However, Starbucks remains optimistic about its future in India, even as new competitors like Pret A Manger, Tim Hortons, and Third Wave Coffee expand their presence. Pret A Manger, in partnership with Reliance Brands, has opened 11 stores in India, with plans to launch up to 100 outlets in the next five years. Tim Hortons aims to establish more than 100 stores within three years, while Third Wave Coffee has already surpassed the 100-store milestone. D'Souza emphasized that Tata Starbucks is fully committed to its Indian operations and views competition as a positive force that drives improvement. "We are building muscle and investing in this business," he stated, underscoring the company's long-term ambitions for India. As coffee penetration in India remains low at around 25%, D'Souza noted that the market is still in the early stages of transitioning from tea to coffee, with a preference for blended beverages like frappuccinos over traditional espresso.