Layoffs are happening everywhere, and this time it’s not entirely due to AI. Paytm reportedly fired 4,600 in FY25 and says it’s for “sustainable growth and profitability.” About 32,000 employees out of its 39,368 in 2025 work in sales for Paytm, and AI has little to do with layoffs here. The company was facing losses and was frequently in the news due to RBI restrictions on Paytm’s Bank and other legal battles. Therefore, cutting down on its costs seemed reasonable for Paytm. In 2025, Paytm is generating better profits and restructuring its team to focus on ‘digital payments’ and the distribution team. Learn the full story.
What Are The Reasons For Layoffs?
Paytm had a total headcount of 43,960 employees in 2024, after layoffs that dropped to 39,368. The company let go of around 4,600 people. The company has been transparent about the cut, and they have done it strategically to save money.
In April–June 2025 (Q1 FY26), Paytm’s parent company, One 97 Communications, earned a net profit of ₹123 crore. Hitting those profits was essential for the company after facing a massive loss of ₹840 crore in the same quarter last year. The improvement mainly came from cost cuts. It appears the layoffs worked for Paytm, but it was a “tough call,” says CEO Vijay Shekhar Sharma.
He said, “We took some tough calls, pruned and sold businesses, and doubled down on our core of payments, ensuring the preservation and growth of our cash reserves. This focus towards fundamentals has put us on a clear path toward sustainable growth and profitability.”
Paytm Also Cuts Employee Costs
As part of their cost-optimization strategy in FY25, Paytm reportedly reduced 21% of its employee costs, including salaries, hiring, and maintenance expenses. Last year, Paytm’s employee expenses totaled ₹3,124 crore, but this year, the numbers came down to just ₹2,473 crore. Additionally, the company spent only ₹30 crore on employee stock options (ESOPs) this quarter. Overall, Paytm saved a good total of ₹651 crore.
According to its employee data, about 32,000 people work in sales and distribution, and AI does not impact that part at all. Paytm is also creating a lean employee model, where it embraces technology and productivity. It states it wants to grow its distribution and stick to what it’s known for, ‘digital payments.’
According to Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar, Minister of State for Communications, Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite internet service will store its network data, traffic, and other information locally in India.
“Security conditions, among other things, include the establishment of earth station gateway(s) in India for providing satellite-based communication services with no user traffic originating from or destined for India being routed through any gateway located outside India, no copying and decryption of the Indian data outside the country, and the Indian user traffic is not to be mirrored to any system/server located abroad,” the minister wrote in a response to the Rajya Sabha.
Starlink Gets GMPCS Approval for Broadband Services
Following Bharti-backed Eutelsat OneWeb and Reliance Jio-SES JV, US-based Starlink is the third satcom operator to obtain all necessary approvals to provide commercial broadband from space services in India. In June, Starlink was granted permission to use Global Mobile Personal Communication via Satellite (GMPCS).
Starlink’s LEO Satellite Constellation and Capacity in India
Starlink’s Gen 1 constellation has been approved by the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) to offer satellite communication services within the country. The first generation is Starlink’s low Earth orbit (LEO) network, which consists of 4408 satellites and has a 600 Gbps throughput capacity in India.
Satcom Sector to Drive Employment Growth in India
According to Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar, the satcom industry is anticipated to provide jobs because it is a developing field. In his response, the minister stated that satellite-based communication services are a developing field that, like any new business venture, is anticipated to create jobs in the nation.
This is because the services include, among other things, the installation, operation, and maintenance of the telecom network, which includes user terminal equipment.
Starlink’s Role in Bridging India’s Digital Divide
Through a network of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, SpaceX’s worldwide satellite internet project Starlink aims to provide consumers with direct access to high-speed broadband. By delivering fast and dependable broadband to remote areas like villages and hilly terrain, Starlink’s venture has the potential to transform internet accessibility in India, where the digital divide is still a significant barrier.
Sekhar had stated that Starlink would provide rates of up to 200 Mbps throughout the nation, according to news agency PTI. “Starlink can only serve 20 lakh customers in India while providing speeds of up to 200 Mbps.” Telecommunications services won’t be impacted. It is anticipated that the regulations governing the distribution of spectrum for satellite communications (satcom) services will shortly be finalised.
TRAI’s Recommendation on Satcom Spectrum Allocation
According to the PTI report, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has advised administrative distribution of satcom spectrum instead of holding an auction. Furthermore, the regulator has suggested a five-year spectrum allocation period that might be extended by an extra two years depending on the state of the market.
All of Reliance Retail’s investments in the now-defunct hyperlocal delivery business Dunzo have been formally wiped off. The conglomerate’s 78,923 equity shares of Dunzo, which were internally valued at INR 1,645 Cr in FY24, were worth nothing during the fiscal year under review, according to Reliance Industries Ltd.’s (RIL) FY25 annual report.
According to the report, the now-defunct business generated INR 1 Cr in operating revenue in FY25. This comes more than seven months after Reliance Retail, the biggest shareholder in the hyperlocal firm, wrote off its $200 million investment in it, according to various media reports.
Kabeer Biswas, the CEO and cofounder of Dunzo, left his position that same month to join Flipkart’s Minutes, a fast commerce startup.
Why Did Reliance Back Dunzo in 2022?
Three years have passed since Reliance led a $240 million round in Dunzo in January 2022, when the write-off occurred. The venture was marketed at the time as Reliance Retail’s attempt to get into the fast commerce race.
The agreement was also intended to improve the conglomerate’s omnichannel capabilities and allow hyperlocal logistics for Reliance Retail’s stores. In addition, Dunzo was supposed to assist JioMart’s merchant network with last-mile deliveries.
At the time of Dunzo’s closure of business operations, 26% of the company was held by Reliance Retail. Lightbox owned 10% of the startup, while Google India owned 19.3%. In 2014, Biswas, Ankur Aggarwal, Dalvir Suri, and Mukund Jha founded Dunzo, a platform that first catered to pick-and-drop services before branching out to grocery delivery.
Dunzo’s Financial Struggles and Competitive Pressures
Even though Dunzo has raised around $450 million in its career and accomplished several firsts, its tale took a sharp turn last year when it became apparent that the firm was losing millions of dollars due to very strong competition from players like Blinkit, Instamart, and Zepto.
In FY23, Dunzo’s overall revenue increased 3X YoY to INR 67.7 Cr, but its consolidated net loss expanded 4X YoY to INR 1,801 Cr. The startup made several unsuccessful pivots as funding dried up. After that, it struggled to continue operating and even had trouble finding a buyer. The startup eventually ceased operations.
Reliance Bets on AI for Future Growth with JioBrain
RIL also predicted in the annual report that AI would spur multi-decade growth in small steps. The company reaffirmed that it is creating an AI service platform under the JioBrain brand to provide a range of tools and platforms for businesses as part of its AI drive.
According to the firm, Jio will work with its international partners and use its knowledge of operations, software, data, networking, and infrastructure to allow the lowest AI inferencing cost in the world in India, enabling AI to be accessible everywhere for everyone.
Key Figures from RIL’s FY25 Annual Report
RIL further stated that its telecom subsidiary Reliance Jio is currently testing the AI platform for customer support, resource optimisation, and network planning and maintenance. According to the company, Jio Platforms, its digital arm, has filed more than 3,341 patents so far, including 1,654 in FY25, in the deeptech space.
As the trade war continues between India and the U.S., Amazon, Walmart, and other big U.S. Retail companies call for a stop in orders from India. On Wednesday (August 6), U.S. President Donald Trump imposed tariffs on products from India by a huge 50%, effective from August 28. India has long been a major exporter of apparel and textiles to the U.S. The total value of these exports was $36.61 billion by March 2025. And now, Indian exporters are receiving calls and emails saying either you bear the costs or we stop buying, until further notice. It’s a massive blow to India, and here’s why.
Reasons Why American Companies Don’t Want To Import From India
U.S. President Donald Trump has been attacking India for buying oil from Russia. He pressed (what he thought was ‘punishment’) 25% tariffs on India that took effect on Thursday. When India didn’t budge, he pressed another 25% which now makes a staggering 50% tariffs.
“I determine that it is necessary and appropriate to impose an additional ad valorem duty on imports of articles of India, which is directly or indirectly importing Russian Federation oil.” Said the U.S. President Donald Trump.
What Does 50% Tariff Mean to Indian Textile Exporters?
It simply means that when American companies buy goods from India, it will cost more (and a 50% tariff is a lot). Notably, about 28% of India’s textile exports go to the U.S. Companies like Walmart, Amazon, Target, and Gap, which buy apparel and textiles from India, are having second thoughts. There are two ways in which American companies look into this:
As no giant wants to pay such hefty taxes, they are asking the exporters to bear the extra costs. It’s a far-fetched scenario given that costs for Indian sellers may go up by 30–35%.
The other way around is to stop buying, and unfortunately, it is already happening to the Indian export companies. It will result in a massive order drop of 40–50% from the U.S.
Indian Companies like Welspun Living, Gokaldas Exports, Indo Count, and Trident are facing the heat because 40-70% of their sales come from the U.S.
Reportedly, many have received calls and emails asking to stop sending goods for the time being. If this continues, the industry might certainly lose around $4–5 billion.
Final Thoughts
India worries about losing its business to other countries like Bangladesh and Vietnam, which have only 20% taxes on their goods going to the U.S. Notably, there’s still time till August 28 to negotiate things. Still, the real question is, will India and the U.S. talk through it?
New Delhi [India], August 8: The Joint Entrance Examination (JEE Main & Advanced) is one of the most competitive and challenging exams in India, opening the doors to prestigious institutions like the IITs, NITs, and IIITs. Each year, over 1.5 million studentscompete in JEE, yet only a small fraction secure top ranks. What often makes the difference is not just talent—but the right strategy, consistent practice, and scientific preparation.
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The widespread UPI outage on 7 August was attributed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) to internal technical issue at a “few” partner banks.
The payments organisation stated that the problem has been resolved and that the NPCI systems were “functioning perfectly” in a post on X. We apologise for any difficulty caused by the sporadic UPI connectivity issues, as a few banks had internal technical challenges. The post stated, “NPCI systems have been operating smoothly, and we have collaborated with these banks to guarantee prompt resolution.”
Widespread Impact on Digital Payments Across India
This comes after a significant UPI that affected digital payments nationwide and prevented users from accessing fast payments. Nearly 200 customers reported issues with the payments interface during the height of the disruption, with 61% of users reporting trouble completing payments, according to outage tracking tool DownDetector.
UPI Faced Four Major Outages in 2025
This year, there have been four significant UPI outages. Two such events occurred in April after the first significant disruption to the payments rails occurred in March. Major digital payments company PhonePe also went offline in May, citing a lack of network bandwidth.
NPCI and Government Urge Resilience in UPI Infrastructure
According to reports, in April, NPCI officials met with representatives of major banks and UPI apps to discuss the outages, which had increased. Nirmala Sitharaman, the finance minister, even stepped in and told the NPCI to “reinforce” UPI’s resilience and stop any more disruptions.
To expedite UPI transactions, the payments organisation established a new set of guidelines for acquiring banks and payment service providers (PSPs) in May. The huge volume of “check transaction status” APIs used by PSP banks at extremely high transactions per second (TPS) and other problems were brought to the attention of NPCI.
July 2025 UPI Stats: 19.47 Billion Transactions Hit All-Time High
Transactions over the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) increased 5.8% to reach a new all-time high of 19.47 billion in July. Year-over-year (YoY), the number of transactions increased by 35%. The number of transactions decreased to 18.40 billion in June.
UPI transactions in July were INR 25.08 Lakh Cr, up 4.3% from INR 24.04 Lakh Cr in the previous month, according to data from the National Payments Corporation of India. Prior to this, the amount of UPI transactions reached an all-time high of 18.68 billion transactions in May.
Compared to 613 million in June, the average daily transaction count increased to 682 million in the reviewed month. In addition, the average daily transaction value in July was INR 80,919 Cr.
A harsh 100% tariff on imported computer chips and semiconductors was announced by US President Donald Trump on 6 August. This action may result in increased costs for tech-driven goods, including appliances, autos, and electronics. As he and Apple CEO Tim Cook spoke at the Oval Office, Trump declared, “We’ll be putting a tariff of approximately 100% on chips and semiconductors.” “But if you’re building in the United States of America, there’s no charge,” he continued.
Major Policy Shift from Previous Tariff Exemptions
Three months after Trump temporarily spared the majority of electronics from high tariffs, the recent tariff hike represents a significant change in policy. While some current levies remained in effect, gadgets such as computers, smartphones, and other equipment were exempt from new tariffs in April.
Recently, US Customs revised its guidelines to exempt some electronic products from the standard 10% worldwide duty and the 125% levy on Chinese exports.
U.S. Tech Giants Respond with Domestic Investment
Companies that have made significant investments in domestic production, such as Apple, Nvidia, and Intel, may profit from the exception, which is part of Trump’s strategy to promote chip manufacture in the US. Almost $1.5 trillion in US investments have been promised by Big Tech since Trump took office again in January.
Impact on Apple, Nvidia, Intel, and Global Supply Chains
On August 6, Apple revealed a new $100 billion investment to increase American manufacturing. It is anticipated that the action will assist the business in avoiding possible iPhone tariffs. With this additional commitment, Apple has committed $600 billion in US investment over the next four years.
The tech giant had earlier this year declared its intention to invest $500 billion and generate 20,000 jobs nationwide. Ahead of the release of a new model next month, the exemption might help Apple sidestep tariff-related pricing pressures on iPhones made in China and India.
Following the tariff announcement, Apple shares increased 3% in after-hours trading and 5% during normal trade. Nvidia, which has increased its operations in the US and just reached a $1 trillion market value, also saw an increase. Despite recent difficulties, Intel’s stock increased as well. According to the World Semiconductor Trade Statistics, sales of chips increased by almost 20% year over year as of June, indicating that demand for the product is still high worldwide.
Country-Specific Tariff Changes: India and Vietnam Targeted
Strict tariffs on nations essential to Apple’s production network are another aspect of Trump’s tariff strategy. India, a significant iPhone manufacturing hub, will be subject to a 50% levy, half of which will be applied to trade imbalances and the other half as payback for India’s imports of Russian energy.
Vietnam, a country that produces MacBooks, iPads, and Apple Watches, is already subject to a 20% levy. Trump used Apple as an example of compliance, even though precise implementation schedules and exemption requirements are yet unknown.
Starbucks Corporation is an American multinational coffeehouse chain, and it is the world’s largest coffeehouse company. It was founded in 1971 by Jerry Baldwin, Zev Siegl, and Gordon Bowker in Seattle, Washington, and currently has more than with over 30,000 stores in 83 countries. Starbucks is known for its high-quality coffee, delicious food, and excellent customer service. It has become a global leader in the coffee industry, with a strong brand image and a loyal customer base.
The history of Starbucks dates back to 1971, when founders Jerry Baldwin, Zev Siegl, and Gordon Bowker opened the first store in Seattle, Washington. The store offered a wide range of high-end coffee products, and it quickly gained popularity among the residents. The founders also began to expand their business, opening up additional locations and introducing new products.
In the 1980s, Starbucks shifted its focus to the international market and began to expand into Canada, Japan, and other countries. In the 1990s, the company began to offer more food and beverage items, and it also launched Frappuccino and other specialty drinks. In the 2000s, Starbucks began to focus more on marketing and customer loyalty programs. It also launched an online store, which allowed customers to purchase coffee beans and other products from the comfort of their homes.
Starbucks had a successful run in the 2000s, but it began to face stiff competition from other coffee companies in the 2010s. To stay ahead of the competition, the company has continued to focus on innovation and customer experience. It has also adopted various marketing strategies to reach new customers and strengthen its brand image.
Starbucks has a broad target audience, but it mainly focuses on young professionals, students, and other people who have busy lifestyles. Its products appeal to people who want quality coffee, tasty food, and a relaxing atmosphere. Starbucks also targets people who are looking for luxury products and are willing to spend more on coffee. The company has a strong brand image and is associated with luxury, quality, and convenience.
Starbucks has been able to distinguish itself from rivals like Costa and Café Coffee Day by always understanding exactly who its target audience is and serving a certain group of individuals.
Starbucks’ marketing mix is carefully designed to create a premium and consistent customer experience. Here’s a closer look at each element of their marketing mix:
Starbucks Marketing Mix
Starbucks Product Strategy
Starbucks is known for offering premium-quality coffee along with a wide variety of food and beverages, from tea, smoothies, and Frappuccinos to cookies, muffins, pastries, and more than 1,000 other items. Its signature touch, a simple coffee cup with the customer’s name handwritten on it, is a unique design strategy loved by many. Through its “Barista Promise,” Starbucks ensures every drink is made just the way customers want, allowing full customization. Beyond coffee, it caters to all cravings, from breakfast to late-night snacks, and continues to innovate with new creations like the Iced Flat White, Peppermint Mocha, and Gingerbread Latte. The brand’s offerings span coffee, tea, baked goods, smoothies, merchandise, and other delicious options.
Starbucks Price Strategy
Starbucks follows a premium pricing strategy, selling its products at higher-than-market rates to create a sense of superior quality and exclusivity. Targeting customers who value premium service and ambiance, the brand justifies its prices with exceptional product quality, a warm and welcoming store environment, and a memorable coffee experience from start to finish. This approach, backed by research and careful consideration, not only sets Starbucks apart from competitors but also makes it a status symbol for many of its customers.
Starbucks Place Strategy
Starbucks’ place and distribution strategy is a key driver of its success, with over 30,000 stores in 83 countries, often located in prime spots like malls and popular markets to offer a premium in-store experience. Beyond its coffeehouses, Starbucks reaches customers through retailers, merchandise partnerships, its eCommerce platform, and a user-friendly mobile app that enables ordering, payments, and reward tracking. In many regions, including India, the brand also partners with delivery services like Swiggy and Zomato, making it easy for customers to enjoy their favorite drinks on the go or from the comfort of home.
Starbucks Promotion Strategy
Starbucks’ promotional strategy blends advertising, social media, sales promotions, public relations, and eCommerce to keep its brand top of mind. The company runs engaging ad campaigns both online and offline, uses big banners for in-store offers, and actively promotes on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Snapchat with eye-catching visuals. Reward programs, discount coupons through payment apps, and seasonal offers help boost customer loyalty. Starbucks also benefits greatly from word-of-mouth marketing, as its focus on quality, customer satisfaction, and strong relationships encourages happy customers to recommend the brand, driving organic growth and reinforcing its premium image.
Starbucks has launched a number of campaigns to promote its brand and products. One of the most popular campaigns is the “Be the Change” campaign, which was launched in 2018. This campaign was aimed at inspiring people to make a positive change in their communities. The company also launched the “Create Your Blend” campaign, which allowed customers to customize their own coffee blends.
Starbucks has also launched a number of creative campaigns to promote its products. For example, it launched the “Frappuccino Happy Hour” campaign, which offered discounts and freebies to customers who purchased Frappuccino drinks. The company also ran the “Taste the Season” campaign, which promoted its seasonal beverages.
Frappuccino Happy Hour
Starbucks Marketing Strategies
Starbucks has implemented a number of marketing strategies to stay ahead of the competition. Here are some of the most important marketing strategies that the company has used over the years:
The Starbucks logo alone has undergone four redesigns over the period of 47 years to become the recognizable design that currently adorns your coffee cup. Starbucks reportedly had a unique difficulty when it opted to update its logo in 2011. They needed a brand design that would be appealing to a broad audience because they operated in 55 different countries. Thus, the newest logo was created. In order for the brand to possibly go outside coffee supplies, the phrases Starbucks and Coffee were removed from the logo.
Evolution of Starbucks’s Logo
Everything about Starbucks looks, sounds, and feels like Starbucks, including the ambiance in their locations, their internet content, and their advertising. Even the mugs and tumblers that you may purchase in the store have a simple, contemporary style.
You may enter any Starbucks in your neighborhood or an hour away and get the same experience. They will still refer to their sizes using the same Italian names (Tall, Grande, Venti, etc.), and the coffee you purchase from one store will taste the same as that from another.
Social Media and Digital Marketing Strategy
Starbucks has an active presence on many social media platforms, including Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. It uses these platforms to interact with customers and promote its products. The company also uses social media to run contests and giveaways to engage customers and create brand loyalty.
They also engage in conversations with their followers and customers on social media platforms, especially Twitter, that are very similar to the ones their baristas would have in-store. These are frequently brief dialogues that focus on the customer’s connection with the brand.
Starbucks, Twitter
The distinct branding, aesthetically engaging content, and interactive postings on Starbucks’ social media pages increase user engagement. Eye-catching photos, movies, recipes, essays, and more may be found among the variety of materials. The Starbucks social media marketing plan divides the content stream into a number of campaigns in addition to emphasizing its aesthetic appeal.
Loyalty Programs
Starbucks has launched a number of loyalty programs to reward customers for their loyalty. These programs offer discounts, free drinks, and other rewards to customers who frequently visit their stores.
Starbucks has created a loyalty program to get consumers to return. Signing up with My Starbucks Rewards requires minimal money (downloading the app or registering a gift card). And rewards are given for each purchase made using the account. An online account that can be accessed from both desktops and mobile devices is used to manage the program.
Starbucks Gift Card
By utilizing information from members’ past purchases, Starbucks may interact with its customers on a deeper level by offering customized incentives or promotions to try different drinks. Marketing and business growth are significantly influenced by customer loyalty. Customers who are consistently pleased and satisfied develop loyalty and connections, which may help with customer retention and increased profitability. Also, returning customers may bring a wider network into both implicit and explicit endorsement for improved interaction and feedback.
Leveraging Technology
Starbucks has long been a renowned mobile innovator. The business released its first mobile app in 2009 after seeing the smartphone revolution early on. The much-loved in-app payment function was then released in 2011. When Starbucks introduced mobile order ahead, prepay, and pickup in 2014, it was a game changer.
Starbucks on the Appstore
Starbucks has developed mobile apps that allow customers to pay for their purchases, order food and drinks, and manage their loyalty accounts. These apps also enable customers to access exclusive offers and discounts. Customers appreciated the simple convenience of no line-up and no waiting.
Although there were more transactions, the “third place,” the idea that gave rise to Starbucks, started to lose ground.
Just in 2019, mobile orders made up 31% of all orders, while to-go orders accounted for 80% of all transactions. Cold beverages were outselling hot drinks because they are inherently more portable. There were no longer groups of people conversing over coffee. Café culture was disintegrating, and Starbucks’ brand identity went along with it. Company officials made suggestions about intentions to “reinvent” or “reimagine” the “third place” idea in the years leading up to 2020. Starbucks was going through an identity crisis; it wanted to evolve but wasn’t sure what to do next.
With the help of its mobile app, Starbucks aimed to strengthen the sense of community. The secret to any successful client encounter? Personalization. The software started gathering information about distinct user preferences and shopping patterns in order to eventually provide special discount offers. The software also reveals the tunes being played in the shop when a consumer picks up a mobile order. This apparently little personalization creates a seamless brand engagement that unites the online and offline experiences. It is redesigning its third place to a digital space.
Experiential Marketing
Starbucks has used experiential marketing to create memorable experiences for customers. It has organized music events, art exhibitions, and other activities to engage customers and create a positive brand image.
How do they persuade people to spend so much money when they could just make coffee at home? As customers enter their stores, they provide them with an experience. They convince their clients that the cost of the drink is worthwhile by putting an emphasis on the third place and providing a space for them to interact and socialize. Being told to sit in the café with your laptop and work while enjoying a wonderful cup of coffee might be reassuring. That is the experience offered by Starbucks.
Retail Partnerships
Starbucks has partnered with various retailers to expand its reach. It has partnered with grocery stores, convenience stores, and other retailers to offer its products to more customers.
By acquiring Evolution Fresh in November 2011, Starbucks entered the $1.6 billion juice industry. Starbucks’ efforts to get into the cold-pressed juice market demonstrate its interest in the health and wellness sector.
In June 2013, Starbucks announced that it would buy the San Francisco-based bakery brand La Boulange.
We think excellent coffee ought to be coupled with outstanding cuisine, said Starbucks President Howard Schultz.
The “Starbucks tea revolution” has been labeled as a result of this Teavana acquisition. Starbucks’ greatest purchase to date is the tea retailer Teavana Holdings Inc. Starbucks launched Teavana Tea Bars and added Teavana specialty beverages to its menu after reaching a $620 million closing.
Starbucks’s Teavana Acquisition
The increased demand for yogurt in the US led to the agreement with Danone. With its Dannon, Activia, Stonyfield Farm, and Danimals brands, Danone has an astonishing 30% of the yogurt market. Greek yogurt parfaits were the first Starbucks-Danone goods, and they were marketed under Evolution Fresh.
A contract was inked between Starbucks and Green Mountain Coffee Roasters in March 2011. The two businesses would now be partners for a period of five years. The cooperation covers the production, promotion, sale, and distribution of single-serve Keurig packs with the Starbucks and Tazo brands, also known as K-Cups.
Starbucks recently committed to redesigning the in-store experience around customer preferences. Starbucks has entered highly lucrative international markets thanks to strategic alliances and acquisitions with Evolution Fresh, La Boulange, Teavana, Danone, and Green Mountain Coffee Roasters.
Product Innovation
Starbucks has continually introduced new products to stay ahead of the competition. It has launched new coffee blends, flavored syrups, and other products to meet the changing needs of customers.
It does not just focus on product innovation but also on enhancing customer experience. From trying to make Starbucks the third place to the innovative mobile app, Starbucks has always tried to enhance customer experience.
Partnerships with other Brands
Starbucks has entered into partnerships with other brands to create exclusive products. These partnerships have enabled the company to reach new customers and strengthen its brand image.
Given that younger generations place their smartphones at the center of their content consumption and may be persuaded to join programs with cross-partnership perks, Starbucks’ collaboration with music streaming service Spotify highlights the unrealized potential of fusing mobile loyalty programs for food and beverage marketers with music.
Starbucks also partnered with Flipkart during the pandemic to sell Starbucks personalized merchandise like cups, bottles, and more.
Starbucks India and Flipkart engage in a fun banter on Twitter
Their partnerships benefit both brands by leveraging the other brand’s customer base.
Social Responsibility
Do you know that Starbucks is among the global businesses that care the most about social issues? At both the national and international levels, it has used its brand to advocate for social causes. In order to provide a safe harbor for people of all preferences, Starbucks has made its stores LGBT-friendly. Some companies are increasingly attempting to blur this barrier, yet they remain neutral when discussing issues that are actually polarising. Nonetheless, Starbucks does annually provide millions of dollars to aid migrants and refugees throughout the globe, like during the 2015 Syrian crisis.
Starbucks LGBT, Every name’s a story
Also, Starbucks has worked hard to integrate 10,000 veterans into its workforce, a move that has received a lot of praise around the nation. In a nutshell, Starbucks is socially conscious and works to change society at large.
Starbucks is one of the most recognizable brands in the world, and it has achieved this success through its innovative marketing strategies. Starbucks marketing strategies focus on delivering premium products, creating a unique customer experience, leveraging digital platforms, and maintaining strong brand loyalty worldwide. Hope this article helps you learn from various marketing strategies employed by Starbucks and craft a strategy for your business. Starbucks is an excellent example of how a business can use marketing to create a strong brand image and increase its sales. With the right marketing strategy, you too can make your business a success.
FAQs
What is the marketing strategy of Starbucks?
Here are some of the most important marketing strategies that the company has used over the years:
Brand Consistency
Social Media
Loyalty Programs
Leveraging Technology
Experiential Marketing
Retail Partnerships
Product Innovation
Social Responsibility
What is the target audience of Starbucks?
Starbucks has a broad target audience, but it mainly focuses on young professionals, students, and other people who have busy lifestyles.
How does Starbucks promote their products?
Starbucks promotes its products through ads on social media and online platforms, along with reward programs and special discounts. They also rely on happy customers sharing their experiences to spread the word.
What is the digital marketing strategy of Starbucks?
Starbucks uses social media, mobile apps, and online ads to engage customers, promote offers, and enable easy ordering and payments.
What is Starbucks logo meaning?
The Starbucks logo features a twin-tailed siren (mermaid), which symbolizes mystery, allure, and the sea, a nod to the company’s maritime roots and coffee’s journey across oceans. It represents Starbucks’ aim to captivate customers and offer a unique, irresistible coffee experience.
Which is Starbucks parent company?
Starbucks’ parent company is Starbucks Corporation, which is the main company that owns and operates the Starbucks brand worldwide.
The RBI’s in-principle approval of AU Small Finance Bank’s conversion from a Small Finance Bank to a Universal Bank caused its shares to soar by more than 7% on 8 August. In the first trade, shares of AU Small Finance Bank surged up to 7.52% to INR 800.00 per share on the BSE.
First Small Finance Bank to Receive Universal Bank Licence Nod
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has given AU Small Finance Bank in-principle clearance to convert from a Small Finance Bank (SFB) to a Universal Bank, the bank announced in a regulatory filing on August 7.
The RBI’s approval follows the bank’s letter from September 3, 2024, asking the Indian Central Bank for a universal bank licence. AU Small Finance Bank is the first SFB to obtain in-principle approval to become a Universal Bank with this approval, which was obtained on August 7.
AU Bank’s Statement on RBI’s Decision
According to a press statement from AU Small Finance Bank, this regulatory approval is a powerful affirmation of AU’s competent governance, solid business strategy, and unwavering dedication to financial inclusion.
More significantly, it validates AU’s development as a comprehensive bank that provides the full range of banking services and products that modern consumers want, including business, retail, and digital solutions. On September 3, 2024, the lender submitted an application to the RBI to voluntarily convert from a Small Finance Bank to a Universal Bank.
Eligibility Criteria for Universal Bank Status
A Small Finance Bank (SFB) must maintain a minimum net worth of INR 1,000 crore, have a satisfactory performance history for at least five years, and be listed on stock exchanges in order to meet the requirements to become a Universal Bank.
Furthermore, in each of the previous two fiscal years, the SFB must have reported Net Non-Performing Assets (NNPA) of no more than 1% and Gross Non-Performing Assets (GNPA) of no more than 3%.
AU Bank’s Journey from Vehicle Finance to Full-Service Banking
In 1996, AU Bank was established as a vehicle finance firm, marking the beginning of its history. April 2017 saw its conversion to a small finance bank, and on July 10 of the same year, it went public on stock exchanges.
In FY25, their net profit was INR 1,592 crore, up from INR 1,428 crore in the previous fiscal year. INR 581 crore was the net profit for the fiscal year’s first quarter. By the end of June, its gross non-performing assets (NPA) had increased from 1.78% to 2.47%. Compared to 0.63%, net NPA was 0.88%.
AU Bank’s capital adequacy requirement would decrease from 15% upon becoming a universal lender, and the priority sector lending target would drop from 60% to 40%. Therefore, the requirement that at least 50% of the loan portfolio be made up of loans less than INR 25 lakh would also not be applicable.
Upgrading your kitchen with the right cooktop can make a world of difference in your cooking experience. From advanced safety features to powerful burners designed for Indian cuisine, these smart gas cooktops combine technology, style, and efficiency.
Whether you want precise control, easy cleaning, or fuel efficiency, here’s a curated list of the best cooktops that bring convenience and peace of mind to your kitchen
Auriga Cooktop is a cutting-edge kitchen appliance designed for both safety and convenience, available in 3-burner and 4-burner variants to suit different cooking needs. One of its standout features is the Flame Failure Device (FFD), which automatically cuts off the gas supply if the flame goes out due to wind or spillage, preventing potential accidents. This safety feature is a game-changer for home kitchens, ensuring peace of mind while cooking. Additionally, the digital timer is a first-of-its-kind addition to cooktops, allowing users to set a cooking duration, ideal for dishes like idlis, which require precise steaming time. Once the set time is up, the cooktop automatically shuts off, eliminating the need for constant monitoring. The Auriga Cooktop also boasts heavy brass burners and a powerful flame, making it perfect for Indian cooking. Aesthetically, it maintains a sleek and modern design to complement contemporary kitchens. With an expected lifespan of 10 years, this cooktop is built for durability and long-term use.
Bosch Tabletop Cooktop
Bosch cooktops feature SABAF brass burners and gas valves designed to ensure safe cooking. They come with a lifetime warranty* on the glass and an extended 8-year warranty on key components. Each cooktop undergoes three levels of rigorous testing and multiple quality checks in line with strict German standards. The XXL cooking space accommodates large utensils comfortably, while Twin XL burners provide powerful performance for heavy cooking needs. The Easy Clean & Lift feature allows for effortless cleaning beneath the cooktop. Additionally, the cooktops are equipped with shatterproof 6 mm tempered glass and a heat shield, offering enhanced safety and durability.
Prestige Marvel Plus
This cooktop is designed with a superior toughened black-glass top that resists scratches and is built to endure everyday wear and tear, offering both durability and style. It features a 360° revolving nozzle, allowing the convenience of connecting a gas hose from any direction, enhancing flexibility in kitchen placement. The ergonomic knob design ensures smooth operation, making it gentle and easy on the fingers. With a spill-proof design, the cooktop promotes hassle-free cooking and helps maintain a cleaner kitchen environment. Equipped with tri-pin brass burners in various sizes, it caters to diverse cooking needs. Additionally, the high-speed jumbo burner enables faster cooking, and the inclusion of a Baati/Tandoor stand adds versatility for traditional Indian cooking styles.
Vidiem Vogue 3-Burner Gas Cooktop
This cooktop is thoughtfully designed to blend convenience, safety, and efficiency seamlessly. Featuring the World’s First Removable Burner Assembly, it allows effortless cleaning and optimal space use without compromising on safety. The low-height design makes handling vessels easy and versatile, letting you use it as either a cooktop or HOB to suit your kitchen style. Built with durable 10 MM metal-backed toughened glass backed by a lifetime warranty, it promises lasting reliability. The Hexa Flame Brass Burners ensure even heating and faster cooking, while the sturdy 5 MM thick pan stand and spacious burner layout provide a stable surface for larger cookware.
Sunflame Mega 4 Burner Gas Stove
The Sunflame Mega 4 Burner Gas Stove is designed to deliver efficient, safe, and eco-friendly cooking for your kitchen. Featuring highly durable forged brass burners, it ensures long-lasting performance while optimizing fuel usage for superior thermal efficiency. This means you get faster cooking with less gas consumption, making it both cost-effective and reliable. A standout feature is its 360-degree revolving nozzle, which allows effortless adjustment of the burner’s position at various angles, providing seamless connectivity with your LPG pipe for convenience and flexibility.
