Today, Starbucks Coffee Company® (NASDAQ:SBUX) introduced Starbucks Gift Cards at select locations in Mainland China. Starbucks Cards can be purchased in three unique design themes, including Thank You, Kind Regards and Happy Lunar New Year.

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"The Lunar New Year is a time when family and friends gather to meet, connect and share stories," said Belinda Wong, president, Starbucks China. "The Card is a convenient way for customers to recognize special people in their lives in a meaningful way and give the gift of Starbucks® coffee. It's the perfect gift for this, and any, occasion, and can be used at our stores in Mainland China year-round."

Since the Starbucks Card launched 12 years ago, $16 billion (U.S. dollars) has been loaded on more than 450 million cards in 27 countries worldwide (as of Sept. 30, 2013).

"The Starbucks Card has become a symbol of appreciation and human connection around the world," said Adam Brotman, chief digital officer for Starbucks. "We are thrilled to be able to now offer Starbucks Cards to our customers in China."

Timed to the launch of the Starbucks Gift Card in China, Starbucks is also offering a Lunar New Year Gift Card in participating Starbucks stores in the U.S. The Card celebrates the joyfulness and self-reliance of the horse, this year's honored animal of the Lunar New Year.

* The Starbucks Gift card is not available in Shanghai, Zhejiang and Jiangsu at this time.

** The Starbucks Gift Card cannot be exchanged for cash or used to purchase cash voucher coupons.

Since 1971, Starbucks Coffee Company has been committed to ethically sourcing and roasting high-quality arabicacoffee. 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://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.starbucks.com&amp;esheet=50776168&amp;newsitemid=20140103005095&amp;lan=en-US&amp;anchor=www.starbucks.com&amp;index=1&amp;md5=1676c70a7e7dde0641f10afca9689d43" rel="nofollow">www.starbucks.com</a>. Members of the media can engage with Starbucks online at <a href="http://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fnews.starbucks.com%2F&amp;esheet=50776168&amp;newsitemid=20140103005095&amp;lan=en-US&amp;anchor=news.starbucks.com&amp;index=2&amp;md5=d9bc89872152737d00e424362e4e73de" rel="nofollow">news.starbucks.com</a>or through Twitter at <a href="http://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Ftwitter.com%2Fstarbucksnews&amp;esheet=50776168&amp;newsitemid=20140103005095&amp;lan=en-US&amp;anchor=%40StarbucksNews&amp;index=3&amp;md5=09a12747f2336620bfd8be80e0d16f03" rel="nofollow">@StarbucksNews</a>.

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Starbucks Expands Starbucks Cards to China in Time for the Lunar New Year : Starbucks Stories Asia

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Starbucks Stories Asia

Starbucks Expands Starbucks Cards to China in Time for the Lunar New Year

Today, we introduced Starbucks Gift Cards at select locations in Mainland China. Starbucks Cards can be purchased in three unique design themes, including Thank You, Kind Regards and Happy Lunar New Year.

https://stories.starbucks.com/asia/stories/2014/starbucks-expands-starbucks-cards-to-china-in-time-for-the-lunar-new-year/

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Starbucks Foundation Donates $350,000 to Relief and Rebuilding Efforts in the Philippines

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We want to express our heartfelt concern for the thousands of people who have been impacted by the devastating, Super Typhoon Haiyan, in the Philippines. All of us at Starbucks are grateful to the many first responders who courageously, and selflessly&nbsp;are responding to this disaster and our thoughts and prayers are with the entire community that has been affected by this storm. &nbsp;

As part of our commitment to help this community, the Starbucks Foundation will be contributing $350,000 to support the relief and rebuilding efforts in the region.&nbsp; Of this, we are dedicating $200,000 to the American Red Cross Typhoon Appeal, and $150,000 to Mercy Corps to support long-term rebuilding efforts.&nbsp; Both organizations have already initiated the complex work of recovery.

In addition, Starbucks business partner Rustan Coffee has made a donation of $12,000 to the Volunteer Services Organization and our stores in the Philippines – which have reopened and all partners (employees) are safe and have been accounted for – will help raise funds over the holidays.&nbsp; This will come from the sale of limited-edition holiday planners, and we expect this to result in at least $50,000 that will also be directed to these efforts.

If you would like to help, partners and customers can text TYPHOON to 90999 to donate $10 to American Red Cross*,&nbsp;or find opportunities with Mercy Corps via&nbsp;<a href="http://www.mercycorps.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">http://www.mercycorps.org/&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;

*$10 donation to the American Red Cross: charges will appear on your wireless bill, or be deducted from your prepaid balance. All purchases must be authorized by account holder. Must be 18 years of age or have parental permission to participate. Message and Data Rates May Apply.&nbsp;Text STOP to 90999 to STOP. Text HELP to 90999 for HELP.&nbsp;Full Terms and Privacy Policy:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.redcross.org/m" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">www.redcross.org/m</a>

Starbucks Foundation Donates $350,000 to Relief and Rebuilding Efforts in the Philippines : Starbucks Stories Asia

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We want to express our heartfelt concern for the thousands of people who have been impacted by the devastating, Super Typhoon Haiyan, in the Philippines.

https://stories.starbucks.com/asia/stories/2013/starbucks-foundation-donates-350000-to-relief-and-rebuilding-efforts-in-the/

Stores feature innovative, new concepts, including a “coffee tribute” design and an “eclectic chic” 24-hour store, to elevate the unique Starbucks Experience and the local community connection for customers in Beijing, China

BEIJING, September 16, 2013 - Starbucks Coffee Company (NASDAQ: SBUX) today opened two flagship stores in China featuring new, bold design concepts to delight customers with an elevated Starbucks Experience. Starbucks China unveiled a ‘coffee tribute’ store at the prestigious Kerry Center in Beijing celebrating Starbucks coffee heritage and leadership, as well as an ‘eclectic chic’ 24-hour store in the heart of the cosmopolitan Taikoo Li Sanlitun district of Beijing that is symbolic of the&nbsp; energetic pulse of modern China.

“We are very proud of these two new iconic flagship stores in China. The new stores celebrate the unique place that coffee has in the daily lives of Chinese customers, and are a reflection of our near 15-year journey in China since we opened our first store in Beijing in 1999,” said John Culver, Starbucks Group President, China and Asia Pacific, Channel Development and Emerging Brands. “These new stores reflect our commitment to consistently elevate the Starbucks Experience while achieving the balance between representing our 42-year coffee heritage and China’s modern lifestyle.”

The new flagship stores in China were designed by members of the in-house Starbucks Global Design team and the local Starbucks China Design Studio, one of eighteen international design offices worldwide. This close collaboration between the global and local teams has ensured the stores reflect Starbucks passion for coffee; sharing Starbucks coffee knowledge and culture with Chinese customers, while paying deep respect to the coffee culture and tradition in China.

As a ‘coffee tribute’ store, the Kerry Center flagship store is a two-story design, built with coffee bars on both the lower and upper levels. The upper bar houses ‘The Starbucks Coffee Workshop,’ which invites customers to experience and discover Starbucks® unique coffees, celebrated by origin, while enjoying the finest hand-crafted espresso-beverages made by Starbucks highly trained baristas, certified as part of the Black Apron™ program and denoted by the signature black aprons. This unique store also features locally-relevant design elements, by local artists, to bring-to-life the Starbucks bean-to-cup journey and coffee heritage.&nbsp; Both the lower and upper level bars are carved and inked with visual images telling the story of how coffee beans are grown, sourced and processed, executed through a creative and modern interpretation of Chinese brush painting. Contemporary furniture combined with locally sourced artifacts, such as mooncake molds and repurposed Chinese blue ceramics, together with beautiful accent lighting and art, deliver an unparalleled Starbucks Experience that is distinctive to the Capital’s rich culture and traditions.

Reflecting the energy of a 24-hour store in one of the most current and cosmopolitan lifestyle sites in China, the bold design of the Taikoo Li Sanlitun store welcomes customers who want their coffee on-the-go in this fast-moving, energetic site, and embraces customers who want a respite to connect with friends while enjoying a refreshing beverage. The ceiling-to-floor glass windows at the store present a view of the site’s courtyard, a meeting point of China’s young and cosmopolitan people, and the window side bar and patio seats allow customers to enjoy the ever-changing view of the outdoor scape, drawing upon the energetic pulse of the crowd. On the weekend, live music fills the second floor of the store, called ‘Club 1971,’ in honor of the year that Starbucks was founded; bringing people together and giving&nbsp; aspiring musicians a stage to showcase their talent.

“We have been embraced so richly and warmly in China and the flagship stores are our way of celebrating the local community and our customer connection through tangible expressions of the inspiration we drew from Chinese culture, art, music and most importantly, the optimistic and positive energy of its people. Today is a proud moment as we peer into the future of the Starbucks Experience in China with the opening of these two iconic flagship stores,” added Culver.

Starbucks Unveils Two Iconic Flagship Stores in China : Starbucks Stories Asia

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Starbucks Unveils Two Iconic Flagship Stores in China

Stores feature innovative, new concepts, including a “coffee tribute” design and an “eclectic chic” 24-hour store, to elevate the unique Starbucks Experience and the local community connection for customers in Beijing, China &nbsp; BEIJING, September 16, 2013 &#8211; Starbucks Coffee Company (NASDAQ: SBUX) today opened two flagship stores in China featuring new, bold design concepts […]

https://stories.starbucks.com/asia/stories/2013/starbucks-unveils-two-iconic-flagship-stores-in-china/

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, June 26, 2013 - Ahead of its 15-year anniversary celebrations in Malaysia, Starbucks Coffee CompanyÂ&nbsp;(NASDAQ:SBUX) today announced plans to open 100 new stores in Malaysia over the next four years.

John Culver, group president, Starbucks China and Asia Pacific, Channel Development and Emerging Brands, reaffirmed the Company's commitment to building the brand in Malaysia, and across Southeast Asia, during his two-day market visit in Kuala Lumpur. Starbucks earlier announced plans to add 100 new stores in Indonesia over three years, 100 new stores in the Philippines over the next four years and to double the number of stores in Thailand over the next five years.

"We have a historic opportunity to become one of the most respected and enduring brands across Southeast Asia, delivering an unparalleled experience to Starbucks customers, while supporting local communities. In Malaysia, we are humbled by the way customers have embraced the Starbucks Experience, and as we look to celebrate 15 years in this dynamic market, I would like to thank our partners for earning the trust of our customers and sharing their coffee passion each and every day," said Culver. "We will continue to build the Starbucks brand in Malaysia holistically, adding 100 new stores over the next four years, evaluating ways to expand across new channels like grocery and convenience stores, all while staying true to our core values of investing in our people and in the communities we serve."

As part of this important 15-year milestone, Starbucks Malaysia recently announced the launch of its Connecting Communities Program, in conjunction with the Starbucks Card. Working closely with HOPE Worldwide, the program aims to create a scalable community project that contributes to small, local farming villages. Its first project raises funds for banana farming communities in rural Malaysia. By purchasing select food items, featuring locally-grown bananas, using their Starbucks Card, customers contribute 15 percent of the purchase price to farmers and their families in Kampung Lubuk Jaya, Kuala Selangor.Â&nbsp;Specifically, the funds raised will be used to build a computer learning center for the children of the farming village.

Starbucks Malaysia will continue to deepen its connections with the Malaysian community and to leverage its scale to make a positive difference to local causes that matter most to its Malaysian customers. During the month of April 2013, when Starbucks celebrated its annual Global Month of Service, Starbucks Malaysia partners and customers contributed a record 19,000 community service hours, over 30 days, on 32 different local community service activities.

Starbucks entered the Malaysian market with the opening of its first store at KL Plaza in Kuala Lumpur, in 1998. Today Starbucks has 141 stores across Malaysia and operates more than 700 stores across six Southeast Asian markets, including Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and, most recently, Vietnam.

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=50659922&amp;newsitemid=20130626005446&amp;lan=en-US&amp;anchor=www.starbucks.com&amp;index=1&amp;md5=40bec459f917bec0ce1b4778bf00552c">www.starbucks.com</a>.

Starbucks Announces the Opening of 100 New Stores in Malaysia over the Next Four Years : Starbucks Stories Asia

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Starbucks Announces the Opening of 100 New Stores in Malaysia over the Next Four Years

Latest store expansion plans reinforce Company&rsquo;s long-term commitment to Southeast Asia; focusing on building the brand holistically &ndash; elevating the customer experience and investing in local communities

https://stories.starbucks.com/asia/stories/2013/starbucks-announces-the-opening-of-100-new-stores-in-malaysia-over-the-next/

BANGKOK, May 13, 2013 - Starbucks Coffee Company?(Nasdaq:SBUX) chairman, president, and ceo Howard Schultz, today inaugurated the first Starbucks community store outside of the United States, in the Langsuan neighborhood of Bangkok, Thailand. Schultz was in Bangkok celebrating 15 years in market with Starbucks partners (employees) and to officially open Starbucks first community store in Asia, where 10 percent of sales from Starbucks hand-crafted beverages will be directed to the farming communities of Northern Thailand.

As the Company continues to accelerate growth in Southeast Asia, Thailand will play a critical role in that development and expansion. Today Starbucks Thailand announced the doubling of its store count over the next 5 years. With 15 years in the Thailand market, Starbucks is humbled by the strong relationship it has built with customers and is committed to continued innovation and community investment.

"As I join the team today to celebrate 15 years in market, there is an unparalleled passion our partners demonstrate for delivering the Starbucks Experience to our customers in Thailand; I have never been more confident in our ability to grow this market, doubling store count over the next 5 years," stated Schultz. "As we continue to grow, it is critical that we stay true to our more than 40 years of heritage, continuing to build our business with a focus on taking care of our people, creating moments of connection with our customers and giving back to the communities where we do business. The community store in Langsuan signifies our ongoing commitment to give back to communities, and more specifically, to support and sustain local coffee and farming communities in Northern Thailand," stated Schultz.

This is Starbucks fourth community store globally. Currently, Starbucks operates three community stores in Los Angeles, New York and Texas. Each store operates with a commitment to serving the local community, with the recognition that when communities thrive we all benefit. While the profit-sharing models of each store varies according to the specific needs of the local community, one thing remains constant - the belief that when communities come together, there can be positive change.

As part of this unique collaboration, 10 percent of sales of hand-crafted beverages purchased at the Langsuan community store will be directed to The Integrated Tribal Development Program (ITDP). The funds will contribute to the building of a learning center in Mae KheeMukNoi and Kong Kai village's, Mae Chaem, Chiang Mai and, thereafter, will be dedicated to supporting sustainable education, health and irrigation projects. Starbucks Thailand has been supporting the farming communities in Thailand for more than 10 years with 5 percent of the Thai sales of Starbucks Muan Jai® blend, sourced from the region being invested back in the local coffee farming communities.

"Daily life for many farming communities in Northern Thailand is challenging, with limited access to healthcare or education and almost no opportunities to break out of poverty. Starbucks commitment to these communities has already made an enormous difference with several thousands of people benefiting through improved water access, local medical clinics and schools. Many communities now are starting to thrive, but there is still a lot of work to do and I am very excited that the new community store at Langsuan will be part of that progress - giving hope and a better future to thousands of hill tribe communities, who, in return, will continue to grow high quality coffee," said Mike Mann, Director of ITDP.

Many Langsuan neighborhood customers may have never visited the farming communities of Northern Thailand; the Starbucks community store will work to bridge these two communities allowing the people in the Langsuan neighborhood to contribute to making the lives of the people in a distant, challenged coffee growing community, stronger.

Dating back 80 years, the Starbucks Langsuan community store location is itself a testament to tradition and culture. Housed in a traditional Thai style home, the interior space reflects local sentiment and pays homage to local culture, taking inspiration from the northern hill tribe farming communities.

Starbucks community store is in process of gaining LEED® certified approval, adhering to the most stringent global standards for environmental stewardship. This includes using reclaimed wood and local sourcing materials.

"Our new community store is unique to Thailand and our hope is that this powerful relationship – which allows?coffee farming communities to receive contributions from Starbucks through The Integrated Tribal Development Program (ITDP) – will be an inspiration to our partners and customers," said Murray Darling, managing director, Starbucks Coffee, Thailand. "We have been sourcing coffee from Thailand since 2002 and created our own Muan Jai® blend with coffee grown in this region, and this community store underscores the strong relationship and the significant commitment we have with the coffee farming communities in Northern Thailand. Working together, we hope to make long-term, positive change."

Starbucks Langsuan community store is now open and located at 39/1 Soi Langsuan, Lumpini Patumwan, Bangkok 10330.

For more information about Starbucks Global Responsibility programs please go to: <a href="http://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.starbucks.com%2Fresponsibility&amp;esheet=50630640&amp;lan=en-US&amp;anchor=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.starbucks.com%2Fresponsibility&amp;index=1&amp;md5=58ee1ebd674008860123c51a76ec3eb4">http://www.starbucks.com/responsibility</a>

About Starbucks Corporation

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=50630640&amp;lan=en-US&amp;anchor=www.starbucks.com&amp;index=2&amp;md5=ab38c92f08db88f480000778cb1671e5">www.starbucks.com</a>.

About Starbucks Coffee Thailand

Starbucks Coffee (Thailand) Co., Ltd. was founded in Thailand in July 1998. Starbucks Coffee (Thailand) now operates 168 retail locations throughout the Kingdom of Thailand. The company is dedicated to making the Starbucks Experience a rewarding part of the day for all its customers in Thailand, while contributing positively to the community through its sponsorship of sustainable coffee production with Thai hill tribes under the name of Muan Jai®(Thai blended coffee). <a href="http://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.starbucks.co.th&amp;esheet=50630640&amp;lan=en-US&amp;anchor=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.starbucks.co.th&amp;index=3&amp;md5=9d1c8d7a60ac9301af08b2fa063065ac">http://www.starbucks.co.th</a>

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Starbucks Builds on Long-Standing Commitment to Investing in Communities Launching First Community Store in Asia : Starbucks Stories Asia

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Starbucks Builds on Long-Standing Commitment to Investing in Communities Launching First Community Store in Asia

Celebrates 15 years in Thailand market, announcing the doubling of store count over the next five years and a unique profit-sharing store, where 10 percent of sales from every hand-crafted Starbucks; beverage purchased will support coffee farming communities of Northern Thailand

https://stories.starbucks.com/asia/stories/2013/starbucks-builds-on-long-standing-commitment-to-investing-in-communities-la/

TOKYO, May 10, 2013 - Starbucks Coffee Company (NASDAQ: SBUX) today reaffirmed its confidence in its Japan growth story, following a market visit by Howard Schultz, Starbucks chairman, president and ceo, where he met with Starbucks partners (employees) and customers. As Starbucks first international market outside of North America, Starbucks is on track to open its 1,000th store in Japan this summer and is looking forward to further elevating the unique and locally-relevant Starbucks Experience in the market, as the company looks beyond its 1,000th store milestone.

"Joining Starbucks partners in Tokyo today, as Starbucks Coffee Japan celebrates record revenue and profit for 2012, I am incredibly proud of this team and thankful for the authentic way they have delivered the Starbucks Experienceto customers in Japan," stated Schultz. "We will soon exceed 1,000 stores in Japan, an important milestone in our development, and we are confident that there is plenty of opportunity for more innovative growth and development in this dynamic market. Starbucks will continue to grow in a way that reflects our local customer and the communities we serve – through innovative store designs and formats, locally-relevant beverage and food offerings, continued investments to build an even more engaging digital experience, and an unparalleled in-store Starbucks Experience. Our partners are the key to our continued success and the passion and commitment I witnessed during my market visit gives me every confidence that these are still the early days of our growth in Japan."

Schultz celebrated the opening of the new Starbucks® Meguro store in Tokyo; its store design and experience has been inspired by the traditional Japanese â€˜Ichi-go ichi-e' service spirit (literal translation: one time, one meeting). Opened within the same building where the new Starbucks Coffee Japan Support Center is located, this store aims to highlight Starbucks mission - to inspire and nurture the human spirit, one person, one cup, one neighborhood at a time, and will serve to guide the company as it expands its store portfolio in Japan.

In celebrating the Starbucks brand and taking it beyond 1,000 stores, the Meguro store features locally relevant, simple design solutions that support the creation of powerful moments of connection. The design takes queues from traditional tea houses, as well as modern craftsmanship and translucent elements that allow consistent interactivity between customers and partners. Parts of a green garden and local contemporary art are also featured in the store. These elements provide another point of connection with the local community and culture.

"Innovation and an enhanced, yet relevant, customer experience are critical to our success in Japan. It is about that single moment of connection between the barista and our customer as they walk in our store and we deliver the perfect hand-crafted beverage that differentiates the Starbucks Experience for our customers," added Schultz. "The Starbucks® Meguro store represents the importance of those single moments of connection and our 41-year heritage."

The Starbucks® Meguro store is built to LEED® certified standards and Japan today ranks 4th in overall number of stores that are LEED certified across Starbucks markets. Japan was our first market in Asia to certify a LEED store.

Since the opening of its first store in Ginza, Tokyo, back in August 1996, Starbucks has forged a deep emotional connection with the local community and customers across 46 prefectures in Japan. The first store likens the Starbucks® Pike Place store in Seattle – the place where the legendary Starbucks Experience started in Japan – and it continues to stand proud in the county's most famous upmarket shopping, dining and entertainment district.

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=50629777&amp;lan=en-US&amp;anchor=www.starbucks.com&amp;index=1&amp;md5=a98d54fcd61d5b7da0e19e92304520a5">www.starbucks.com</a>.

Starbucks Honors Japanese Customers and Partners (Employees) with Historic Tribute Store : Starbucks Stories Asia

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Starbucks Honors Japanese Customers and Partners (Employees) with Historic Tribute Store

Reporting record revenue and profit for its FY2012, Starbucks Coffee Japan commemorates nearly 17 years in market and approaching 1,000 stores Continued strong growth momentum in Japan focuses on state-of-the-art store design, investment in partners (employees) and product and digital innovations

https://stories.starbucks.com/asia/stories/2013/starbucks-honors-japanese-customers-and-partners-employees-with-historic-tr/

SEATTLE, April 04, 2013 - Starbucks Coffee Company (NASDAQ: SBUX) today reaffirmed its commitment to accelerate growth in Southeast Asia, announcing plans to open 100 new stores in Indonesia over the next three years and another 100 stores in the Philippines over the next four years. Howard Schultz, Starbucks chairman, president and ceo, committed to continuing to invest in the region following this week's market visit to Indonesia and the Philippines, where he met with Starbucks partners (employees) and customers.

Starbucks entered Southeast Asia in 1996 with its first store in Singapore. The company currently operates more than 700 stores across six countries, including Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and, most recently, Vietnam.

"With a population of more than 600 million people, an emerging middle class that is driving strong consumption and a robust and resilient economy, Southeast Asia presents a compelling growth opportunity for Starbucks," said Schultz. "Never before have Starbucks prospects in this region been so exciting. As we ramp up our ambitious, yet disciplined, growth momentum across Southeast Asia, we will continue to build the Starbucks brand through the lens of humanity – supporting local coffee farmers and the neighborhoods we serve, while also investing in the growth and development of our partners."

Starbucks has a long history in Southeast Asia that pre-dates its first store.?The company has been sourcing the highest-quality arabica coffee from Indonesia's Sumatra since 1971. Today, Starbucks sources a significant amount of the best arabica coffee beans from Indonesia (Sumatra), the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam. Starbucks® Sumatra Dark Roast Coffee is the best-selling single origin coffee for Starbucks around the world. Coffee beans from the region have also been featured in many Starbucks all-time popular coffee blends, including Starbucks® Anniversary Blend, Starbucks® Thanksgiving Blend, and Starbucks® Tribute Blend.

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=50603134&amp;lan=en-US&amp;anchor=www.starbucks.com&amp;index=1&amp;md5=8fd715d95292afc26b30a834b3d72248">www.starbucks.com</a>.

Starbucks Continues to Accelerate Growth in Southeast Asia : Starbucks Stories Asia

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Starbucks Continues to Accelerate Growth in Southeast Asia

Company plans to add 100 new stores in Indonesia over three years and 100 new stores in the Philippines over the next four years

https://stories.starbucks.com/asia/stories/2013/starbucks-continues-to-accelerate-growth-in-southeast-asia/

KUSHALNAGAR, India, February 08, 2013 - In a key partnership milestone between Starbucks Coffee Company (Nasdaq:SBUX) and Tata Coffee Limited, the two companies today inaugurated a roasting and packaging plant in Kushalnagar in Coorg, Karnataka. This world-class facility enables roasting and packaging of green coffee beans for Starbucks stores in India and over time in select markets around the globe.

"The inauguration of the roasting plant in India represents a significant milestone for Starbucks and Tata Coffee. Through our partnership we will leverage the deep coffee heritage and expertise of both companies to procure, roast and distribute the finest-quality arabica coffees, elevating the story of India coffee to our customers," said John Culver, president, Starbucks Coffee China and Asia Pacific. "This deepens our sourcing relationship with India's coffee farmers and further demonstrates our long-term commitment to sourcing high-quality arabica coffee.Â&nbsp;Great coffee starts with finding the finest beans and roasting them to perfection. Together with Tata we are delivering a great tasting, high-quality, and locally sourced espresso to our customers throughout India."

Commenting on the inauguration, Hameed Huq, Managing Director, Tata Coffee, said, "We are delighted to partner with Starbucks and operationalize this important roasting facility. The plant leverages our combined strengths and passion for sharing the finest-quality coffees with customers. This momentous occasion signifies a milestone development in our relationship with Starbucks as we roast and package our locally sourced Espresso Roast and prepare to export roasted and packaged coffees to select markets."

This facility, spread across 8,258 sq. ft. with an installed capacity of 375 metric tonnes (MT), has been readied for commercial run. In addition to the state-of-the-art roaster, the plant also has a PLC-operated green coffee handling system for effective control of recipe, and automatic filling and automatic sealing line boosted with high-precision testing equipment to comply with the quality standards of the companies. The operations are well supported by an efficient utilities section and sophisticated equipment, and boasts of the best-in-class safety systems. The plant has three major sections – a Green Coffee Storage and Handling section, a Roasting section, and a Packing and Dispatch section. These three sections combined produce the finest-quality coffee beans; consistent with the high quality Starbucks and Tata are known for around the globe.

Starbucks and Tata Coffee are committed to developing and improving the profile of Indian-grown arabica coffees around the world by elevating the stature of Indian coffee, as well as improving the quality of coffee through sustainable practices. As a first step toward this, the companies have developed the Indian Espresso Roast, which is a hallmark feature of Starbucks stores in India and highlights the quality of locally sourced coffee.

Starbucks and Tata share a commitment to community. To this end, Starbucks and Tata Global Beverages will work with Tata Coffee to invest in coffee-growing communities with a specific focus on agronomy, sustainable farming practices and a partnership to extend the Swastha Project's Community Based Rehabilitation Programme to cover differently abled children in Kodagu, Karnataka. Working together the companies will focus on initiatives including but not limited to, the promotion of responsible agronomy practices and the provision of training local farmers, technicians and agronomists to improve their coffee-growing and milling skills, along with exploring social projects, which could positively impact the communities in the coffee-growing regions where they do business.

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 18,000 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=50558349&amp;lan=en-US&amp;anchor=www.starbucks.com&amp;index=1&amp;md5=4aca1cb0eb80b8106fec61009f70c93f">www.starbucks.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 MT. 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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Starbucks Coffee Company and Tata Coffee Limited Inaugurate Roasting and Packaging Plant in Kushalnagar, Karnataka, India : Starbucks Stories Asia

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Starbucks Coffee Company and Tata Coffee Limited Inaugurate Roasting and Packaging Plant in Kushalnagar, Karnataka, India

Key partnership milestone reached as the new plant integrates with Starbucks global roasting network Plant procures, roasts and packages green coffee, including the hallmark Indian Espresso Roast

https://stories.starbucks.com/asia/stories/2013/starbucks-coffee-company-and-tata-coffee-limited-inaugurate-roasting-and-pa/

NEW DELHI, February 06, 2013 - Tata Starbucks Limited, the 50/50 joint venture between Starbucks Coffee Company (NASDAQ:SBUX) and Tata Global Beverages Limited, today launched the first Starbucks® store in New Delhi. Celebrating the heritage and history of the city, this flagship store is appropriately located at Hamilton House, Block-A, Connaught Place and opens to customers on Thursday, February 7, 2013 at 10 a.m. 

"We are delighted to open our doors to customers here, in the capital city of New Delhi; extending the Starbucks Experience to more customers in India," said John Culver, president, Starbucks Coffee China and Asia Pacific. "We are incredibly humbled by the warm way in which the Indian consumer has embraced Starbucks entry into the market. This first flagship store in New Delhi promises to offer a distinct third place with a beautiful store designed specifically for New Delhi with great respect to the rich Indian heritage and culture. We are committed to the India market for the long-term and will aggressively grow our business, expanding stores and providing locally relevant innovations."

Commenting on the launch of the New Delhi store, Avani Saglani Davda, CEO, Tata Starbucks Limited said, "We look forward to inviting customers to our first flagship store in New Delhi to enjoy the unique store design and elevated customer experience. We will continue to work thoughtfully to open stores in locations where our customers want and expect us to be. We continue to serve the finest espresso, sourced and roasted in India for India and are confident that our specially designed food offering will appeal to our customers here."

Strategically located, the flagship store is unique in its contemporary design and celebrates concrete in its natural form, while embracing the Indian craft of weaving. The store will be open to customers from 10 am to 10 pm every day of the week, and will offer customers free Wi-Fi and a newly designed India-specific Starbucks Card to celebrate the rich heritage of this dynamic market.

The extensive product portfolio boasts of a wide range of offerings to choose from, with exciting additions like Murg Makhani Pie, Mutton Seekh in Roomali Roti, Chicken and Vegetable Lettuce Sandwich, Reshmi Kabab Roll, Lal Achari Mirch Turnover and Classic Breakfast Chicken Sandwich. The store will also offer a broad beverage portfolio to include a wide range of Starbucks® signature beverages, Tata® Tazo® tea and Himalayan mineral water, in addition to the Indian Espresso Roast that is sourced locally through the coffee sourcing and roasting agreement with Tata Coffee; a hallmark feature of Starbucks stores in the India market.

Starbucks entered the Indian market in October 2012. Starbucks® stores are operated by the joint venture, Tata Starbucks Limited, and branded as Starbucks Coffee - "A Tata Alliance".

Since 1971, Starbucks Coffee Company has been committed to ethically sourcing and roasting the finest arabica coffee in the world. Today, with more than 18,000 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=50554515&amp;lan=en-US&amp;anchor=www.starbucks.com&amp;index=1&amp;md5=d1d1a4e9fca78f5aecb5efee75b75c42">www.starbucks.com</a>

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 $1.4 bn and it employs around 3000 people worldwide. The Company focuses on 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=50554515&amp;lan=en-US&amp;anchor=www.tataglobalbeverages.com&amp;index=2&amp;md5=03de0f996e1a0aa4352334dadfc999f5">www.tataglobalbeverages.com</a>

Starbucks Continues Expansion in Dynamic India Market with the Opening of Its Much Anticipated Flagship Store in New Delhi : Starbucks Stories Asia

Starbucks Continues Expansion in Dynamic India Market with the Opening of Its Much Anticipated Flagship Store in New Delhi

Continuing to expand across Asia, Company enters capital city with beautiful, contemporary store design, exclusive food offerings and a specially designed, India-specific Starbucks Card

https://stories.starbucks.com/asia/stories/2013/starbucks-continues-expansion-in-dynamic-india-market-with-the-opening-of-i/

HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam, January 31, 2013 - Starbucks Coffee Company&nbsp;(Nasdaq: SBUX) today opened the doors to the first Starbucks store in Vietnam, following an expanded long-term relationship with Hong Kong Maxim’s Group. This flagship store, which has been designed to reflect Starbucks 42-year coffee heritage, while embracing Vietnam’s distinctive local traditions and coffee culture, is nestled in the aspirational lifestyle neighborhood of Ho Chi Minh City’s District 1, at the junction of the bustling Nga Sau Phu Dong. The opening of the two-story store was officiated by Mr. Huynh Khanh Hiep, Deputy Director of Ho Chi Minh City Department of Industry and Trade, and it marks the beginning of the global iconic brand’s Vietnam journey. Vietnam is Starbucks 12th market across the China and Asia Pacific region.

“Vietnam is one of the most dynamic and exciting coffee markets in Asia and we are proud to be entering the market with Hong Kong Maxim’s Group, a close and long-term partner that shares many of the same values that Starbucks was founded on,” said John Culver, president, Starbucks China and Asia Pacific. “The market presents tremendous opportunity for Starbucks over the long term. Ho Chi Minh City is our first stop and we aim to open our stores in key metropolitan cities across Vietnam, including Hanoi, in the future.”

“We are honored to open our doors to our Vietnamese customers today,” added Jinlong Wang, president, Starbucks Asia Pacific. “The Starbucks Vietnam growth story goes beyond just future store footprint expansion. We have deep respect for Vietnam’s long coffee traditions and we want to ensure that our Starbucks Experience is the right balance between the global offering that our customers have come to expect of us, as well as a locally-relevant familiarity that resonates with customers and the communities we serve.”

Today, Starbucks® premiered its latest espresso beverage innovation, the Starbucks® Asian Dolce Latte, as part of its Vietnam first store opening celebrations. Motivated by how coffee is favored in many parts of Asia -- strong, yet smooth and flavored, the new Starbucks Asian Dolce Latte that has been inspired by Vietnam’s coffee culture and habits, was developed specially for the Asian market; a firm demonstration of Starbucks commitment to providing locally relevant offerings in the region. Created with a double-shot of premium, dark-roasted Starbucks® French Roast and a specially developed dolce sauce, innovation in the Starbucks Asian Dolce Latte comes from the uniquely flavored dolce sauce, which is crafted using different types of milk to give the beverage a distinct smooth and rich velvety texture that is local to the Asian palette.

Starbucks® extensive product portfolio in its first store in Vietnam also includes its handcrafted Starbucks® Frappuccino® beverages, Starbucks® Tea and a broad food offering boasting a wide selection of western favorites, as well as locally-relevant flavor reflected in items such as the Parisian Baguette and the Roast Duck Wrap.

As previously announced, Starbucks has granted Hong Kong Maxim’s Group subsidiary, Coffee Concepts (Vietnam), the licensing agreement to operate Starbucks® stores and to maximize the growth potential of the Starbucks brand in Vietnam.

“This is an exciting new chapter for the partnership between Maxim’s and Starbucks in Asia,” said Michael Wu, Chairman and Managing Director, Hong Kong Maxim’s Group. “I am confident that our Starbucks® stores in Vietnam will become a community gathering place in Vietnam. We look forward to offering the highest quality arabica coffee, handcrafted Starbucks® beverages and locally-relevant food in an unparalleled store environment.”

The design of the Starbucks® flagship store in Vietnam reflects the vibrance of cosmopolitan Ho Chi Minh City and still retains the city’s pride for its distinct local heritage. The magnificent space will provide customers new opportunities for discovery, a high level of engagement with Starbucks partners (employees), and a deep connection to Starbucks coffee heritage. The store features numerous décor items that have been sourced locally, repurposed and given a new life in the first Starbucks store, including the distinctive Starbucks community table, whose teakwood surface was recycled from a local villa, and an old ‘ba gac’ (bicycle), which was traditionally used to transport goods around the city in the past, now stands as a central piece of artwork on the ground floor of the store. The store also showcases wall mural designs created by local artists.

Starbucks firmly believes that its success is only possible when there are thriving communities where it does business. In Vietnam, Starbucks is committed to leveraging its scale for good to advocate and effect positive change in the neighborhoods where its partners and customers live and work. Toward this, as part of the store opening celebrations, more than 40 Starbucks partners gathered, at the “Vua Hoc Vua Lam 15/5” school, in District 1, on 30 January 2013, where they spent the day repainting the school walls and interacting with the students, bringing them immense joy and laughter ahead of Vietnam’s Tet celebrations (Vietnam New Year). The 15/5 school has, for more than 20 years, provided tuition and shelter for underprivileged children in the district.

Along with exploring more social community projects in the future, Starbucks will continue to promote responsible business practices and production standards within its existing and prospective supply chains with the local coffee farming communities. Ultimately, Starbucks aims to leverage its global coffee leadership and share its coffee knowledge and expertise to help elevate facets of the Vietnam coffee industry, help local farmers promote responsible coffee-growing practices and develop localized high-quality arabica coffee. The company is also committed to sourcing more high quality arabica beans from Vietnam moving forward.

Starbucks currently operates more than 3,400 stores across the China and Asia Pacific region and employs more than 50,000 partners (employees) in the region.

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=50549688&amp;lan=en-US&amp;anchor=www.starbucks.com&amp;index=1&amp;md5=0ce2789d8b648ee4c2118329b18d348d">www.starbucks.com</a>.

Founded in 1956, Hong Kong Maxim’s Group now operates over 760 outlets in Hong Kong and China. The Group offers a diversified service comprising Chinese, Asian and European restaurants, fast food outlets, cake shops, coffee shops, Japanese chain restaurants and institutional catering, while providing a range of festive products, spanning from mooncakes, Chinese New Year puddings, rice dumplings to Chinese preserved meat. Hong Kong Maxim's Group also operates air catering services at 11 airports in China, including Beijing and Shanghai, through joint ventures.

Starbucks Debuts Iconic Flagship Store in Ho Chi Minh City, Honoring Vietnam&#8217;s Distinctive Local Culture : Starbucks Stories Asia

Starbucks Debuts Iconic Flagship Store in Ho Chi Minh City, Honoring Vietnam&#8217;s Distinctive Local Culture

Market entry builds on Company&rsquo;s commitment to continue to accelerate growth in Asia, now exceeding 3,400 stores across the region First Vietnam store designed to embrace distinctive Vietnam traditions and strong heritage of coffee passion Premiers the new Starbucks Asian Dolce Latte, the favorite classic latte, but with an Asian twist that is inspired by local Vietnamese coffee culture

https://stories.starbucks.com/asia/stories/2013/starbucks-debuts-iconic-flagship-store-in-ho-chi-minh-city-honoring-vietnam/

Starbucks Debuts Iconic Flagship Store in Ho Chi Minh City, Honoring Vietnam’s Distinctive Local Culture

HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam, January 03, 2013 - Starbucks Coffee Company&nbsp;(Nasdaq:SBUX) today announced the expansion of its long-term relationship with Hong Kong Maxim’s Group to now operate Starbucks® stores in Vietnam. Scheduled to open the first Starbucks® store in Ho Chi Minh City in early February 2013, Starbucks reiterated today that Asia continues to be a significant growth driver for the Company and is proud to be partnering with Hong Kong Maxim’s Group to enter Vietnam this year.

Starbucks has granted Hong Kong Maxim’s Group subsidiary, Coffee Concepts (Vietnam) Limited, the license agreement for the Vietnam market and both teams are incredibly pleased to expand the relationship beyond Hong Kong and Macau. Coffee Concepts (Vietnam) Limited will be Starbucks licensee for operating Starbucks stores in this dynamic market, delivering the legendary Starbucks Experience to customers, and maximizing the growth potential of the Starbucks brand in Vietnam.

“Vietnam is one of the most dynamic and exciting markets in the world and we are proud to add Vietnam as the 12th market across the China and Asia Pacific region,” said John Culver, president, Starbucks China and Asia Pacific. “Starbucks is deeply respectful of Vietnam’s long and distinctive local coffee culture. We know coffee is a national pride for many Vietnamese and as such, we look forward to contributing and growing Vietnam’s already vibrant coffee industry. As we continue to source more Vietnamese high-quality, arabica coffee we want to leverage our scale to bring the best of Vietnam’s coffee traditions to the rest of the world.”

Starbucks has built the brand by delivering a consistent, authentic in-store experience to customers around the globe. The Starbucks Experience is built on sourcing high-quality arabica coffee, delivering high-quality product innovation and surprising and delighting customers with an uplifting experience through engaged, passionate and knowledgeable baristas.

“Our partnership with Starbucks has more than 10 years of history and we are proud to deliver the Starbucks Experience to our customers in Hong Kong and Macau today,” said Michael Wu, Chairman and Managing Director, Hong Kong Maxim’s Group. “We are looking forward to leveraging our expertise and deep understanding of the Starbucks brand to welcome Vietnamese customers to our stores, earning their trust and respect with the unparalleled Starbucks Experience, known by customers around the globe.”

With 41-years of coffee heritage and expertise, Starbucks is the coffee leader globally and has built the brand on its passion and pursuit of the highest quality coffee. Starbucks already purchases a notable amount of some of the highest-quality arabica coffee from Vietnam and is committed to sourcing more arabica coffee from the Vietnam region over the long-term. Starbucks will continue to promote responsible business practices and production standards within its existing and prospective supply chains and will work closely with local coffee farming communities to elevate the quality of arabica coffee and introduce customers globally to the rich Vietnamese coffee heritage.

“Starbucks provides much more than just the best cup of coffee — we will offer a community gathering place where people come together, connect with family and friends and celebrate the local Vietnamese coffee culture and heritage,” said Jinlong Wang, president, Starbucks Asia Pacific. “We are looking forward to serving our customers in Vietnam in an authentic and locally relevant way. Specifically, we hope customers will join us in the stores to personalize their favorite Starbucks® beverage and experience the unique third place between work and home that Starbucks is known for globally.”

Starbucks today operates more than 3,300 stores across 11 countries in the China and Asia Pacific region. Through its licensed partner, Coffee Concepts (Hong Kong) Limited, a subsidiary of Hong Kong Maxim’s Group, Starbucks operates more than 130 stores in Hong Kong and Macau.

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=50519814&amp;lan=en-US&amp;anchor=www.starbucks.com&amp;index=1&amp;md5=51a0c0e2a4717474f9299a6ea685b7cc">www.starbucks.com</a>.

Founded in 1956, Hong Kong Maxim’s Group&nbsp;now operates&nbsp;over 760 outlets&nbsp;in Hong Kong and China. The Group offers a diversified service comprising Chinese, Asian and European restaurants, fast food outlets, cake shops, coffee shops,&nbsp;Japanese&nbsp;chain restaurants&nbsp;and institutional catering, while providing a range of festive products, spanning from mooncakes, Chinese New Year puddings, rice dumplings to Chinese preserved meat.&nbsp;Hong Kong Maxim's Group&nbsp;also operates air catering services at 11 airports in China, including Beijing and Shanghai, through joint ventures.

Starbucks Announces Much Anticipated Entry into the Dynamic Vietnam Market : Starbucks Stories Asia

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Starbucks Announces Much Anticipated Entry into the Dynamic Vietnam Market

Long-term Relationship with Maxim&rsquo;s expanded to Include Operations in Vietnam Continuing Aggressive Expansion across Asia, Starbucks grows beyond 3,300 stores across 12 Countries with the Opening of the Vietnam Market First store scheduled to open in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, early February 2013

https://stories.starbucks.com/asia/stories/2013/starbucks-announces-much-anticipated-entry-into-the-dynamic-vietnam-market/

PU'ER, China, December 12, 2012 - As part of its commitment to elevate China's Yunnan Province as a high-quality coffee growing region, Starbucks Coffee Company (NASDAQ: SBUX) today announced the opening of its first Asia-based Starbucks Farmer Support Center in Pu'er, China. In addition, Starbucks reported that the pilot local adaption tests for four coffee varietals, first introduced in Yunnan about three years ago under the Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU) agreements with the Yunnan Academy of Agricultural Science and People's Government of Pu'er City, Yunnan Province, are progressing on-track. The local adaption test currently spreads across more than 650 hectares of coffee farms in eight different locations in Yunnan, and subject to local Government approvals, Starbucks is targeting the commercial planting of these coffee varietals at the end of the five-year test cycle.

John Culver, president, Starbucks China and Asia Pacific, and Belinda Wong, president, Starbucks China, unveil Starbucks first Asia-based Farmer Support Center, in China's Pu'er City (Yunnan Province), with senior officials from the Yunnan Provincial Government and Pu'er Municipal Government. (Photo: Business Wire)

"The opening of the Starbucks China Farmer Support Center is a significant milestone in Starbucks continued investments in China and the Starbucks Yunnan Coffee Project," said John Culver, president, Starbucks China and Asia Pacific. "We are committed to deepening our relationships with local Chinese farmers, through our work with the Yunnan Provincial Government and the Pu'er Municipal Government. We believe Yunnan will play an important strategic role in our long-term supply of premium arabica coffee, as we continue to expand our store base in China, reaching 1,500 stores in 2015."

Starbucks agronomists and quality experts at the Starbucks China Farmer Support Center will work directly with Yunnan's coffee farmers to provide resources and expertise to promote responsible coffee-growing practices and processing methods that improve quality.

"Starbucks Yunnan Coffee Project is about creating a positive change for local China farming communities. We are pleased with the progress of the local adaption tests as it signifies that we are taking one more step forward to completing the Starbucks China value-chain; delivering premium arabica coffee from bean to cup," said Belinda Wong, president, Starbucks China. "Our vision is to leverage our global coffee leadership, sharing our coffee knowledge and expertise to elevate the Yunnan coffee industry and help local farmers develop localized, high-quality coffee that can be celebrated and served in Starbucks stores across China and globally."

Through the globally-tested coffee knowledge and best practices developed under Starbucks Coffee and Farmer Equity (C.A.F.E.) Practices, and with the support of the Yunnan Academy of Agricultural Science and local Government authorities, Starbucks aims to work directly with Yunnan farmers to help reduce the environmental impact of the region's coffee-growing activities and improve the livelihood of the farmers and their families. Based on Starbucks experience working with farmers through its Farmer Support Centers in areas like Costa Rica, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Colombia, Starbucks firmly believes that efforts by Starbucks China Farmer Support Center will enhance the breadth and depth of Yunnan's coffee leadership, and deliver tangible and significant benefits to local farmers, communities and the economy.

Starbucks-AiNi Group Joint Venture Momentum

Starbucks and AiNi Group, one of Yunnan Province's most established coffee operators and agricultural companies, announced the establishment of Starbucks AiNi Coffee (Yunnan) Co. Ltd. in early 2012. To date, the joint venture is progressing towards its development goals and the processing mill will be operational later this month, just in time for Yunnan's current coffee harvesting season. The mill, under Starbucks–AiNi joint venture company, will be able to process up to 20,000 tons of green coffee beans annually.

"We are pleased to be working with Starbucks to support this strategic coffee growing region in China. The combined strengths of Starbucks coffee passion and sustainability practices, along with our years of experience in agricultural production will elevate the overall Yunnan coffee industry and ultimately improve the quality of coffee harvested by our coffee farming communities. Operationalizing the processing mill later this month will be a proud milestone for the Starbucks-AiNi joint venture company," stated Liu Minghui, General Manager, Starbucks AiNi Coffee (Yunnan) Co. Ltd., and Founder and Chairman, AiNi Group.

Starbucks today operates more than 700 stores across more than 50 cities in China. Starbucks entered the Yunnan Province with the opening of its first store in Kunming in May 2010 and has since expanded to six stores within the provincial capital. With plans for China to become the second largest market outside the U.S. in 2014, Starbucks aims to accelerate its developmental growth plans in Kunming and beyond.

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. China will become Starbucks second largest market outside the U.S. by 2014, and Starbucks aims to operate over 1,500 stores in China by 2015. Starbucks currently operates over 700 stores across over 50 cities in China. Through our Starbucks partners, we insist on our unwavering commitment to excellence and our guiding principles, we bring the unique Starbucks Experience to life for every customer through every cup.

Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: <a href="http://www.businesswire.com/multimedia/home/20121212005849/en/">http://www.businesswire.com/multimedia/home/20121212005849/en/</a>

Starbucks Opens First Farmer Support Center in Yunnan, China; Strengthening Commitment to China Farming Communities : Starbucks Stories Asia

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Starbucks Opens First Farmer Support Center in Yunnan, China; Strengthening Commitment to China Farming Communities

Ongoing investments reaffirm long-term commitment to market as it progresses toward 1,500 stores across 70 cities in 2015 Farmer Support Center opening marks the first in Asia, sixth globally for the company

https://stories.starbucks.com/asia/stories/2012/starbucks-opens-first-farmer-support-center-in-yunnan-china-strengthening-c/