Fact Sheets

Our story began in 1971. Back then we were a roaster and retailer of whole bean and ground coffee, tea and spices with a single store in Seattle’s Pike Place Market. Today we are privileged to connect with millions of customers every day with exceptional products and more than 29,000 retail stores in 78 markets.

From the beginning, Starbucks set out to be a different kind of company. One that not only celebrated coffee and the rich tradition, but also brought a feeling of connection. Our mission is to inspire and nurture the human spirit – one person, one cup, and one neighborhood at a time.

Starbucks opened its first farmer support center San José, Costa Rica in 2004 just as it was launching its groundbreaking C.A.F.E. (Coffee and Farmer Equity) Practices verification program.