BEIJING, April 18, 2012 - As Starbucks (NASDAQ: SBUX) continues to accelerate its plans toward making China its second home market, the company today announced a series of new initiatives aimed at further differentiating Starbucks as the employer of choice in this important market. This employee (partner) investment, together with Starbucks commitment to build thriving communities, will continue the rapid growth the company has seen in China over the previous decade.

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Howard Schultz, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Starbucks, will join more than 1,200 Starbucks partners and their parents and family members at two separate Starbucks Partner Family Forums in Beijing and Shanghai. Themed "Growing Together", the event is the first of its kind for the company and it recognizes the special role Chinese families traditionally play, while highlighting the commitment by Starbucks to grow and develop its partners.

During his remarks, Schultz said, "Since our inception, Starbucks has believed in building a different kind of a company, one that grows in a way that is driven by our values. Our partners are at the heart and soul of our signature Starbucks Experience, and have contributed greatly to Starbucks success through every single moment of personal connection they have built with our customers. As we expand our footprint across China, we are committed to sharing our success and continue to grow together with them and their families."

China is a focal point of Starbucks international expansion efforts, where the company has outlined a blueprint for it to become Starbucks second largest market outside the U.S. by 2014, and to have over 1,500 stores across more than 70 cities by 2015. Currently, Starbucks operates over 570 stores across 48 Chinese cities,opening on average one store every four days, with plans to accelerate that pace in 2012.

Attracting and cultivating Starbucks strong pool of talented partners will be critical to realizing the Starbucks China growth story and ensuring the continued delivery of the unique and authentic Starbucks Experience that has been built on the company's strong coffee passion and leadership in the market. To this end, Starbucks will implement a series of new partner-focused initiatives aimed at creating the best possible workplace for its partners, including a brand new learning and development concept, the Starbucks China University.

The Starbucks China University will be the Center of Excellence for the company's people development goals and aims to elevate the existing learning and development infrastructure. The effort will introduce new training modules to meet the evolving developmental needs of its retail and support center partners. This virtual training institute will encompass all areas and functions of the Starbucks China business, including retail operations and functional training, coffee and culture and leadership competency, and will incorporate both global and China training curriculums. The Starbucks China University will also potentially collaborate with academic institutions, and related Chinese government agencies, to strengthen its value proposition and offerings.

Apart from investing in training to build the careers of its partners, Starbucks will also set aside an additional RMB1million for the Starbucks China Caring Unites Partners (CUP) Fund, which will be used to provide financial assistance to partners in times of significant or immediate needs.

"As Starbucks enters an exciting, historic phase of our growth in China, our partners will have unprecedented opportunities to build promising careers with the company," said Belinda Wong, president of Starbucks China. "We want them to grow together with us, and will invest in equipping them with the right skills to take on the new career opportunities, within Starbucks, as we continue our business growth momentum in the market. Starbucks is committed to helping and enabling each of our partners to achieve their fullest potential and realize their career aspirations."

In addition to investing in partners, Starbucks is also focusing on helping local communities thrive as another key facet of its vision for its growth in China. Through its various community outreach initiatives in 2011, Starbucks partners and customers across Mainland China contributed close to 25,000 community service hours.

To further strengthen its coffee authority and leadership in China, Starbucks has committed to helping local farmers elevate the coffee quality in Yunnan Province while bringing the best of Yunnan coffee to the rest of the world. Through the numerous Starbucks Yunnan Coffee Project planned initiatives, including the increased and direct sourcing of Yunnan coffee and a Starbucks Farmer Support Center, which will be operational within 2012, Starbucks aims to complete its entire value-chain in China – from coffee seed to its authentic Starbucks Experience in the stores.

As it expands its footprint in China, Starbucks will also continue its efforts to connect directly with its customers and understand their needs with respect to the local culture. Starbucks new store designs, which includes its Xintiandi store in Shanghai and its Qianmen store in Beijing, focuses on the balance of the Starbucks heritage and coffee expertise with that of the local environment and cultural heritage.

Since 1971, Starbucks Coffee Company has been committed to ethically sourcing and roasting the highest quality arabica coffee in the world. Today, with stores around the globe, the company is the premier roaster and retailer of specialty coffee in the world. Through our unwavering commitment to excellence and our guiding principles, we bring the unique Starbucks Experience to life for every customer through every cup. To share in the experience, please visit us in our stores or online at <a href="http://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.starbucks.com&amp;esheet=50240768&amp;lan=en-US&amp;anchor=www.starbucks.com&amp;index=1&amp;md5=c6e942f90fd9eab48c8f8d5c169c807b">www.starbucks.com</a> and <a href="http://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.starbucks.com.cn&amp;esheet=50240768&amp;lan=en-US&amp;anchor=www.starbucks.com.cn&amp;index=2&amp;md5=dfa586e4dc953d9ee1e948a9458e2852">www.starbucks.com.cn</a>.

Forward-Looking Statements

This release contains forward-looking statements relating to certain company initiatives, strategies, plans, trends and expectations regarding China, including partner (employees) headcount, the growth and size of the market and timing, the company's investment approach in China, partner-focused and community-focused initiatives, expansion efforts, number of stores, the pace and form of growth, innovations, connections with our customers, store experience and performance, and leadership position in China. These forward-looking statements are based on currently available operating, financial and competitive information and are subject to a number of significant risks and uncertainties. Actual future results may differ materially depending on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, coffee, dairy and other raw material prices and availability, costs associated with, and the successful execution of, the company's initiatives, strategies and plans in China and the other markets in which Starbucks does business, changes and uncertainties in economic, social, political and regulatory conditions in China, the acceptance of Starbucks products in China, foreign currency and exchange fluctuations, the impact of competition and other risks detailed in the company filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the "Risk Factors" section of Starbucks Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 2, 2011. The company assumes no obligation to update any of these forward-looking statements.

Starbucks Strengthens Commitment to Being the Employer of Choice in China : Starbucks Stories Asia

Starbucks Stories Asia

Starbucks Strengthens Commitment to Being the Employer of Choice in China

First-ever Starbucks Partner Family Forum underscores company&rsquo;s commitment to employees (partners), their families and the communities they serve in China New Starbucks China University to elevate existing learning and development needs of partners

http://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=bwnews&amp;sty=20120418005046r1&amp;sid=tekgr&amp;distro=nx

https://stories.starbucks.com/asia/stories/2012/starbucks-strengthens-commitment-to-being-the-employer-of-choice-in-china/

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BOAO, CHINA, April 1, 2012 – Starbucks Coffee Company (NASDAQ: SBUX) today reiterated that China will remain the focal point of its international expansion efforts. Speaking at the sidelines of the Boao Forum for Asia Conference 2012, John Culver, president, Starbucks China and Asia Pacific confirmed that Starbucks believes its operations in China will be its second largest, outside of the United States, by 2014. In addition, Starbucks is confident that it will exceed 1,500 stores, across China, by 2015. "We continue to see strong growth in China giving us even greater confidence in achieving our goal of building China as our largest market, outside of the U.S., by 2014," said John Culver, president, Starbucks China and Asia Pacific. "While we have an ambitious plan to accelerate our pace of growth, we will make sure we are growing the brand in a holistic way; delivering the highest quality espresso, locally-relevant product and store design innovations, as well as elevating the special connection we have with our customers and the local communities where we do business." Starbucks successfully entered 13 new Chinese cities during its fiscal year 2011, opening an average of 1 store every four days. The stores opened in these new markets have been widely accepted by the local consumers and store performance has exceeded the company's expectations. "Our partners (employees) are at the heart of delivering the Starbucks Experienceto our customers each and every day," continued Culver. "It is their passion for coffee excellence, exceeding customer expectations and developing their teams, which has led to our success in China." Since its entry into the Chinese market, with the opening of its first store at the Beijing World Trade Centre in 1999, Starbucks has built the company and its brand on a passion for delivering high-quality arabica coffee. With a 40-year history of sourcing, roasting and blending, only 3% of the world's beans make it into a bag of Starbucks® coffee. Starbucks is committed to the quality of its coffee every step of the way – starting from the soil and ending with each cup of finely handcrafted coffee beverage. "For the past 13 years, Starbucks has been successful in maintaining our coffee leadership in China because of our unwavering commitment to ensure each of our customers will only be served the finest cup of coffee every time they visit our stores, or use our coffee products at home or on-the-go," added Culver. For many Chinese, Starbucks has not only been a symbol of China's rapid urban development, but for its customers, the authentic Starbucks coffee culture, genuine moments of connection between its partners and customers, and unique Starbucks Experience,have come to embody a new modern lifestyle pursuit and aspiration. Starbucks today operates more than 570 stores across 48 Chinese cities.

Starbucks Believes that China Will be Second Largest Market by 2014 : Starbucks Stories Asia

Starbucks Believes that China Will be Second Largest Market by 2014

Starbucks aims to accelerate its growth momentum and to exceed 1,500 stores by 2015

https://stories.starbucks.com/asia/stories/2012/starbucks-believes-that-china-will-be-second-largest-market-by-2014/

KUNMING, China, February 06, 2012 - As part of its ongoing efforts to help elevate the coffee industry in China's Yunnan Province, Starbucks Coffee Company (NASDAQ: SBUX) announced that it has signed an agreement to form a joint-venture company with Ai Ni Group, one of the province's most established coffee operators and agricultural companies in Yunnan. The joint-venture company, which will be controlled by Starbucks, will purchase and export high-quality arabica Yunnan coffee beans, as well as operate dry mills in the province.

John Culver, president, Starbucks China and Asia Pacific, and Liu Minghui, Founder and Chairman, Ai Ni Group, each representing their respective companies, attended the signing ceremony today in Kunming, Yunnan's provincial capital. Vice Governor Gu Zhaoxi, Yunnan Provincial Government, witnessed the ceremony.

"With its uniquely suitable climatic and soil conditions, Yunnan is one of the best regions in the world to grow coffee. With Starbucks leading coffee expertise, local market knowledge of our own Chinese enterprises, like Ai Ni Group, and the significant investments made by the provincial government, the full potential of Yunnan's coffee industry will be gradually realized," said Vice Governor Gu Zhaoxi.

"The formation of our joint-venture company with Ai Ni Group marks another significant milestone in Starbucks continued efforts to help develop Yunnan's coffee industry," said John Culver, president, Starbucks China and Asia Pacific. "The Starbucks China growth story is also about giving back to the local community. Through the Starbucks Yunnan Coffee Project and together with our partner Ai Ni Group, we are committed to help local farmers elevate the quality of the coffee in the region while bringing the best of Yunnan coffee to the rest of China and the world."

With the establishment of the joint venture, Starbucks aims to increase its coffee-sourcing activities in the Yunnan region for use in the company's global blends, and build long term relationships with Yunnan's coffee farmers. The joint-venture company will also adopt Ã¢â¬Ëbest practice' processing methods to ensure a consistent and reliable source of quality coffee for Starbucks.

"Ai Ni Group is excited to partner with Starbucks to bring global best practices to the local coffee industry, and introduce Yunnan's coffee to coffee lovers in China and beyond. With Starbucks coffee knowledge and expertise, and our well established presence in Yunnan, we are confident the new joint-venture company will be a resounding success in helping to build Yunnan up as a globally recognized premier coffee growing region," said Liu Minghui, Founder and Chairman, Ai Ni Group.

Beyond the joint venture, the Starbucks Farmer Support Center in Pu'er City, which will provide agronomy consultation services and support to Yunnan's coffee growers, is expected to be operational this year. In addition, the importation and local adaption tests for coffee seed varietals, conducted in collaboration with the Tropical and Subtropical Cash Crops Research Institute of the Yunnan Academy of Agricultural Science (YAAS), are progressing on track and within expectations. Through these various initiatives, Starbucks aims to develop a complete value-chain in China – from coffee seed to the authentic Starbucks Experience in stores.

Starbucks collaboration with Yunnan province coffee farmers and suppliers reached a major milestone with the launch of StarbucksÂ® South of the Clouds BlendÂ® in early 2009. With support from the provincial government, Starbucks worked closely with coffee farmers and suppliers in the Yunnan region to create Starbucks first coffee blend that featured high-quality arabica coffee beans from the region. StarbucksÂ® South of the Clouds BlendÂ® is now sold across numerous Starbucks locations across Asia and the United States.

Since 1971, Starbucks Coffee Company has been committed to ethically sourcing and roasting the highest-quality arabica coffee in the world. Today, with stores around the globe, the company is the premier roaster and retailer of specialty coffee in the world. Through our unwavering commitment to excellence and our guiding principles, we bring the unique Starbucks Experience to life for every customer through every cup. To share in the experience, please visit us in our stores or online at <a href="http://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.starbucks.com&amp;esheet=50157898&amp;lan=en-US&amp;anchor=www.starbucks.com&amp;index=1&amp;md5=266ec0ede9950fb9286743e0a8fa6972">www.starbucks.com</a>.

The Ai Ni Group, established in 1993, currently operates numerous coffee processing facilities and two coffee farms with a total area of almost 500 hectares. In addition to its own harvests, in 2009-10, the Group purchased and processed 6,900 tons of coffee parchment, benefiting almost 4,600 coffee farmer households in Yunnan Province. The Group also operates four high-end restaurants in Yunnan Province and manages a cattle business of about 10,000 heads of beef cattle. More for information about the Group's expansive business operations in China's Yunnan Province, please visit <a href="http://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ynaini.cn%2F&amp;esheet=50157898&amp;lan=en-US&amp;anchor=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ynaini.cn%2F&amp;index=2&amp;md5=21544cfbd14ecbf90d51bb4f6eb9da9f">http://www.ynaini.cn/</a>.

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Starbucks to Partner with Ai Ni Group to Bring China's Yunnan Coffee to the World : Starbucks Stories Asia

Starbucks to Partner with Ai Ni Group to Bring China&#8217;s Yunnan Coffee to the World

Company signs agreement to form joint-venture in China&rsquo;s Yunnan Province

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https://stories.starbucks.com/asia/stories/2012/starbucks-to-partner-with-ai-ni-group-to-bring-chinas-yunnan-coffee-to-the/

Starbucks to Partner with Ai Ni Group to Bring China’s Yunnan Coffee to the World

MUMBAI, India, January 30, 2012 - Tata Global Beverages Limited and Starbucks Coffee Company&nbsp;(Nasdaq: SBUX) today announced a joint venture between&nbsp;the iconic international coffee brand and the 2nd largest branded tea company in the world. The 50/50 joint venture, named TATA Starbucks Limited, will own and operate Starbucks cafés which will be branded as Starbucks Coffee “A Tata Alliance.”

The retail stores will be developed&nbsp;in cities across the country, beginning with stores in&nbsp;Delhi&nbsp;and Mumbai in calendar 2012.

In a separate sourcing and roasting agreement between Starbucks Coffee Company and Tata Coffee Limited, Tata Coffee Limited will roast coffee to supply TATA Starbucks Limited, and to export to Starbucks Coffee Company. This agreement paves the way for consumers in India to enjoy the premium Starbucks Experience, while further discovering the unique taste of high-quality Indian arabica coffee worldwide. TATA Starbucks Limited brings together two companies with a rich heritage in and passion for coffee, tea and innovative beverages. Together, the JV will enable an expanded range of beverage offerings for Indian consumers. As an example, the companies have agreed to jointly leverage assets and innovation to offer a premium&nbsp;tea product branded&nbsp;Tata Tazo.

“The joint venture with Starbucks is in line with Tata Global Beverages’ strategy of growing through strategic alliances in addition to organic and inorganic growth,” stated Mr. R K Krishnakumar, Vice Chairman, Tata Global Beverages. “It opens up exciting business opportunities and new formats for Tata Global Beverages. Starbucks brings unique retail expertise as well as a shared sense of business values. We are excited about the opportunities the alliance presents to innovate in the retail space and bring new beverage experiences to more consumers in India, leveraging the global in-home expertise of Tata Global Beverages and the global out-of-home expertise of Starbucks.”

“We’re very pleased to have found the best partner for Starbucks in Tata – a company that shares so many of the same values for conducting business in a way that earns the trust and respect of our customers and partners (employees),” said John Culver, president, Starbucks China and Asia Pacific. “We look forward to bringing the Starbucks Experience to customers in India by offering high quality arabica coffee, handcrafted beverages, locally relevant food, and legendary service.”

The TATA Starbucks Limited joint venture will operate cafés under the Quick Service Restaurant category. This partnership will enable the introduction of the unique Starbucks Experience to Indian consumers. Through a separate coffee sourcing and roasting agreement, Starbucks and Tata Coffee Limited will work toward developing and improving the profile of Indian-grown arabica coffees around the world by elevating the stature of Indian coffee through joint marketing efforts, as well as improving the quality of coffee through sustainable practices and advanced agronomy solutions.

Starbucks and Tata share common values of responsible business ethics and a commitment to community. Tata Coffee Limited has been working to improve the lives of coffee growing communities in the State of Karnataka. Through an initial financial commitment, Starbucks will work with Tata to support 'Swastha,' a school for children with special needs (in partnership with the Coorg Foundation) and aim to increase its capacity and outreach into the rural communities in the coffee growing region of Karnataka. Tata Coffee Limited and Starbucks also plan to work together on initiatives including the promotion of responsible agronomy practices and the provision of training for local farmers, technicians and agronomists to improve their coffee-growing and milling skills, along with exploring community projects which could positively impact the communities in the coffee growing regions where Tata is active.

Since 1971, Starbucks Coffee Company has been committed to ethically sourcing and roasting the highest-quality arabica coffee in the world. Today, with more than 17,000 stores around the globe, the company is the premier roaster and retailer of specialty coffee in the world. Through our unwavering commitment to excellence and our guiding principles, we bring the unique Starbucks Experience to life for every customer through every cup. To share in the experience, please visit us in our stores or online at <a href="http://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.starbucks.com%2F&amp;esheet=50149097&amp;lan=en-US&amp;anchor=www.starbucks.com&amp;index=1&amp;md5=4b4a069c924bc054b9cb83652c6ba0c4">www.starbucks.com</a>.

About Tata Global Beverages and Tata Coffee

Tata Global Beverages is a part of the global Tata Group. Tata Global Beverages is a global beverage business and the world’s second largest tea company. The group’s annual turnover is US $1.5 bn and it employs around 3000 people worldwide. The Company focuses on ‘good for you’ beverages and has a stable of innovative regional and global beverage brands, including Tata Tea, Tetley, Himalayan natural mineral water and Eight O’ Clock Coffee. For more information, please visit <a href="http://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.tataglobalbeverages.com&amp;esheet=50149097&amp;lan=en-US&amp;anchor=www.tataglobalbeverages.com&amp;index=2&amp;md5=f22b83ffa2df396785c8ec127ce13a60">www.tataglobalbeverages.com</a>.

Tata Coffee is a subsidiary of Tata Global Beverages. It is Asia’s largest coffee plantation company and the 3rd largest exporter of instant coffee in the country. The Company produces more than 10,000 MT of shade grown Arabica and Robusta coffees at its 19 estates in South India and its two Instant Coffee manufacturing facilities have a combined installed capacity of 6000 metric tonnes. It exports green coffee to countries in Europe, Asia, Middle East and North America. Tata Coffee’s farms are triple certified: Utz, Rainforest Alliance and SA8000, reinforcing its commitment to the people and the environment.

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Tata Global Beverages and Starbucks Form Joint Venture to Open Starbucks Cafes across India : Starbucks Stories Asia

Tata Global Beverages and Starbucks Form Joint Venture to Open Starbucks Cafes across India

Separate Coffee Sourcing and Roasting Agreement with Tata Coffee Ltd will accelerate the discovery of Indian arabica coffees in India and around the world

http://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=bwnews&amp;sty=20120130005608r2&amp;sid=tekgr&amp;distro=nx

https://stories.starbucks.com/asia/stories/2012/tata-global-beverages-and-starbucks-form-joint-venture-to-open-starbucks-ca/

SHANGHAI, December 08, 2011 - Riding on the momentum from the opening of its 500th store in Mainland China in October, Starbucks Coffee Company (NASDAQ: SBUX) entered another five new Chinese cities: Langfang (Hebei Province), Zhengzhou (provincial capital of Henan Province), Harbin (provincial capital of Heilongjiang Province), Xiangtan (Hunan Province) and Zhoushan (Zhejiang Province). In the past year, Starbucks has successfully entered 13 new cities in Mainland China and the stores in these communities have been popular and well-accepted by local customers.

"Entering five new Chinese cities this month demonstrates our strong commitment to China, our second home market outside of the United States," said John Culver, president, Starbucks China and Asia Pacific. "Starbucks has never been better positioned for sustained profitable growth than we are today and we aim to accelerate this momentum in 2012. We look forward to opening more stores and entering more new cities to reach Chinese consumers."

As previously announced, approximately half of the 300 Starbucks China and Asia Pacific new store openings, in fiscal 2012, will be in China.

"At Starbucks China, we want to grow in a way that is unique to the brand – not only ensuring positive store sales, but also deepening our coffee authority, elevating the customer experience and contributing to the thriving communities in which we operate," added Belinda Wong, president, Starbucks China. "We know each Starbucks store is unique to our partners (employees), customers and the community. As such, we are not just aiming to open another 1,000 stores over the next four years; we are going to open one store 1,000 times because each store is important."

On December 1, Starbucks served its first cup of StarbucksÂ® coffee in Harbin in Northeast China, which marks the global coffee company's northernmost store in Asia. Despite the cold temperature, long queues formed outside the new store with local customers eager to be amongst the first in their city to engage in the authentic Starbucks Experience. Starbucks first store in Harbin is located in the city's most popular cultural and heritage district. On December 2, Starbucks opened its first store in the city of Xiangtan. The store is prominently located at the city's largest Bubugao Shopping Mall.

Since its entry into China in 1999, Starbucks has not only been a symbol of China's rapid urban development, but also for its customer: the authentic coffee culture, genuine moments of connection between its partners and customers, and unique Starbucks Experience have come to embody a new modern lifestyle pursuit and aspiration. Starbucks today operates more than 500 stores, across 44 Chinese cities.

Since 1971, Starbucks Coffee Company has been committed to ethically sourcing and roasting the highest-quality arabica coffee in the world. Today, with stores around the globe, the company is the premier roaster and retailer of specialty coffee in the world. Through our unwavering commitment to excellence and our guiding principles, we bring the unique Starbucks Experience to life for every customer through every cup. To share in the experience, please visit us in our stores or online at <a href="http://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.starbucks.com&amp;esheet=50100599&amp;lan=en-US&amp;anchor=www.starbucks.com&amp;index=1&amp;md5=ed29403f8f5bfba140f22ccb65d73d7f">www.starbucks.com</a>.

Starbucks Enters Five New Cities Across Mainland China : Starbucks Stories Asia

Starbucks Enters Five New Cities Across Mainland China

Company continues growth momentum in fiscal 2012 to achieve its goal to serve customers through 1,500 stores in Mainland China by 2015

http://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=bwnews&amp;sty=20111208006011r1&amp;sid=tekgr&amp;distro=nx

https://stories.starbucks.com/asia/stories/2011/starbucks-enters-five-new-cities-across-mainland-china/

BEIJING, October 25, 2011 - Starbucks Coffee Company (NASDAQ: SBUX) today celebrated the opening of its 500th store in China. Belinda Wong, president, Starbucks China, joined Starbucks partners (employees) and customers in Beijing, for this momentous occasion. The Starbucks China 500th store is located at the international departure hall of the Beijing Capital International Airport Terminal 3. It is also Starbucks 7th store in China's largest and busiest airport. As part of the celebration, Starbucks customers in Beijing were treated to a â€˜coffee break' in appreciation for their loyalty to the Starbucks brand and the company's continued commitment to growth in China.

"The opening of our 500th store in China is a significant milestone in our ambitious growth plans to serve our customers through 1,500 stores by 2015," said Wong. "We firmly believe that each Starbucks store is unique to our partners, customers and the community. Delivering the Starbucks Experience in ways that exceed customers' expectations in every one of our locations is critical to our continued success."

Over the past year, Starbucks has successfully entered more than 10 new markets in China, serving millions of new customers monthly. The stores in these new markets have been well-accepted by the local customers and community.

"As we continue to accelerate our growth momentum in 2012, we also recognize that the best success is shared success. Our partners are at the heart and soul of the Starbucks Experience we deliver to our customers every day," added Wong.

"The Starbucks brand continues to resonate with the Chinese consumer," stated John Culver, president, Starbucks China and Asia Pacific. "As we open more stores and reach more customers throughout China we will stay true to the foundation that has built our success, including providing the highest quality arabica coffee, handcrafted beverages, and an exceptional experience, one customer at a time."

The Starbucks 500th store celebration was held at the Starbucks Full Link store in Beijing's central business district with Starbucks customers and partners. This newly renovated store showcases Starbucks new store design concept in China, which aims to create an authentic, yet locally-relevant, Starbucks Experience. The store features the seamless fusion of Chinese and western design elements, integrating Starbucks coffee heritage and expertise with that of China's distinctive cultural heritage. This balance of Starbucks heritage and local relevance is paramount to Starbucks mission to further elevate Starbucks third place experience for its customers in China.

For the past 12 years, Starbucks has not only been a symbol of China's rapid urban development, but also for its customer: the authentic coffee culture, genuine moments of connection between its partners and customers, and unique Starbucks Experience have come to embody a new modern lifestyle pursuit and aspiration.

Starbucks today operates more than 800 stores across Greater China, with 500 stores on the mainland, across 42 cities.

Since 1971, Starbucks Coffee Company has been committed to ethically sourcing and roasting the highest-quality arabica coffee in the world. Today, with stores around the globe, the company is the premier roaster and retailer of specialty coffee in the world. Through our unwavering commitment to excellence and our guiding principles, we bring the unique Starbucks Experience to life for every customer through every cup. To share in the experience, please visit us in our stores or online at <a href="http://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.starbucks.com&amp;esheet=50041890&amp;lan=en-US&amp;anchor=www.starbucks.com&amp;index=1&amp;md5=3223797e2963a0a42048038611095bb7">www.starbucks.com</a>.

Starbucks Celebrates Its 500th Store Opening in Mainland China : Starbucks Stories Asia

Starbucks Celebrates Its 500th Store Opening in Mainland China

Company continues growth momentum in 2012 500th Store milestone includes a total of 800 stores across Greater China in 42 Cities Company plans to reach 1,500 stores in Mainland China by 2015

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https://stories.starbucks.com/asia/stories/2011/starbucks-celebrates-its-500th-store-opening-in-mainland-china/

SENDAI, Japan, October 12, 2011 - As part of its long-term dedication to the relief and recovery efforts following the devastating earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan on March 11, Starbucks Coffee Japan today announced the establishment of the Starbucks CUP Fund (Caring Unites Partners).Â&nbsp;Affected partners (employees) in Japan will be eligible to receive cash grants based on their needs and situation.Â&nbsp;Established with the help of a personal donation of US$1 million by Howard and Sheri Schultz, the CUP Fund will continue on and provide support for partners in the future as well.

The CUP Fund, which currently operates in the U.S., Canada and China, was inspired and created by a group of partners in 1999. The program empowers partners to help other partners experiencing significant hardship due to catastrophic circumstances beyond their control, including natural disasters. All partners are eligible to apply for assistance. This program is funded solely by partner contributions and fundraising activities.

Howard Schultz, chairman, president and ceo, Starbucks Coffee Company, joined Starbucks Coffee Japan leaders today in Sendai, the area most impacted by the earthquake and tsunami. Schultz met with partners from 52 stores in the area to announce the formation of the CUP Fund in Japan.

"Our partners remain at the heart of our business," said Schultz. "Initiatives like the CUP Fund are part of our core values as a company. As we celebrate our 15th anniversary in Japan, I'm proud to continue our tradition of bringing together people in communities where we do business."

"This type of fund has never existed in Japan before and we are proud to be a part of it," said Mr. Tokuoka, director, Starbucks CUP Fund Japan. "The grants generated will be allocated to impacted partners starting in December, which will be most helpful during the holiday season. Partners will be able to directly aid their fellow partners in rebuilding their lives after the disaster."

The Starbucks Foundation and Starbucks Coffee Japan contributed Â¥100 million (US$1.2 million) to the Red Cross for relief efforts in Japan. As a company, Starbucks has used its store footprint around the world to help customers support donations to the Red Cross and other relief organizations. To date, Red Cross donations through stores in the U.S. and Canada have generated more than US$280,000.

Since 1971, Starbucks Coffee Company has been committed to ethically sourcing and roasting the highest qualityÂ&nbsp;arabica coffee in the world. Today, with stores around the globe, the company is the premier roaster and retailer of specialty coffee in the world. Through our unwavering commitment to excellence and our guiding principles, we bring the unique Starbucks Experience to life for every customer through every cup. To share in the experience, please visit us in our stores or online at <a href="http://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.starbucks.com%2F&amp;esheet=50027385&amp;lan=en-US&amp;anchor=www.starbucks.com&amp;index=1&amp;md5=4bab363582ae48193a5d75380c87ed7c">www.starbucks.com</a>.

core/freeform

Starbucks Coffee Japan Continues its Dedication to Japan's Relief and Recovery Efforts : Starbucks Stories Asia

Starbucks Coffee Japan Continues its Dedication to Japan&#8217;s Relief and Recovery Efforts

As Starbucks Celebrates its 15th Anniversary in Japan, chairman, president and ceo, Howard Schultz visits Sendai; Reaffirms the Company&rsquo;s Continued Commitment to Community through Establishment of CUP Fund for Employees

http://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=bwnews&amp;sty=20111012006766r1&amp;sid=tekgr&amp;distro=nx

https://stories.starbucks.com/asia/stories/2011/starbucks-coffee-japan-continues-its-dedication-to-japans-relief-and-recove/

Starbucks Coffee Japan Continues its Dedication to Japan’s Relief and Recovery Efforts

SEATTLE, June 01, 2011 - Starbucks Coffee Company (NASDAQ:SBUX) today announced the signing of a contractual agreement with Maxim's Caterers Ltd, its long time joint-venture partner in South China, including Hong Kong and Macau. Starbucks has assumed 100 percent equity of its business in the important China provinces of Guangdong, Hainan, Sichuan, Shaanxi and Hubei, and the municipality of Chongqing. As a result, Starbucks now has full control of more than half of the Starbucks retail stores in Mainland China as it looks to accelerate growth in the future.

Also as part of the agreement, Maxim's has acquired Starbucks remaining equity stake in the Hong Kong and Macau markets, assuming 100 percent equity of those markets.

"Full ownership of our stores in Central, South and Western China is part of our broader strategy to build China as our second home market outside of the U.S. and allows us to accelerate growth as we look to achieve our goal of having 1,500 stores across the country by 2015," said John Culver, president, Starbucks Coffee International. "In addition, this agreement demonstrates our commitment to our 11-year partnership with Maxim's. We are confident they will continue to maximize the growth of the Starbucks brand in the Hong Kong and Macau markets, delivering an unparalleled Starbucks Experience to our customers."

"We are very pleased with our long term relationship with Starbucks. Over the past decade, Starbucks has dedicated itself to cultivating coffee culture in Hong Kong and Macau by enthusing our neighborhoods with our passion for coffee," said Michael Wu, Chairman and Managing Director, Maxim's Caterers Ltd. "We will continue to build upon our strong business foundation to grow the Starbucks business in the Hong Kong and Macau markets and look forward to serving more customers and elevating the Starbucks Experience."

The partnership between Starbucks and Maxim's started more than 11 years ago in Hong Kong, with the opening of the first Starbucks store in Hong Kong's Exchange Square. Today, there are more than 110 Starbucks stores in Hong Kong and Macau, employing over 1,300 partners in both markets.

Since 1971, Starbucks Coffee Company has been committed to ethically sourcing and roasting the highest-quality arabica coffee in the world. Today, with stores around the globe, the company is the premier roaster and retailer of specialty coffee in the world. Through our unwavering commitment to excellence and our guiding principles, we bring the unique Starbucks Experience to life for every customer through every cup. To share in the experience, please visit us in our stores or online at <a href="http://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.starbucks.com&amp;esheet=6745827&amp;lan=en-US&amp;anchor=www.starbucks.com&amp;index=1&amp;md5=4677fcf102d6ef571b47125f2e37c903">www.starbucks.com</a>.

Founded in 1956, Hong Kong Maxim's Group has grown into the largest catering company in Hong Kong, operating 650 outlets, while serving more than 540,000 people every day. The Group offers a diversified service comprising Chinese, Asian and European restaurants, fast food outlets, cake shops, coffee shops, conveyor-belt sushi chain and institutional catering, while our mooncake has been the No. 1 Seller in Hong Kong since 1998.

Starbucks Acquires Full Ownership of Starbucks Stores in Central, South &amp; Western China : Starbucks Stories Asia

Starbucks Acquires Full Ownership of Starbucks Stores in Central, South &amp; Western China

Agreement supports aggressive growth plans in China and demonstrates strength of Maxim&rsquo;s commitment to building the Starbucks brand in the Hong Kong and Macau markets

http://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=bwnews&amp;sty=20110601007627r1&amp;sid=tekgr&amp;distro=nx

https://stories.starbucks.com/asia/stories/2011/starbucks-acquires-full-ownership-of-starbucks-stores-in-central-south-west/

Starbucks Acquires Full Ownership of Starbucks Stores in Central, South & Western China

Our heartfelt condolences go out to the victims of the devastating earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan on March 11, 2011.
Starbucks Coffee JapanÂ&nbsp; is beginning the slow process of recovery. We have confirmed the safety of all our partners who were working when the earthquake and tsunami occurred. We are still working to verify the safety of a few remaining partners in the hardest hit areas who were not working.Â&nbsp; About 30 of the more than 900 stores in Japan are closed, however hours of open stores may vary due to rolling power outages.
The Starbucks Foundation and Starbucks Coffee Japan contributed Â¥100 million (US$1.2 million)Â&nbsp; to the Red Cross for relief efforts in Japan (press release: <a href="http://news.starbucks.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=505">Starbucks to Contribute Â¥100 Million to Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami Relief Efforts</a>).
Additionally, Starbucks partners (employees) in the U.S. and Canada can contribute directly to the Red Cross or other emergency relief organizations and Starbucks will match those donations of $20 or more.
As a company, we are using our store footprint around the world to help customers support donations to the Red Cross and other relief organizations. To date, Red Cross donations through stores in the U.S. and Canada have generated more than US$140,000. In EMEA and the U.K., customers may donate through various in-store collection points, and in Asia Pacific, our business partners have provided donations directly to their local Red Cross or other NGOs engaged in relief work in Japan. The Philippines stores are matching customer donations, Taiwan and Hong Kong stores are donating portions of sales for relief efforts, and the Asia Pacific region and Starbucks Singapore are matching partner contributions. 
Â

Media Alert: Update to Starbucks Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Relief Efforts : Starbucks Stories Asia

Media Alert: Update to Starbucks Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Relief Efforts

Our heartfelt condolences go out to the victims of the devastating earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan on March 11, 2011. Starbucks Coffee JapanÂ&nbsp; is beginning the slow process of recovery. We have confirmed the safety of all our partners who were working when the earthquake and tsunami occurred. We are still working to verify […]

https://stories.starbucks.com/asia/stories/2011/media-alert-update-to-starbucks-japan-earthquake-and-tsunami-relief-efforts/

MUMBAI, India, January 13, 2011 - In a significant step toward market entry in India, Starbucks Coffee Company (Nasdaq: SBUX) today signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Tata Coffee Limited, one of the region’s leading providers of premium arabica coffee beans. The MoU will create avenues of collaboration between the two companies for sourcing and roasting high-quality green coffee beans in Tata Coffee’s Coorg, India facility. In addition, Tata and Starbucks will jointly explore the development of Starbucks retail stores in associated retail outlets and hotels.

The agreement recognizes Starbucks and Tata Coffee’s shared commitment to responsible business values. In accordance with the MoU, the two companies will collaborate on the promotion of responsible agronomy practices, including training for local farmers, technicians and agronomists to improve their coffee-growing and milling skills. Building on Tata’s demonstrated commitment to community development, the two companies also will explore social projects to positively impact communities in coffee growing regions where Tata operates.

Commenting on the announcement, R K Krishnakumar, Chairman of Tata Coffee, said, “We welcome Starbucks entry into India because of both its unique experience with the store format and for its commitment to society, values that we share.”

“India is one of the most dynamic markets in the world with a diverse culture and tremendous potential,” said Howard Schultz, Chairman, President and CEO, Starbucks Coffee Company. “This MoU is the first step in our entry to India. We are focused on exploring local sourcing and roasting opportunities with the thousands of coffee farmers within the Tata ecosystem. We believe India can be an important source for coffee in the domestic market, as well as across the many regions globally where Starbucks has operations.”

Tata Coffee, with its large arabica coffee production base spread over different growing districts of South India, has supplied premium coffee beans for Starbucks in the past and is now building a structure for a long-term relationship.

In the areas of sourcing and roasting, Tata Coffee and Starbucks will explore procuring green coffee from Tata Coffee estates and roasting in Tata Coffee’s existing roasting facilities. At a later phase, both Tata Coffee and Starbucks will consider jointly investing in additional facilities and roasting green coffee for export to other markets.

Tata Coffee has rich expertise in the bean-to-cup value chain, with an unyielding focus on quality. It has won global accolades for its premium coffees. Over the years, Tata Coffee has further strengthened its arabica coffee production base by producing premium specialty coffee. The company has an internationally certified (ISO:22000) Roast &amp; Ground unit at Kushalnagar in the Coorg district of India, and is a dedicated supplier to cafes across the country and specialty roasters across the globe. Tata Coffee has rapidly transformed itself by adding to its portfolio through acquisitions, becoming a more vertically integrated business.

Starbucks Coffee Company is the premier roaster and retailer of specialty coffee in the world, headquartered in the United States, in Seattle, Washington. The company manages over 16,000 stores and operates in more than 50 countries. Starbucks sells a wide variety of coffee and tea products with a range of complementary food items, primarily through retail stores. Starbucks has a long association with India. For the last seven years, the company has been ethically sourcing coffee beans from India and contributing to several social programs in the country. Starbucks believes in doing business responsibly to earn the trust and respect of its customers, partners and neighbors.

Since 1971, Starbucks Coffee Company has been committed to ethically sourcing and roasting the highest-quality arabica coffee in the world. Today, with stores around the globe, the company is the premier roaster and retailer of specialty coffee in the world. Through our unwavering commitment to excellence and our guiding principles, we bring the unique Starbucks Experience to life for every customer through every cup. To share in the experience, please visit us in our stores or online at <a href="http://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.starbucks.com%2F&amp;esheet=6571771&amp;lan=en-US&amp;anchor=www.starbucks.com&amp;index=1&amp;md5=cb03675f9c97a5106cba13378756d883">www.starbucks.com</a>.

Tata Coffee is Asia’s largest coffee plantation company and the 3rd largest exporter of instant coffee in the country. The Company produces more than 10,000 MT of shade grown Arabica and Robusta coffees at its 19 estates in South India and its two Instant Coffee manufacturing facilities have a combined installed capacity of 6000 metric tonnes. It exports green coffee to countries in Europe, Asia, Middle East and North America. In 2006, Tata Coffee acquired Eight 'O Clock Coffee Co., a segment leader in the US coffee retail market for US$ 220 million.

Tata Coffee’s other areas of business include tea, pepper, timber and hospitality in the form of ‘Plantation Trails’ – which recreates the plantation lifestyle of yesteryears. Tata Coffee’s farms are triple certified: Utz, Rainforest Alliance and SA8000 reinforcing its commitment to the people and the environment.

Tata Coffee &amp; Starbucks Sign MoU for Strategic Alliance in India : Starbucks Stories Asia

Tata Coffee &amp; Starbucks Sign MoU for Strategic Alliance in India

~ Companies to Explore Collaboration for Sourcing and Roasting Premium Coffee Beans in India; Agreement Will Support Starbucks Future Market Entry and Operations in India ~

http://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=bwnews&amp;sty=20110113005670r1&amp;sid=tekgr&amp;distro=nx

https://stories.starbucks.com/asia/stories/2011/tata-coffee-starbucks-sign-mou-for-strategic-alliance-in-india/

Tata Coffee & Starbucks Sign MoU for Strategic Alliance in India

SEOUL, July 28, 2009 – In commemoration of its 10th year anniversary, Starbucks Coffee Korea (SCK) celebrated its passion for coffee and dedication to Korea by revealing initiatives that are set to create a better future for the communities that it serves. The company announces several local Starbucks™ Shared Planet™ goals as a commitment to support the company's overall global responsibility targets. Starbucks is also proud to partner with three local non-profit organizations to support passionate young people in their community efforts through the Starbucks™ Shared Planet™ Youth Action Grants.
The celebration event was held at the first Starbucks store in Korea on Ewha Womans University Street, which has been remodeled with unique local and green design elements to reflect Starbucks passion for coffee, the local community and the environment. Joining the event were Martin Coles, president – Starbucks Coffee International; Dorothy Kim, senior vice president – Starbucks Global Strategy; Mercy Corrales, president – Starbucks Coffee Asia Pacific; Seock Koo Lee, president – Starbucks Coffee Korea, Myung Shin Lee, representative from World Vision, as well as customers and partners (employees). 
"We would like to thank our Korea customers and partners for embracing Starbucks over the past 10 years," said Lee. "We are proud to be serving customers in approximately 300 stores in 35 cities everyday, which offer us opportunities to work together in positively contributing to communities in which we operate." 
"From the neighborhoods where our stores are located to the regions where our coffee is grown, we believe in being involved in the communities we're a part of," said Coles. "The Starbucks Shared Planet local goals will continue to challenge us to be a better company while reaffirming Starbucks leadership in the retail and coffee industries in Korea. I'm proud of what we're doing in Korea to live up to the core values of Starbucks." 
The specific goals Starbucks Coffee Korea plans to achieve by the end of 2010 in support of the company's longer-term goals include:Â

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As a key step toward achieving its community involvement goals, the company also announced the first Starbucks Shared Planet Youth Action Grants in Korea that will benefit the following programs:

In October 2008, the company announced its global Starbucks™ Shared Planet™ goals that it has set out to achieve by 2015 in the areas of community involvement, environmental stewardship and ethical sourcing including:

To learn more about Starbucks™ Shared Planet™, visit <a href="http://www.starbucks.com/sharedplanet">www.starbucks.com/sharedplanet</a>. About Starbucks Coffee Korea Starbucks Coffee Korea opened its first store in Ewha Womans University on July 27, 1999. Today Starbucks Coffee Korea operates over 300 stores in 35 cities throughout Korea. For more information, please visit us in our stores or online at <a href="http://www.istarbucks.co.kr">www.istarbucks.co.kr</a>. About Starbucks Coffee Company Since 1971, Starbucks Coffee Company has been committed to ethically sourcing and roasting the highest quality arabicacoffee in the world. Today, with stores around the globe, the company is the premier roaster and retailer of specialty coffee in the world. Through our unwavering commitment to excellence and our guiding principles, we bring the unique Starbucks Experienceto life for every customer through every cup. To share in the experience, please visit us in our stores or online at <a href="http://www.starbucks.com">www.starbucks.com</a>. Â

Starbucks Celebrates Ten Years in Korea With a Passion to Create a Better Future for Local Communities : Starbucks Stories Asia

Starbucks Celebrates Ten Years in Korea With a Passion to Create a Better Future for Local Communities

The Company Announces Starbucks &trade; Shared Planet&trade; Local Goals and the First Three Beneficiaries of Starbucks&trade; Shared Planet&trade; Youth Action Grants in Korea

https://stories.starbucks.com/asia/stories/2009/starbucks-celebrates-ten-years-in-korea-with-a-passion-to-create-a-better-f/

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