Starbucks India Did Not Appoint Dolly Chaiwala as Brand Ambassador

A viral claim circulating on social media asserts that Starbucks India appointed Dolly Chaiwala as its brand ambassador. The story gained traction across online platforms. However, Starbucks India has officially denied this claim, clarifying that it has never had any brand ambassadors in the country.

Social Media Posts

Posts and memes showing Dolly Chaiwala with Starbucks branding has benn spreading widely. Many users shared an edited image of a Starbucks cup with Dolly Chaiwala’s name, claiming he had become the coffee chain’s brand ambassador.

Source | Archive

Source | Archive

Fact Check

Origin of the Rumor

The source of the rumor can be traced back to April 1, 2025, when social media user @dixit_dave shared a photoshopped image on X platform as part of an April Fool’s Day prank. The post included an edited Starbucks logo and implied that Dolly Chaiwala had been chosen as the new brand ambassador. (Source)

Archive

Following its initial posting, the image circulated across various social media platforms. Multiple accounts, including meme pages and influencers, shared the content without indicating its satirical nature. This circulation contributed to a misunderstanding among many viewers who interpreted it as an authentic announcement.

Starbucks India’s Official Response

Following the spread of this claim, Starbucks India, operating under Tata Starbucks, issued a statement through its LinkedIn page and other social media platforms. The statement clarified that the company has no brand ambassadors in India, either past or present and confirmed there is no collaboration with Dolly Chaiwala. According to the company, the viral content was created independently and misinterpreted as an official partnership. The statement also highlighted Starbucks’ focus on maintaining clear communication with its customers. This denial was also reported by NDTV, Hindustan Times, and Business Standard.

Source | Archive

Starbucks Marketing Practices

Starbucks India has consistently emphasized that it does not appoint official brand ambassadors, preferring instead to build trust through transparency, premium café experiences, and localized engagement. The company’s strategy aligns with global Starbucks practices, focusing on experiential marketing and authenticity rather than celebrity representation. Official clarifications note that its approach in India centers on store experiences, community engagement, and product differentiation, which is why claims about Dolly Chaiwala contradict established policy .

Starbucks’ marketing approach in India involves partnerships with content creators and social media figures for promotional activities rather than formal brand ambassadors. The company engages with various online personalities to reach digital audiences while maintaining that these relationships are not official ambassadorial positions. Their marketing strategy includes digital campaigns, strategic store locations in urban areas, and menu items adapted for local tastes such as the Masala Chai Latte, combining their international brand identity with elements appealing to Indian consumers.

(Source: tring, Meritshot)

Conclusion

The claim that Dolly Chaiwala was appointed as Starbucks India’s brand ambassador is false. This misinformation originated from an April Fool’s Day prank that was subsequently shared across multiple social media platforms without context, leading many to believe it was genuine. Starbucks India has explicitly denied any such appointment, confirming that the company does not utilize brand ambassadors in India and has never collaborated with Dolly Chaiwala in any official capacity.