Starbucks plans up global tech centre in Chennai, 800 jobs expected

Starbucks, which has around 500 cafes in India through its joint venture with Tata Consumer Products, is planning to establish the new centre in Chennai.

In Short

• The planned centre is expected to generate around 800 roles initially
• The facility is proposed in Chennai, Tamil Nadu's capital and tech hub
• Starbucks runs about 500 cafes in India with Tata Consumer Products

US coffee chain Starbucks is planning to set up a global capability centre (GCC) in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, according to a government source, reported Reuters.

The centre is expected to create around 800 jobs in its first phase. The move comes as global companies increasingly use GCCs in India for technology and other specialised functions.

STARBUCKS PLANS GCC IN CHENNAI

Starbucks, which has around 500 cafes in India through its joint venture with Tata Consumer Products, is planning to establish the new centre in Chennai.

The company did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The proposed GCC will add to Chennai's growing presence as a base for global companies looking to run technology and other business functions from India.

GCCs TAKING ON BIGGER ROLES

GCCs have changed significantly from their earlier role as low-cost back-office centres.

Global companies are now using these centres to support their headquarters through higher-value functions, including finance, software development and research and development.

This has made GCCs an increasingly important part of how multinational companies manage their global operations.

WALGREENS ALSO PLANS CHENNAI CENTRE

Starbucks' reported plan comes just days after US pharmacy chain Walgreens signed an agreement with the Tamil Nadu government to establish a GCC in Chennai.

The Walgreens centre is expected to create around 250 jobs.

Chennai is already home to technology centres of several global companies, including Citi, Barclays and American Express.

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