International Coffee Day marks a moment for all coffee lovers to come together, celebrate, learn about, and be inspired by this beloved beverage.

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Since it’s the connections between our partners, customers and communities that make this beverage so special, International Coffee Day is the perfect time to learn more about the personal stories behind our partners’ coffee experiences.

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Kris Benny Sinuraya, Indonesia

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Coffee has been part of Kris Benny Sinuraya’s life for as long as he can remember. Growing up in a coffee farming family in Medan, Sumatra, it’s no surprise that coffee became his passion – one that has only grown since becoming a Starbucks partner.

Now a district coffee master and store manager at the Williem Iskandar Medan store, Kris Benny’s Starbucks career has been full of amazing moments, such as joining 2019’s Sumatra Origin Experience trip – an eye-opening coffee farm experience reserved for Starbucks partners to understand the origin and journey of Starbucks coffee beans. During this trip, he got the chance to visit the Starbucks Farmer Support Center in his home region. “I learned so much and jumped right in to see how the coffee journey happens from seed to cup,” he says. “When the trip finished, I immediately discussed with my family how to implement that knowledge on our coffee farm.”

Beyond that, Kris Benny believes that sharing his knowledge with Starbucks customers and partners is also vital to enhancing the coffee experience. “Ultimately, my goal is to make coffee more than just a daily routine; it’s about a culture of appreciation and connection through this beloved beverage.” For him, that has involved spearheading initiatives like creating coffee seminars and holding talks with the local community.

In that vein, Kris Benny hopes to continue making a difference to the people and future of coffee. “I will advocate for fair wages and better living conditions for coffee farmers and their communities,” he explains. “I also want to share my knowledge about coffee origins, brewing methods and the importance of quality, empowering consumers to make informed choices and appreciate the nuances of coffee. I hope to contribute to a more sustainable, ethical, and inclusive coffee culture that positively impacts both individuals and coffee-producing communities worldwide.”

Vennibell Jotiol, Malaysia

For Vennibell Jotiol, coffee has been “an amazing journey of learning and growth”.

Now a shift manager and coffee master at George Town’s Signing Store Burmah Road, <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/asia/stories/2019/career-opportunities-expand-in-malaysia-with-opening-of-new-starbucks-signing-store-in-penang/">Starbucks’ first Signing Store in Penang</a>, Vennibell recalls being shy upon first starting her Starbucks’ journey. However, her confidence soon mounted thanks to the support of her Starbucks partners, who “provided encouragement, mentorship, and a sense of belonging that helped me believe in myself and my abilities”.

Similarly, practicing tasks such as preparing coffees and interacting with customers daily when she was a barista, followed by expanding her knowledge through the coffee master program, further boosted her confidence and expertise. These days she finds herself guiding partners to follow in her footsteps of achieving coffee master status – offering knowledge, training, and support to “create an environment where everyone can grow and develop their coffee skills to the fullest”.

“Coffee has provided me with a means to engage more deeply with both our partners and customers,” Vennibell adds. “I’ve been able to foster stronger connections, meaningful conversations and build a sense of community among us.”

Empowering Deaf partners like herself is a cause particularly close to Vennibell’s heart and she aims to create more opportunities for Deaf partners to enter coffee competitions and showcase their skills to the public. “I hope to break down barriers and stereotypes while fostering inclusivity and equal opportunities,” she explains.

While she’s now in a position to teach others, Vennibell is eager to continue learning and hopes to achieve advanced coffee master certification across various brewing methods. She aspires to then take that knowledge to educate even more Deaf individuals about coffee, enabling them to receive the same level of teaching as hearing individuals. “My goal is to ensure that everyone, regardless of their hearing ability, can fully appreciate and excel in the world of coffee.”

Hangeul Lee, South Korea

“My role in coffee is like a tour guide,” Hangeul Lee enthuses. “I taste various kinds and study coffee from countries all over the world, then I share those experiences with customers. Although I haven’t visited those countries in person, I feel like I’m making a trip there through coffee.”

A shift supervisor and coffee master at <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/asia/stories/2021/beautiful-new-starbucks-store-opens-in-south-korea/">Seoul’s Byuldabang store</a> , Hangeul loves exploring the diversity of coffee and passing that knowledge onto customers. Part of delving deeper into coffee’s origins for her coffee master certification meant discovering more about ethical sourcing – information that she is proud to share with Starbucks’ drinkers. “Customers don’t always know how we harvest coffee and how it’s grown, but I want to let them know the importance of fair trade, so that we can be fair to both coffee farms and farmers and help them raise their quality of life.”

Given coffee’s popularity in South Korea – the country ranks second highest in the world for coffee consumption – Hangeul is thrilled to see other sustainable initiatives being adopted by her community. She highlights Starbucks’ introduction of reusable cup programs in South Korea, including at her own Byuldabang branch, with a discount or bonus star offered to customers who bring their own cups.

“Creating eco-friendly stores informs customers about sustainability and resilient coffee supplies,” Hangeul explains. “It provides an option to participate in helping the environment while buying a cup of coffee.”

Tuxsaporn Wattanayotin, Thailand

“It’s not just coffee we serve every day,” says Tuxsaporn Wattanayotin. “Our coffee is something that connects people.”

Having been with Starbucks for 11 years, Tuxsaporn is now an assistant store manager at Chiang Mai’s Ruamchok Mall branch and coffee master who finished runner-up in 2022’s Asia-Pacific Coffee Story Championship. She is passionate about telling customers the story behind their cup of coffee “to inspire them and make them appreciate the people behind it”.

Having grown up in a coffee producing area, she is especially eager to showcase “another side of the story”, telling customers about the farmers who dedicate their lives to growing and developing coffee.

While describing herself as shy, Tuxsaporn has seen her confidence grow through these storytelling moments, saying “I can make a lot of friends through coffee!” She fondly remembers one of her first coffee tastings with a customer, where she deliberately chose to showcase Starbucks’ Muan Jai Blend, which is produced in the area where she grew up.

After relating the farmers’ hard work and how profits from the blend improved their quality of life, she describes how her customer “took a sip and said it was the best cup of coffee they’d ever had”. She continues, “They said it was because the story I told them made the coffee more delicious – and to keep telling this to other customers so they’d know that good coffee makes good things happen for the people that grow it”.

It's this connection between herself, coffee farmers, and customers that Tuxsaporn values most of all. “When customers hear these stories, it’s not just about the taste of the coffee – I can feel the happiness in their hearts.”

Our Journeys Through Coffee: Celebrate International Coffee Day 2023 with four of our Asia-Pacific Partners : Starbucks Stories Asia

Starbucks Stories Asia

Our Journeys Through Coffee: Celebrate International Coffee Day 2023 with four of our Asia-Pacific Partners

International Coffee Day marks a moment for all coffee lovers to come together, celebrate, learn about, and be inspired by this beloved beverage. Learn more about the personal stories behind our partners’ coffee experiences.

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https://stories.starbucks.com/asia/stories/2023/our-journeys-through-coffee-celebrate-international-coffee-day-2023-with-four-of-our-asia-pacific-partners/

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Portion of every purchase in this store directly supports scholarships and after-school learning through nonprofit partners, Young Focus and AHA! Learning Center

Today, Starbucks Philippines proudly opened the Abad Santos Tondo Community Store, in celebration of its 25th year in the market and its unwavering dedication to creating positive impact in communities it serves. The Community Store is dedicated to supporting youth education in the Philippines, where a portion of every purchase in this store will enable scholarships and after-school learning programs in partnership with Young Focus Foundation and AHA! Learning Center.

“Starbucks has always been a different kind of company, staying true to its mission to nurture the limitless possibilities of human connection,” says Noey Lopez, president of Starbucks Philippines. “Through this first Community Store in the country, we hope that this is the start of creating a positive and lasting impact on the youth within our local communities.”

The Abad Santos Tondo Community Store in the Philippines joins more than 200 Starbucks Community Stores around the world to strengthen communities, support economic opportunities, and create impact through partnerships with local nonprofit organizations.&nbsp;

Empowering one mind at a time

Young Focus Foundation extends scholarships to out-of-school youth through its network of partner schools and universities. Presently, they have two centers located in Tondo and Cavite, offering support to more than 1,000 students, and guiding them from elementary school through to college. Starbucks is committed to expanding this support, empowering out-of-school youth to pursue their education at both high school and collegiate levels.

“Starbucks doesn't just serve coffee but also serves the community of Tondo through education. We look forward to this special partnership with the first Community Store in the Philippines. This is an amazing investment for the youth to reach their potential,” says Paul van Wijgerden, Managing Director of Young Focus.

Meanwhile, AHA! Learning Center is dedicated to offering free after-school learning programs to public school students, focusing on areas including academics and social-emotional skills. Currently, they operate from a community center on Radial Road 10 serving over 180 learners spanning various age groups. Starbucks will expand this initiative, providing additional opportunities for more learners to benefit from AHA! Learning modules and continue their after-school programs.

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The store opens up inviting spaces for hosting future workshops, fostering both learning and connections. In addition to a full café, the area features a series of murals entitled, "Brewing Knowledge, Blossoming Communities," by visual artist Anina Rubio. The series beautifully intertwines elements of books, indigenous flora and fauna, and the diverse wildlife from coffee-growing regions, seamlessly blending with the store's interior. &nbsp;The exceptional artwork symbolizes how education serves as the catalyst for individuals to rise to new heights and achieve their aspirations.

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Portion of every purchase in this store directly supports scholarships and after-school learning through nonprofit partners, Young Focus and AHA! Learning Center

Starbucks Philippines opens first Community Store dedicated to supporting youth education : Starbucks Stories Asia

Starbucks Philippines opens first Community Store dedicated to supporting youth education

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Starbucks Philippines Opens First Community Store Dedicated to Supporting Youth Education

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Starbucks Vietnam celebrated 10 years of sustainable growth, and opened their 100th Starbucks® store on September 16th. As a special tribute to this milestone, and to honor Vietnam's rich coffee heritage, Starbucks proudly returns locally-sourced coffee Starbucks Reserve™ Vietnam Đưng K'Nớ. 

"This achievement fills us with so much joy, as we remain committed to delight our customers with the Starbucks Experience, and to build meaningful connections," said Patricia Marques, general manager of Starbucks Vietnam. "With Starbucks now operating 100 stores across cities in Vietnam, we applaud and thank our partners for their everyday commitment and dedication, which have been vital in taking us to where we are today. Our success is also a result of the trust placed in us by our customers, who value and cherish the connection over coffee at Starbucks across Vietnam over the last ten years."

The 100th Starbucks store in Vietnam is located in Lotte Mall West Lake, a new entertainment and shopping complex in Hanoi. The store was designed to pay homage to the beautiful natural environment that nurtures coffee beans. Through a carefully selected blue accent color and a warm material palette, the design seeks to capture the essence of the intertwined connection in nature, creating a distinctive space for customers to relax and enjoy connecting over a cup of coffee. 

Spotlighting the exquisite flavors of Vietnamese coffee from the Central Highlands of Vietnam

The new Starbucks Reserve™ Vietnam Đưng K'Nớ highlights smallholder farmers and the local coffee culture, and their significance throughout Starbucks journey in Vietnam. This blend is sourced from the Central Highlands of Vietnam and remote town of Đưng K'Nớ, home to the K’Ho people - a matriarchal indigenous community where 82 smallholder farmers work diligently to preserve the cultural traditions while embracing responsible farming practices.

Starbucks Reserve™ Vietnam Đưng K'Nớ is a delicious, smooth coffee featuring a light roast that brings out balanced notes of fresh lemongrass and sweet apricot. It bears the results of Đưng K'Nớ farmers’ effort in producing exquisite Arabica beans, and manifests the heart of Vietnamese heritage over a rare, intimate coffee experience.

Starbucks opens 100th store in Vietnam : Starbucks Stories Asia

Starbucks Vietnam celebrated 10 years of sustainable growth, and opened their 100th Starbucks® store on September 16th. As a special tribute to this milestone, and to honor Vietnam&#8217;s rich coffee heritage, Starbucks proudly returns locally-sourced coffee Starbucks Reserve™ Vietnam Đưng K&#8217;Nớ. &#8220;This achievement fills us with so much joy, as we remain committed to delight […]

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Starbucks opens 100th store in Vietnam

Starbucks Philippines announces the opening of its first Starbucks Reserve™ store in Tagaytay City, a milestone for the company as it celebrates its 25th anniversary

Debuting the exclusive new Starbucks OVISO™ espresso machine, designed to elevate the art of espresso

This month, Starbucks Philippines marks its 25th anniversary with the opening of its one-of-a-kind store, Starbucks Reserve™ Hiraya. Located in Tagaytay City, the Starbucks Reserve™ Hiraya store will take customers on a stunning visual journey where the store's intricate design offers breathtaking views of Taal Lake, one of the largest lakes in the Philippines. With its distinctive design and expanded menu, the store invites customers to indulge in an elevated coffee experience. "Opening Starbucks Reserve™ Hiraya, our first Starbucks Reserve™ store in Tagaytay City, marks a significant milestone for Starbucks Philippines as we celebrate our 25th anniversary in the market. The name 'Hiraya', is a variant of the Old Tagalog term ‘haráya’, which translates to imagination, creativity, or the power of the mind. By coming together with our customers and partners (employees), this store is a testament to what we can achieve with boundless imagination," shared Menchu Lopez, Store Development head of Starbucks Philippines.

"We are dedicated to deepening our connection with those who resonate with the Starbucks Experience, and the opening of Starbucks Reserve®™ Hiraya allows us to deliver this through an innovative concept that fills us with pride."

As one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Philippines, Tagaytay is renowned for its spectacular view of the Taal Volcano Island and the surrounding lake. Starbucks Reserve™ Hiraya, sits on the ridge that overlooks some of the most picturesque and attractive scenic areas in the region, the Taal Volcano, providing a resort-like environment for visitors to appreciate the natural beauty while they enjoy their favorite hand-crafted Starbucks® beverages. The architecture complements the distinctive landscape by creating a thoughtful transitional space between indoors and outdoors, with flat rooflines, oversized windows, and overhanging eaves. Inspired by terraces of a coffee estate, the nearly 500 square meter store features terraced seating to ensure an enhanced view of the volcano. Visitors are invited to embark on a journey that not only celebrates the Tagaytay character, but also Starbucks coffee heritage.

The first encounter is a delicate shadow play of a coffee botanical pattern cast by the canopy’s wood-carved screens. The wooden entry doors are also adorned with intricate carvings of the coffee plant. As visitors enter the spacious foyer, they arrive at a height that offers an overall impression of the café lobby in front of a picturesque backdrop of the scenic views beyond. Visitors are encouraged to navigate through various spaces of the store, including a bar with familiar Starbucks offerings on one side, a secluded lounge on the other. Center stage is a signature Reserve Bar, brewing rare small-lot coffees on the Starbucks proprietary OVISO™ espresso machine, the very first one in the Philippines and one of the few currently featured at Starbucks Reserve™ stores globally.

As the journey unfolds, the space opens up into outdoor viewing terraces. Each terrace is arranged to maximize the unobstructed view of the volcano.

Celebrating local Artisanal Craftsmanship

At Starbucks Reserve™ Hiraya, the thoughtful use of local materials and artisanal crafts is intentional. From the look and feel of mahogany wood and lava stone used throughout the store, to the woven rattan panels above the Reserve Bar, every texture and detail reflects the charm of Tagaytay.

All wood carvings featured in the store are made by Filipino artisans. The unique wall art installations are designed by local contemporary artist, Aze Ong, specifically for this store. Inspired by coffee origins and taste profiles, the bean-to-cup coffee journey is expressed through the artist’s use of colors, shapes and weaving techniques.

Elevated offerings for food, beverage, and merchandise

Alongside the stunning visual journey, customers can also experience exclusive freshly baked pastries at Starbucks Reserve™ Hiraya, the only store in the Philippines to offer this delectable experience. Customers can indulge in a delightful selection of freshly baked pastries, from flaky croissants to delicious milk and cheese rolls. One of the highlights of Starbucks Reserve™ Hiraya is the meticulously crafted Hiraya Latte. This extraordinary beverage is specially created for this newest Starbucks Reserve® location. Additionally, Starbucks Reserve™ Hiraya offers an exclusive premium line of merchandise, inspired by the richness of the land.

Connecting Over Coffee- Starbucks OVISO™

At the heart of Hiraya lies OVISO™, the latest innovation in espresso machines by Starbucks, designed to elevate the art of espresso. The Starbucks proprietary OVISO™ espresso machine includes patented bottom-fill espresso shot and milk steaming technologies displayed on the counter, with an under-the-counter espresso machine. 

This unique design unlocks a new visual experience in a more open environment where customers and baristas can connect over the brewing process of the espresso shots. Customers are immersed in all the sensorial elements of the coffee process— from selecting the beans to seeing their drink come to life— resulting in a more personal connection with the barista, the beverage, and the moment. 

The OVISO™ espresso machine is specifically designed for Starbucks Reserve™ coffees to create consistent and exquisite beverages.

Starbucks Reserve™ Hiraya store offers a breathtaking panorama experience in Tagaytay City, Philippines : Starbucks Stories Asia

Starbucks Reserve™ Hiraya store offers a breathtaking panorama experience in Tagaytay City, Philippines

Starbucks Philippines marks its 25th anniversary with the opening of its one-of-a-kind store, Starbucks Reserve™ Hiraya.

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Nostalgic-themed merchandise collection featuring Mickey Mouse, Stitch, Dumbo and more in stores

It’s time to grab your fave drink, with your fave pals! Starbucks is joining hands with The Walt Disney Company Southeast Asia to create a unique Starbucks Experience with a new range of Disney-inspired merchandise and stylish lifestyle accessories set to inspire a sense of shared nostalgia and happy memories that all ages will love.

Starring fan-favorite Disney characters such as Mickey and Friends, Chip ‘n Dale, Dumbo, Stitch and Angel, the Starbucks “Relive the Magic Together” series features a Starbucks-exclusive range of merchandise with charming character art and vintage vibes. Beginning September 19 for a limited time, the nostalgic collection will be launched in 15 markets across the Asia Pacific region, blending Disney’s timeless storytelling with Starbucks iconic third place experience to evoke a sense of familiarity, belonging, and warmth.

“Starbucks has a deep heritage of fostering humanity, creativity and joy” said Samuel Fung, vice president, Product and Marketing, Starbucks Asia Pacific. “Our “Relive the Magic Together” merchandise speaks to Starbucks mission to strengthen human connection with elements of fun and imagination. This collection is poised to touch the hearts of fans of all ages. The possibilities of striking human connections over the everyday ritual of drinking coffee, rooted in our iconic Starbucks Experience, are truly limitless.”

“Disney is one of the world’s most iconic storytellers, and we are delighted to work with them to bring a joyful new Starbucks Experience to fans across the Asia Pacific region. Many people grew up with Disney’s timeless stories and characters and they still resonate strongly today, with friends and family bonding over their most memorable Disney moments.”

A cozy collection full of joy and warmth

Extending beyond the screen, Starbucks “Relive the Magic Together” merchandise collection consists of 15 different drinkware designs and six lifestyle accessories. The drinkware range features mugs, reusable cups, and tumblers – perfect for those looking to enjoy their favorite Starbucks beverage, at work or at home. The lifestyle accessories include reusable tote bags, umbrellas, and pins. All items in the collection feature playful Disney-themed artwork, with a familiar Starbucks twist designed to uplift the human spirit and evoke a sense of nostalgia!

“We wanted to creatively reimagine how some of our favorite Disney characters might enjoy moments of friendship together – perhaps even taking the time to cheers over a cup of coffee! By weaving together memorable Disney characters with Starbucks style and messages of forging genuine connections, we hope our designs brighten your day, bring comfort and happiness, and warm the hearts of people of all ages," said Fung.

Fans and customers can look forward to reliving the magic together beginning September 19. The new themed collection will be available across 15 markets, spanning Australia, Brunei, Cambodia, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Relive the Disney magic with vintage-styled designs at Starbucks : Starbucks Stories Asia

Relive the Disney magic with vintage-styled designs at Starbucks

Starbucks is joining hands with The Walt Disney Company Southeast Asia to create a unique Starbucks Experience with a new range of Disney-inspired merchandise and stylish lifestyle accessories set to inspire a sense of shared nostalgia and happy memories that all ages will love.

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Starbucks Vietnam and Food Bank Vietnam joined together in partnership to combat hunger by signing a strategic cooperation agreement on August 22, 2023. Through the agreement, the two parties announced their plans to conduct a pilot program that aims to enhance awareness about food waste reduction and provide quality food supplies to communities in need.

Partnership in reducing food waste and combating hunger

Starbucks Vietnam and Food Bank Vietnam are constructing a pilot program focused on reducing food waste in select stores in Ho Chi Minh City. This initiative sets the premise for programs to minimize food waste in the community as well as provide food to communities in need.

Through this partnership, the two parties are jointly committed to creating a positive impact on the communities in need in Vietnam.

"We are really happy to kick off this project with Food Bank Vietnam. Starbucks truly appreciates what the community gives us, and our mission is to give back as much as possible to create a better and more sustainable life," said Ms. Patricia Marques, General Manager of Starbucks Vietnam. "After a decade in the Vietnamese market, we continue to commit to sustainable business practices, reducing environmental impacts, and working towards a modern sustainable community. This agreement is the first stage of our commitment to hunger relief, and we look forward to expanding this meaningful initiative in the future."

The partnership between Food Bank Vietnam and Starbucks Vietnam marks a significant step towards food waste reduction and environmental protection. Both organizations will make efforts to continuously cooperate and present new initiatives in order to enhance the environment and provide hunger relief in Vietnam.

"The agreement solidifies both enterprises as significant partners to co-create and develop new societal values in the future” said Ms. Nguyen Hoang Truc Linh, CEO of Food Bank Vietnam. "Food Bank Vietnam takes on the role of raising awareness and combating food waste through green activities, including distributing and sharing Starbucks products with various entities, including organizations, shelters, open homes, and individuals in need."

In addition to the partnership with Food Bank Vietnam, Starbucks Vietnam, together with its nonprofit partners, has also created positive impact on the local communities it serves. Starbucks partners (employees) have assisted in the building of nine Aqua Towers with Planet Water Foundation, providing access to clean, safe drinking water, handwashing and sanitation infrastructure across rural Vietnam. A "Reusable Campaign” at stores also encourages customers to shift from single-use plastics to reusables, including reusable cup through a "Personal Cup" campaign encouraging customers to enjoy their favorite drinks with their own serve ware.

Starbucks and the Food Bank launch hunger relief pilot program in Vietnam : Starbucks Stories Asia

Starbucks and the Food Bank launch hunger relief pilot program in Vietnam

Through the agreement, the two parties announced their plans to conduct a pilot program that aims to enhance awareness about food waste reduction and provide quality food supplies to communities in need.

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Portion of proceeds from store will be donated to provide skills training, career development and academic scholarships for family members of those who served with distinction

The Community Store is a partnership between Starbucks Korea, the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs and Korea National Council on Social Welfare

Starbucks Korea inaugurated its Dongnimmun Station store as the sixth Community Store in the market on August 18th, dedicated to creating pathways to opportunities for families of men and women of national merit who served with distinction.

A portion of proceeds from the store will be donated to the Korea National Council on Social Welfare to provide academic scholarships and coffee skills training for underserved youth, who are descendants of men and women of national merit, seeking employment opportunities in the coffee industry. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

In celebration of the new Community Store dedication, Starbucks Korea signed a three-way agreement with the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs and the Korea National Council on Social Welfare. The signing ceremony was attended by:

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As part of the agreement, Starbucks Korea plans to donate a total of 300 million KRW (approximately $224,000 USD) in scholarships over the next three years, while also conducting a coffee skills-training program in partnership with the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs.

The new Community Store, which is located near a historic site, Dongnimmun, features a mural by local artist Lee Eunjoo, honoring the valor and noble spirit of men and women who served the country. There is also a digital community board showcasing various social impact activities by Starbucks Korea to support the local community.

“The support from Starbucks Korea and the Korea National Council on Social Welfare will provide greater stability for the descendants of those who have devoted themselves to serving the country. We will continue our efforts to honor and support this community and hope the interest will spread across our society,” said Park Minshik, minister, Patriots and Veterans Affairs.

“We are pleased to be part of this very meaningful agreement to provide aid for descendants of men and women of national merit. We will focus on developing more innovative social impact models in the future,” said Kim Soung-Yee, president, Korea National Council on Social Welfare.

“This Community Store speaks to our mission to help nurture the limitless possibilities of human connection, as we contribute positively to the community," said Michael Conway, group president, Starbucks International and Channel Development. “We are proud that through this store model, we’re able to create environments for Starbucks partners to connect with, engage and give back to the communities they serve in meaningful ways around the world.”

“We were able to honor the service of men and women who served with distinction by providing academic scholarships to their descendants since 2015 and our new Community Store represents our unwavering commitment and continued support,” said Ryan Sohn, ceo, Starbucks Korea. “Starbucks remains committed to creating more meaningful occasions for our customers and partners through its Community Stores.”

Starbucks Korea opened its <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2014/starbucks-opens-first-community-store-in-korea-to-create-pathways-to-opport/">first Community Store</a> in 2014, which supports lifelong skills development for youth through the Starbucks Youth Leadership Program. Today, Starbucks Korea operates 6 Community Stores in the market, and has donated over 3 billion KRW (approximately $2.2 million USD) cumulatively to support local communities. Since entering the market in 1999, Starbucks Korea has grown to be one of the largest markets for Starbucks, with 1,848 stores across 82 cities. Today, more than 23,000 partners (employees) proudly wear the green apron.&nbsp;

Starbucks dedicates its 6th Community Store in South Korea : Starbucks Stories Asia

Starbucks dedicates its 6th Community Store in South Korea

Portion of proceeds from store will be donated to provide skills training, career development and academic scholarships for family members of those who served with distinction

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On August 17th, Starbucks Malaysia proudly announced the inauguration of its first Signing Store in Borneo, located at Vivacity Megamall, Kuching. This store marks a significant milestone in the market as the third Signing Store in Malaysia after <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/asia/stories/2016/deaf-partners-build-careers-at-starbucks/">Kuala Lumpur</a> and <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/asia/stories/2019/career-opportunities-expand-in-malaysia-with-opening-of-new-starbucks-signing-store-in-penang/">Penang</a>. The store aims to uplift the local community by fostering inclusivity and celebrating the vibrant culture of the Deaf and hard of hearing people. Since its soft launch on 27 July 2023, the store saw an overwhelming and positive response from its customers.

"Creating a space that truly embraces diversity and empowers the Deaf and hard of hearing community has been a journey close to our hearts. The opening of the Signing Store at Vivacity Megamall reflects our unwavering commitment to making a positive impact in the communities we serve,” said Dato’ Sydney Quays, Chief Executive Officer of Berjaya Food Berhad and Managing Director of Starbucks Malaysia &amp; Brunei. “Through this store, we aim to create a welcoming environment that not only offers exceptional coffee but also fosters a sense of belonging and equal opportunity."

Over the past 24 years, Starbucks Malaysia has strived to be a transformative force in Malaysia, driven by a vision that places humanity at the core of its operations and the Starbucks mission to nurture the limitless possibilities of human connection. With the introduction of the first Starbucks Signing Store concept globally back in 2016, the company took a bold step towards this aspiration, fostering personal growth and empowerment, and enhancing self-confidence and self-reliance of the Deaf and hard of hearing community in Malaysia. Since then, Starbucks has opened 20 Signing Stores in China, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, and United States.

With the opening of the third Signing store in Malaysia, the company advances further in its goal to promote awareness and appreciation of the Deaf community by creating employment opportunities and advancement for Deaf partners (employees), fostering meaningful connections between partners and customers. Starbucks remains the only coffee chain brand in Malaysia to establish stores dedicated to supporting the Deaf community.

Starbucks Malaysia works closely with the Sarawak Society for the Deaf (SSD) to provide professional Malaysian Sign Language (BIM) interpretation services and to host various activities for the Deaf and hard of hearing community – providing a platform where they can gather to share ideas, learn more about job opportunities, or connect with each other on current issues.

"This inclusive effort by Starbucks Malaysia to foster a supportive environment for the Deaf and hard of hearing community is truly commendable. Such initiatives pave the way for greater community integration and empowerment.” said Dato’ Sri Hajah Fatimah Abdullah, Minister of Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development.

Every detail of the Signing Store, from the carefully designed touchpoints catering to the Deaf and hard of hearing, to the spacious café area ideal for community workshops, reflects Starbucks commitment to creating an inclusive and enriching environment.

Moreover, Starbucks Malaysia is dedicated to endorsing local artists, including those with disabilities. This commitment is exemplified through collaborations with Deaf artists on exclusive commissioned artwork featured in Signing Stores as well as a core Starbucks® stores. Inside this third Signing Store is a captivating mural by Deaf artist Madang Ding Anyi, from the Orang Ulu community in Sarawak, celebrating the coffee growing essence of Asia Pacific and depicting the flora of Borneo.

As part of this occasion, Starbucks Malaysia introduces an exclusive range of Signing Store merchandise, including keychains, tote bags, ceramic mugs, stainless steel tumblers, plastic cold cups, and limited-edition Starbucks Card, available exclusively in Signing Stores.

Starbucks Malaysia launches first Signing Store in Borneo and the third in Malaysia : Starbucks Stories Asia

Starbucks Malaysia launches first Signing Store in Borneo and the third in Malaysia

On August 17th, Starbucks Malaysia proudly announced the inauguration of its first Signing Store in Borneo, located at Vivacity Megamall, Kuching. This store marks a significant milestone in the market as the third Signing Store in Malaysia after Kuala Lumpur and Penang.

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For more than fifty years, Starbucks has been dedicated to nurturing the limitless possibilities of human connection over coffee.&nbsp;Our approach has helped Starbucks grow from one tiny store along a cobblestone street in Seattle to more than 37,000 stores operating in 86 markets today.

These days, Starbucks has over 100 million customer occasions each week. To do that, we have made prudent investments to support our growth. We are proud our early investments in digital innovation have helped us provide customers with new ways enjoy novel Starbucks experiences around the globe. In a recent 90-day period, 75 million Starbucks Rewards customers actively engaged with the brand digitally across the globe, including 20 million in China.

Starbucks is investing for the long-term in China, and by 2025, Starbucks will have expanded to have 9,000 stores in that market. To support our growth, we are revamping our approach to digital innovation by investing in our infrastructure. As first announced in 2022, Starbucks is establishing an Innovation and Tech Center (SITC) in Shenzhen. Today, we announced the center will open this September, and will accelerate the digitization of Starbucks retail operations and omni-channel business in China by leveraging the power of data analytics, modeling and decision-making to drive operational excellence and create new experiences centered around people and coffee.

As Starbucks retail innovation hub in China, the SITC will provide an exciting platform for brewing human-centric innovations that reimagine Starbucks retail landscape and customer experience in China. It will focus on:

This marks just the latest of Starbucks investments to fuel its long-term growth in China and be at the forefront of that market’s dynamic and fast evolving retail landscape. Come this fall, the company will be opening the Starbucks China Coffee Innovation Park, another landmark investment that will feature a smart integrated distribution center and other infrastructure designed to unleash our growth in China, positioning us to open multiple stores per day as we track towards our 2025 goal.

Starbucks Enhances Innovation to Support Growth in China : Starbucks Stories Asia

Starbucks Enhances Innovation to Support Growth in China

For more than fifty years, Starbucks has been dedicated to nurturing the limitless possibilities of human connection over coffee.&nbsp;Our approach has helped Starbucks grow from one tiny store along a cobblestone street in Seattle to more than 37,000 stores operating in 86 markets today. These days, Starbucks has over 100 million customer occasions each week. […]

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https://stories.starbucks.com/asia/stories/2023/starbucks-enhances-innovation-to-support-growth-in-china/

The much-anticipated collaboration for the Asia Pacific region will release a bevy of showstopping offerings from an iconic Frappuccino to limited-edition merchandise inspired by BLACKPINK’s bright and bold style

This summer, Starbucks will unite with phenomenal K-pop Girl Group BLACKPINK to unleash a new experience that is set to excite the legions of BLINKs across the Asia Pacific region. From July 25 for a limited time, the exclusive, first-ever collaboration for the Asia Pacific will unveil an iconic new BLACKPINK-themed Frappuccino, along with a limited-edition collection of stylish drinkware and lifestyle merchandise, at select Starbucks stores across nine markets in the region.

BLINKs and Starbucks fans alike can look forward to a brighter, bolder, and more exciting summer with a bevy of vibrant offerings embodying the endearing spirit and inimitable style of the sensational group that has captured hearts and minds around the globe.

“BLACKPINK is synonymous with an authenticity that is bold and confident, making them an inspiring force that transcends geographies and cultures. We are so thrilled to partner with one of the biggest icons of this generation that aligns with our focus on uplifting customers and fans alike through human connection to create an unforgettable Starbucks Experience,” said Emmy Kan, senior vice president and president, Starbucks Asia Pacific.

“Guided by our shared passion to deliver unparalleled experiences, this collaboration will bring new energy and excitement to our customers who are encouraged to embrace their individuality and express themselves in bold new ways this summer. It is also testament of how we are continually exploring limitless opportunities to deepen our connection with our customers.”

For the first time ever, customers can experience a taste of the well-loved group with the new BLACKPINK Strawberry Choco Cream Frappuccino® Blended Beverage. Reminiscent of the chic and edgy vibe of BLACKPINK’s latest album Born Pink, the stunning black and pink-hued beverage blends strawberry syrup and dark chocolate sauce with feel-good oat milk and chocolate curls, topped with light pink whipped cream and a symbolic heart-shaped chocolate. A multi-sensory experience that captures the showstopping spirit of BLACKPINK, the iconic beverage is set to become a fan favorite that will uplift summer days.

Fans will be tickled pink by the BLACKPINK + STARBUCKS® collection, an epic line-up of 11 types of drinkware and 6 lifestyle accessories featuring a signature contrasting pink and black color palette and funky graffiti motifs. The limited-edition merchandise evokes the girl group’s playful vibes and dynamic energy, while showing off confidence with an edge to live the best summer.

Customers can take their pick from an iconic range of Starbucks reusable cups, mugs and tumblers in signature BLACKPINK hues, adorned with fun drawings or encrusted with striking rhinestones that add sparkle to the everyday. Designed as eye-catching reusable ware, the collection entices fans to show off their chic reusables and make the switch from single-use to BYOC (bring your own cup) and show up for the planet.

The curated collection also showcases an array of lifestyle accessories to turn up the summer fun. Featuring stylish aesthetics with a touch of unique BLACKPINK doodles-style prints, the limited-edition merchandise includes reusable tote bags, yoga mats, passport holders, and key chains.

The limited-edition collaboration will be available beginning July 25 at select Starbucks stores across Hong Kong, Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam, while supplies last.

Starbucks and BLACKPINK join forces to dial up the summer fun : Starbucks Stories Asia

Starbucks and BLACKPINK join forces to dial up the summer fun

The much-anticipated collaboration for the Asia Pacific region will release a bevy of showstopping offerings from an iconic Frappuccino to limited-edition merchandise inspired by BLACKPINK’s bright and bold style

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https://stories.starbucks.com/asia/stories/2023/starbucks-and-blackpink-join-forces-to-dial-up-the-summer-fun/

Market unveils 2nd Community Store, with plans to expand to 800 stores and 8 Community Stores by 2030

This year, Starbucks Thailand celebrates 25 years of nurturing human connection, uplifting local communities and celebrating coffee. A testament to the dedication and commitment to the Thailand market, the milestone anniversary is celebrated with a nationwide anniversary promotion and a Starbucks® Rewards member event on 7-8 July for customers. The brand has also transformed the largest store in Thailand, Starbucks Reserve® Chao Phraya Riverfront at ICONSIAM, into the 2nd Community Store in the market.

The 25-year journey of Starbucks Thailand has seen the brand expand across 465 stores with over 4,300 partners (employees) delivering the&nbsp;Starbucks Experience&nbsp;every day. Serving over 800,000 customers every week, the brand continues to nurture relationships with customers and communities, by creating more opportunities to connect over coffee.

“I am very grateful to our customers and partners for their continuous support of Starbucks Thailand throughout the years,” said Nednapa Srisamai, managing director, Starbucks Thailand. “We are committed to connecting with all cultures and customers while continuing to raise the bar on coffee quality and craft, elevating coffee experience for our customers for many years to come.”

The company plans to expand to 800 stores, including 8 Community Stores by 2030, reaffirming the commitment to accelerate growth across one of Southeast Asia’s most dynamic markets and deepen its relations with local communities.

25th Anniversary celebration event and limited-edition merchandise

On 7-8 July, the 25th Anniversary Starbucks® Rewards member event took place at Suralai Hall, ICONSIAM 7th Floor where Starbucks® Rewards members enjoyed celebration activities including engaging in fun games and tasting sessions of exclusive coffee such as PrinciTM Blend, Reserve Galapagos La Tortuga, and more. Limited-edition collectible merchandise such as the 25th Anniversary Bling Cold Cup and community merchandise sourced from local Thai communities; Benjarong collection and Water Hyacinth tote bag, were also available only at the event.

Transforming the ICONSIAM flagship store to further uplift communities

The Starbucks Community Store creates an environment where partners can connect and engage with the communities they serve in unique ways. The new Community Store at <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/asia/stories/2021/starbucks-unveils-largest-store-in-thailand/">ICONSIAM</a>, Starbucks Thailand’s largest store, will have a meaningful impact on local communities through a profit-sharing business model where 10 baht (approximately 30 cents USD) from every handcrafted coffee beverage sold will be equally shared between two nonprofit organizations, Integrated Tribal Development Foundation (ITDF) and Scholars of Sustenance (SOS). Two community rooms will also be available as dedicated space to conduct training sessions and community activities by ITDF and SOS. This new Community Store supports Starbucks global commitment to open 1000 Community Stores by 2030.

“This new Community Store at ICONSIAM speaks to our brand promise to help nurture the limitless possibilities of human connection and move towards a more sustainable future, as we continue to focus on the wellbeing of our coffee farming communities in the northern part of Thailand,” added Nednapa.

Meaningful partnership to support and uplift communities

Starbucks Thailand is committed to supporting programs that create meaningful local impact, expanding on the company’s ambition to enhance the well-being of all who connect with the company, from coffee-growing communities to families in neighborhoods around its stores.&nbsp;

Since the launch of Thailand’s first Community Store in 2013 in the Langsuan neighborhood of Bangkok, Starbucks Thailand has contributed over 17 million baht (approximately $500,000 USD) through a profit-sharing business model, with 5% of sales from Muan Jai™ Blend coffee bean and 10 baht from every Starbucks® beverage purchased at the Community Store going to support coffee farming communities in Northern Thailand. These contributions enabled The Integrated Tribal Development Foundation (ITDF) to implement initiatives ranging from providing clean drinking water, schools and facilities, to training for villagers and coffee facilitators to support hilltribe farmers in coffee quality control and <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/press/2020/cafe-practices-starbucks-approach-to-ethically-sourcing-coffee/">C.A.F.E. practices</a>.

With a focus on minimizing food waste and improving access to nutritious food for all, Starbucks Thailand partners with SOS to collect unsold food from participating Starbucks® stores in Bangkok, Hua Hin, Chiang Mai and Phuket, to deliver to communities in need.&nbsp; From July 2022 to date, over 18,000 kg of meals have been collected from Starbucks Thailand stores and delivered to underserved communities, while more than 1.45 million baht ($44,620 USD) has been donated to SOS by The Starbucks Foundation to support SOS Rescue Kitchen Program to improve access to nutritious food in vulnerable communities.&nbsp;

In addition to ITDF and SOS, Starbucks Thailand has a long history of working with Books for Children, which promotes literacy through local reading events, book corners and community libraries. Recent Global Community Impact Grants from The Starbucks Foundation are helping to expand the Reading Hero project to youth and families in underserved communities.

Sustainable growth, by giving more than we take

Starbucks Thailand is committed to delivering a sustainable future through the reduction of carbon emissions, wastewater, and waste footprint, starting with the introduction of &nbsp;<a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2023/whats-inside-a-greener-store/">Starbucks Greener Stores</a> in Thailand.

The framework, co-developed with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), includes a set of 25 performance-based standards across environmental impact areas such as energy efficiency, water stewardship, and waste diversion, designed to accelerate the transformation of retail towards lower-impact stores, supporting the company’s 2030 goals of reducing carbon, water, and waste footprints by 50%.

To date, Thailand has certified three Greener Stores that operate entirely on electricity and feature precise energy monitoring capabilities using a detailed energy management system (EMS) that captures energy use data in real-time to maintain high performance and efficiency. The system will enable the stores to identify inefficiencies and help control and conserve energy in the future.

In addition, Starbucks Thailand is supporting customers to make more sustainable choices through reusable programs such as For-Here-Ware and Reusable Cup Program, with customers receiving a 10-baht discount when bringing their own tumblers to stores, as well as the Grounds for Your Garden program, where everyone can pick up a bag of coffee grounds for free to enrich their gardens and compost at home.

“The future is not only about growth, but also about giving back to the families and communities of our coffee farmers, nurturing the wellbeing of our partners and their connections to coffee, serving quality cups of coffee and beverages to our customers, to give back more than we take and to uplift our communities through social impact initiatives,” said Nednapa. “With every cup, with every conversation, and with every community, Starbucks Thailand is working towards the mutual success of everyone; from coffee farmers to our partners (employees), to customers, to business partners, and to our local communities”.

Starbucks Celebrates 25 years of Coffee and Connections in Thailand : Starbucks Stories Asia

Starbucks Celebrates 25 years of Coffee and Connections in Thailand

Market unveils 2nd Community Store, with plans to expand to 800 stores and 8 Community Stores by 2030

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https://stories.starbucks.com/asia/stories/2023/starbucks-celebrates-25-years-of-coffee-and-connections-in-thailand/

Available at Starbucks® stores for a limited time across Asia, refresh your taste buds with Starbucks latest summer beverages.

NEW! STARBUCKS® MANGO DRAGONFRUIT WITH LEMONADE STARBUCKS REFRESHERS™

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