film ends with the family bonding over treats, highlighting Starbucks as their special place for Diwali celebrations.

    Edelman India lead advisor-brand marketing & communications Ashutosh Munshi added, “Starbucks has always been a place where everyone feels welcome, and this Diwali, the brand is doubling down on that promise. Our #MeriSpecialJagah campaign brings to life the magic of the season by celebrating local traditions and sparking authentic connections. At the heart of the 360 integrated campaign, are limited-edition Diwali offerings – thoughtfully crafted to resonate with the festival’s warmth and joy. From stores adorned in festive splendour to food and beverages infused with festive flavour, every detail is designed to make Starbucks a special destination to share the spirit of Diwali with loved ones.”

    Edelman India executive creative director Ashish Pathak added, “Our campaign for Diwali found an idea in the truism of unannounced guests, especially during festive seasons. A result of which sees mums in kitchens, missing out on celebrating fully. With Starbucks unique, traditionally flavoured food & beverage innovations for Diwali, it becomes the perfect ‘special place’ for a family to move the tradition of meeting at home to a Starbucks for a truly new, unique and delightful experience. Giving mums a well-deserved break and a celebration for the family to remember.”

    This Diwali, Starbucks introduces limited-edition beverages such as the Saffron Pistachio Latte and Saffron Masala Chai. In collaboration with Bombay Sweet Shop, they offer festive treats combining traditional Indian sweets with modern twists. To enhance the gifting experience, Starbucks provides exclusive gift hampers and merchandise, including the festive Bearista Plushie and Iced Latte Candle.

  • Starbucks launches India-inspired classics coffee range celebrating heritage

    Starbucks launches India-inspired classics coffee range celebrating heritage

    Mumbai: Starbucks introduces the all-new Classics coffee range, a tribute to India’s rich cultural and sensory heritage as the brand celebrates 12 years in the country. This new range blends the finest ingredients inspired by India with the perfect preparation, delivering a flavorful experience designed for Indian taste buds.

    Crafted from the top 3 per cent of Arabica coffee beans in the world, the Classics beverages feature light textures, balanced sweetness, and the ideal temperature for a smooth, velvety finish. The range includes the Classic Hot Coffee, a rich espresso and milk blend, and the Classic Iced Coffee, which combines bold espresso with jaggery and milk, starting at Rs 150. Complementing the coffee are Classic sandwiches in popular flavors, such as Chilli Paneer Sandwich, Spinach Corn Sandwich, Paneer Tikka Sandwich, Egg & Mayo Sandwich, and Chicken Salad Sandwich, promising a delightful pairing with every visit.

    TATA Starbucks ceo Sushant Dash remarked, “With more than a decade of history in India, we have been captivated by our country’s unique diversity, the vibrant cultural tapestry and numerous streaks of ideas brewing around us. This inspired us to create a beverage lineup which is a true testament to the growing cultural confidence and pride of India. Meticulously crafted, each beverage is curated with top 3% arabica coffee beans from the world to reflect the taste buds of the Indian consumer, combining it with our Third-Place experience to celebrate not just special occasions, but everyday moments and conversations with loved ones. The Classic beverages are inspired by and for India”

    Since its launch in 2012, TATA Starbucks has expanded to 454 stores across 67 cities, employing over 3,800 partners who bring both global and localised offerings to customers.

     

  • This Friendship Day, ‘Starbucks + You’ celebrates the bond of connections

    This Friendship Day, ‘Starbucks + You’ celebrates the bond of connections

    Mumbai: Starbucks is celebrating Friendship Day this year with their partners (baristas) thoughtfully and uniquely true only to Starbucks. Bringing this message to life, Starbucks latest campaign titled ‘Starbucks + You’, is based on the insight that partners in stores form integral bonds with their consumers. Interacting with them daily, from knowing their order by heart to celebrating various milestones, they have created a sense of belonging together that goes beyond a transactional relationship.

    Going beyond remembering names, and celebrating special occasions such as birthdays and promotions, Starbucks celebrates the power of simple gestures and is a reminder that sometimes, companionship and solace are brewed in the simplest of places.

     

     

    Starting today, all Starbucks stores across India will be filled with heartfelt gestures:

    1   Select stores will be spreading joy by gifting Potli bags of signature Starbucks coffee beans to existing and new consumers to bond over a shared love for coffee.

    2   Partners (baristas) will surprise consumers with handwritten notes of appreciation, turning their Friendship Day visits into memorable moments.

    3   To show gratitude on the day, special messages on delivery cups such as ‘Thanks for making my ordinary special’, and ‘Your smile always makes our mornings brighter’ will surprise consumers

    4   As a gesture to extend their friendship to the customers, Starbucks Baristas are offering a flat 30 per cent off on short and tall beverages with a coupon you can find here from 1st to 18th August

    TATA Starbucks coo Adrit Mishra said, “Building on our unique Third Place Experience, we are excited to bring personalized celebrations to our customers through their favourite partners. At Starbucks, we are dedicated to creating memories that nurture friendships and foster connections over a cup of coffee. We want this occasion to serve as a reminder that we will always be here to cherish the big and small moments alike.”

  • PR industry continues to grow at 20 per cent, reaching ₹2,500 crore

    PR industry continues to grow at 20 per cent, reaching ₹2,500 crore

    Mumbai: The Public Relations Consultants Association of India (PRCAI) hosted the third edition of its flagship thought-leadership forum, PRologue 2024 on 25 July in Gurgaon.

    At this event, PRCAI presented initial findings of SPRINT 2024*, its annual industry survey in collaboration with IPSOS, which estimates a growth of 19.6 percent in FY 2022-2023 for the industry. PRCAI presented and deliberated on an optimistic projection for the Indian PR industry, reaching 2,500 crore from 2,100 crore in FY 2021-2022.

    The event saw panelists engage in dynamic discussions on the theme ‘Reimagining Communications in a Turbulent World.’ With changing demographics in India, influence of technology and AI, economic trajectory, the PR industry is experiencing changes at a fast rate, from skills required in the industry, to greater attention to PR by C-Suite, to innovation in audience outreach, to shaping narratives, to services and specializations offered to be ready for the future of communications. These themes were explored at the recent PRologue 2024, which was attended by 300 communication and business professionals.

    India is home to the largest Gen Z population, earning trust from this dynamic group is vital for brand success. Diving into the evolving behaviour of new-age consumers, PRCAI guest speakers included Tata Starbucks CEO Sushant Dash, content creator Anushka Rathod and Edelman India lead advisor, brand marketing & communications Ashutosh Munshi who talked about how to ‘Crack the Gen Z Code’ at the event.

    Tata Starbucks CEO Sushant Dash said, “Gen Z’s unique expectations and strong opinions, shaped by their digital nativity, challenge brands to innovate. At Starbucks India, we engage with this dynamic group daily, finding their perspectives both refreshing and inspiring. Their insights drive us to continually adapt and improve our communication approach.”

    Emphasizing trust and engagement, the panel underscored public relations’ crucial role in navigating rapid technological advancements and widespread misinformation. The second panel with guest line-up including, Staqu Technologies CEO & co-founder Atul Rai, Medianama founder and editor Nikhil Pahwa, HT Media Group business head Yatik Naik, and The Indian Express COO Nandagopal Rajan discussed strategies to ‘Navigate The AI Tightrope,’ balancing the dilemma of innovation versus misinformation.

    The most awaited industry event is a combination of trend discussions at PRologue 2024, followed by the global SABRE South Asia Awards, that celebrated the most creative and interesting work in the field of public relations. More than 50 awards were given to compelling campaigns. SUGAR Cosmetics co-founder and CEO Vineeta Singh was awarded the top honour of CEO of the year at the SABRE South Asia 2024 Awards.

    SUGAR Cosmetics CEO & co-founder Vineeta Singh said, “I am deeply honored and humbled to receive the Best CEO of the Year at SABRE South Asia 2024 Awards hosted by PRCAI. I dedicate this award to my mother and SUGAR’s workforce, especially 3000+ women employees, beauty enthusiasts, and stakeholders at large. This award recognition underscores our focus to redefine the Indian beauty landscape whilst saluting the indomitable spirit of women who embrace their most authentic selves.”

    PRCAI VP Kunal Kishore said, “PRologue and SABRE SA have become the industries’ most awaited moments of learning and recognition. Our goal is to focus on authentic conversation and reimagine every year our ever-changing environment that can constantly up the game for the industry.”

    ‘This year at PRologue 2024, PRCAI partnered with the Guinness World Records (GWR) and created a new record for the most signatures collected on a t-shirt in 60 minutes. It called upon the attendees and industry professionals to pledge to the power of “Educate, Elevate, Empower” and for each one of them to commit an hour this year to upskill the next generation of talent in the industry.

    PRCAI CEO Deeptie Sethi remarked, “The industry is witnessing a healthy growth and PRCAI is committed to help the industry strive for excellence with platforms to upskill, standardizing guidelines to build a world-class workforce and stronger industry practices for both today and tomorrow. We are excited about the first-ever Guinness World Record for PRCAI, that symbolizes our commitment to encourage each member of ours as an integrated part to cultivate a more skilled and innovative workforce for the future.”

    To elevate the industry standards and cultivate a more professional and collaborative environment for collective success, PRCAI has a new client-consultancy partnership charter and code of conduct guidelines, which will be announced soon to build an even stronger ethical, professional, and progressive PR industry.

  • TATA Starbucks appoints Mitali Maheshwari as head of product and marketing for India

    TATA Starbucks appoints Mitali Maheshwari as head of product and marketing for India

    Mumbai: TATA Starbucks has announced the appointment of Mitali Maheshwari as product and marketing head for India. With over a decade of invaluable expertise in brand management and marketing, in her new role, she will spearhead product innovation and drive marketing initiatives for the brand.

    Welcoming Mitali Maheshwari to the team, TATA Starbucks COO Adrit Mishra shared, “As we continue building the category in India and extending our coffee leadership to deliver the signature Starbucks Experience to consumers, we are excited for Mitali to expound upon our product and marketing plans. With Mitali on board, we are also looking forward to enabling strategic product innovation that brings forth the best of global and local tastes for consumers in a manner that is familiar to them. Mitali’s dedication to her craft, coupled with her strategic mindset and innovative approach, makes her an invaluable addition to our team.”

    Maheshwari shared, “As a coffee enthusiast myself, I am looking forward to joining Starbucks India, a brand that has played a pivotal role in shaping the country’s vibrant coffee landscape over the past decade. I am humbled and excited to build on the brand’s marketing plans to drive continued growth, while delivering the distinct Starbucks experience to consumers across the country.”

    Bringing a wealth of knowledge and a proven track record in elevating brand presence and consumer engagement, Mitali previously held the position of national brand marketing manager at Red Bull India. Her strategic insights and innovative approach will serve in ensuring exceptional experiences for coffee enthusiasts across the country.

  • Tata Starbucks celebrates International Coffee Week

    Tata Starbucks celebrates International Coffee Week

    Mumbai: TATA Starbucks is taking things a notch higher by extending International Coffee Day (1 October) celebrations for a week. Toasting to the journey from bean to cup, this weeklong celebration will include a dedicated Coffee master’s Program called Master Brewers and a seven-day Coffee experience series that has been specially curated for customers.

    This program brings alive the nuances of growing and sourcing ethical coffees from across the world, processing & roasting of different coffee’s to fun-filled brewing and latte arts curated by Starbucks for its customers and delivered by Starbucks Coffee masters. It will empower them to transcend the ordinary and become true masters of the art of crafting exceptional coffee, ultimately earning the prestigious ‘special apron’—a symbol of pride and distinction traditionally owned by the best baristas in the business. This program is, in essence, the golden key for coffee enthusiasts to join the ranks of the coffee elite.

    International Coffee Week is not just a celebration; it’s a unique opportunity for coffee enthusiasts in India to immerse themselves in the world of coffee crafted especially for them by Starbucks. Here’s a glimpse of what’s in store for them:

    Coffee Experience Series: In addition to these bespoke coffee masterclasses, TATA Starbucks has curated a selection of seven distinctive coffee engagement programs at their stores throughout the week, promising an unforgettable coffee experience for all. Each day at 4 PM, these programs will feature unique coffee tastings, each centered around a different theme, aimed at expanding your coffee knowledge. It’s an open invitation to discover, learn, and celebrate the world of coffee like never before.

    Expressing his delight on this initiative, TATA Starbucks CEO Sushant Dash remarked, “Celebrating our journey into India, where the specialty coffee culture was just blossoming, we took a pioneering role in refining and introducing this culture to a predominantly tea-drinking population. Today, we stand as the catalysts of this transformative shift, as consumers increasingly seek a deeper connection to their coffee. They yearn to uncover the story behind their brew, to truly immerse themselves in the essence of specialty coffee.”

    He further added, “Our curated program and week-long in-store experiences have been tailored to cater this exact curiosity of today’s coffee enthusiasts, who not only desire premium experiences but also possess a deep appreciation for the intricacies of coffee, right from its origins on the farm to the final cup. This initiative is a testament to our commitment to fulfilling their quest for coffee knowledge while celebrating the true essence of coffee excellence.”

    International Coffee Week celebration at Starbucks includes special promotions and a series of exclusive, coffee-centric experiences designed especially for its Indian customers, offering a unique opportunity to partake in the festivities while also sharing in Starbucks’ unparalleled coffee expertise. Starbucks India mobile app would also bring alive these unique tastings which customers can view and participate in across the seven days. 

  • Tata Starbucks rolls out 360-degree campaign #ItStartsWithYourName

    Tata Starbucks rolls out 360-degree campaign #ItStartsWithYourName

    Mumbai: Tata Starbucks has launched its new 360-degree campaign #ItStartsWithYourName, calling out all new customers to come and experience the warmth, personalization and strong sense of connection the brand offers. The campaign has been crafted specifically for customers across the cities of Bengaluru, Gurgaon, Indore, and Bhopal to begin with.   

    As a people-first brand, Starbucks sees all its customers as people. It is celebrated for warmly greeting its customers by their name and making each interaction personal.  

    Created by Edelman India, #ItStartsWithYourName campaign taps into the insight of, if you know a person’s name, more so his/her ‘special’ name or name they were given by friends, relatives, etc., you become closer to them. You break barriers and make them feel at home.

    The campaign celebrates this simple gesture, which welcomes each person walking into any Starbucks store across the country and makes the brand more inclusive.

    The film starts off with two working women making their way to a Starbucks store, one hesitant and homesick as she misses her mother in a new city. To cheer her up, her colleague shares her nickname with the Barista, which leads to him calling out her order by a name that brings a smile to her face. The film showcases the small, but significant personal touches that spark joy and a sense of belonging – experienced at every Tata Starbucks store.

    Tata Starbuckalso announced an exciting array of launches as a part of its strategy to drive growth and acquire new customers. The pilot will see the introduction of the New ‘Picco’ size for beverages, delicious South Indian filter coffee, a range of exciting signature milkshakes, masala chai, cardamom chai and a completely revamped food menu featuring Bite-sized snacks, shareable food and a range of freshly assembled sandwiches. The brand will also be unveiling a range of exciting price points through this launch.

    Each of these launches is supported by a short film that connects the new innovations to a sweet personal moment of connection and warmth. These short films will go live in a staggered manner over the next fortnight.

    The film introducing the new size ‘Picco’ is a lovable take on how customers can enjoy their favourite coffee at an exciting price.

    The ‘filter coffee’ film celebrates the special relationship between a grandmother and grandson as they both enjoy a wonderful cup of South Indian filter coffee, as good as Daadi’s, well almost.

    The ‘masala chai’ film is a sweet tribute to families and shared memories over the perfect cup of tea, just the way mom makes it.

    Introducing Starbucks Signature milkshakes through the romance shared by a senior couple and demonstrating the revamped food menu through camaraderie between two friends as they share their food and have a great time; all films celebrate the special relationships customers have and the sweet moments in their lives.

    Talking about the campaign, Tata Starbucks CEO Sushant Dash said, “At Tata Starbucks, we believe that meaningful relationships are rooted in thoughtfulness. We see people, not customers. In our stores, it starts with asking customers their names and goes beyond a cup of coffee. We believe in connecting with local audiences by identifying and acting on their specific needs. Through this campaign, we aim to form a closer connect with our customers and make them feel more welcome in our stores. Over the last decade, we have been fortunate to connect with a diverse group of customers in India and look forward to the road ahead as we address a newer set of customers.”

    Further talking about the campaign, Edelman Asia, Pacific and India head of brand Ashutosh Munshi said, “Brands today need to be for the people and guided by the people. In creating this campaign, we were inspired by TATA Starbucks’ guiding value of seeing a customer beyond their order by asking for names; thereby taking the first step to know each of us that much better. #ItStartsWithYourName celebrates TATA Starbucks’ service philosophy that fosters genuine connection, while also offering a product range that reflects customer preferences. We have articulated this in a brand film and various creative assets that evoke this sense of belonging that the Starbucks experience stands for.”

  • Starbucks and Flipkart’s ‘brew-lliant’ Twitter exchange

    Starbucks and Flipkart’s ‘brew-lliant’ Twitter exchange

    NEW DELHI: ‘What’s brewing between Starbucks and Flipkart?,’ Twitterati were left wondering as the two brands Twitter handles engaged in a fun, punny back-and-forth this week.

    Their conversation revolved around a recent tie-up that makes Starbucks merchandise available on the e-commerce giant’s portal. It started with Starbucks inviting Flipkart to “flip your cart in my direction. I have some stuff I think you'll enjoy!"

    Flipkart responded enthusiastically in a manner befitting its credentials as an online shopping platform: "You've e-comm to the right guy! Aisle be right there!"

    The repartee continued as Starbucks promised to fill Flipkart with " fa-brew-lousness", to which the platform replied, "Send 'em over, bud. I'll make some room on my shelves for your merchandise."

    "Knew I could count on you! You're brew-lliant, mate," gushed the popular coffee-store chain. Clearly, their relationship is "a latte fun" and they share a "mug-nificent friendship."

    This witty exchange followed after Tata Starbucks announced last month that its range of signature merchandise would be available on Flipkart. The e-tailer will now deliver Starbucks and coffee brewing equipment from its platform.

    The announcement created a buzz among Starbucks lovers, and now this cheeky banter on Twitter has them looking forward to the tie-up even more.

    Tata Starbucks CEO Navin Gurnaney had said that the partnership would allow them to "connect with customers in more ways than ever through premium, curated Starbucks merchandise and a convenient experience that reflects the same service and quality that our customers have come to love and expect from us in our stores."