Starbucks (SBUX) is expanding its footprint in India, adding new stores and introducing localized and health-focused menu items even as losses widen, Bloomberg reported Friday.

Tata Starbucks, a 50:50 joint venture between Starbucks and Tata Group, plans to prioritize growth over profitability, Chief Executive Officer Sushant Dash said in an interview to Bloomberg.

India ranks among Starbucks' top five global markets, Dash said, adding that the business has turned cash positive but did not provide a timeline for profitability.

The company has expanded its menu with protein-enriched coffee, low-calorie snacks and regional offerings such as Malabar egg roast, keema variants in southern India, a Kosha Mangsho-inspired wrap in Kolkata and Vada Pao-style buns in Mumbai, Bloomberg reported.

It added that the company has also introduced zero-sugar drinks and protein-based food options to cater to younger, health-conscious consumers.

Tata Starbucks added 12 stores in the latest quarter, bringing its total to 504 locations across 81 cities.

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