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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.
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Worms in Vande Bharat curd spark Rs 60 lakh fines, IRCTC summons Amul
Viral Vande Bharat video triggers crackdown and sharp food safety debate
NEW DELHI: A food safety row on board a Vande Bharat Express has snowballed into a major controversy, with over Rs 60 lakh in penalties imposed and multiple stakeholders, including Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation and Amul, coming under scrutiny.
The incident dates back to March 15, when passenger Ritesh Singh discovered live worms or weevils in a sealed cup of curd served during a journey on the Patna to Tatanagar route. A video capturing the moment quickly went viral, showing the passenger confronting onboard staff. In the clip, a train attendant is heard initially dismissing the insects as kesar, before the seriousness of the situation became apparent.
Early reports suggested the curd may have been past its expiry date or improperly stored, raising concerns over handling practices rather than just sourcing.
The fallout was swift. On March 25, the Railway Board pulled up authorities for what it termed gross negligence, ordering strict action. The catering vendor, Krishna Enterprises, was fined Rs 50 lakh, had its contract terminated with immediate effect and was blacklisted. Meanwhile, Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation itself was fined Rs 10 lakh for inadequate supervision and for initially imposing what was seen as a token penalty of Rs 25,000 on the vendor.
The railways have also summoned Amul to explain the apparent breach in product quality, even as the dairy giant has strongly denied responsibility.
In its clarification, Amul maintained that contamination at the manufacturing stage was highly unlikely. The company stated that weevils cannot survive or reproduce in sealed curd due to its acidic nature and lack of oxygen. It further indicated that an internal audit found the batch shown in the viral video did not appear to be sourced through its authorised distribution network, suggesting a possible supply chain lapse at the vendor’s end.
The company also pointed to what it described as an “infested tray” theory, noting that a frame-by-frame review of the video suggested the pests may have crawled into the curd from an external surface rather than being present inside the sealed product during production.
While responsibility continues to be debated, the incident has triggered wider concerns over food safety standards on premium trains. The Railway Board has since ordered surprise inspections across catering services to prevent a repeat.
For passengers, the episode has left a sour aftertaste. For the railways and its partners, it is a clear signal that hygiene lapses, however small, can quickly spiral into a full-blown credibility crisis.
