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.

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"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

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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

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

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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

http://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=bwnews&amp;sty=20111025006612r1&amp;sid=tekgr&amp;distro=nx

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

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>.

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

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

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

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

SALT LAKE CITY, July 14, 2011 - As part of its continued efforts to develop China's Yunnan Province as a high-quality coffee growing region, Starbucks Coffee Company (NASDAQ: SBUX) today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Ai Ni Group, one of Yunnan Province's most established coffee operators and agricultural companies. The MoU will pave the way for Starbucks and Ai Ni Group to form a joint-venture company that will purchase and export high-quality arabica Yunnan coffee beans, as well as operate dry mills in the Yunnan Province. Starbucks will have operating control of the joint-venture company.

John Culver, president, Starbucks Coffee International, and Liu Minghui, Founder and Chairman, Ai Ni Group are joined by Governor Qin Guangrong, Yunnan Provincial Government and Governor Christine Gregoire, State of Washington, at the inaugural 2011 U.S. &amp; China Trade, Culture &amp; Education Conference in Salt Lake City on July 14, 2011. Starbucks and Ai Ni Group signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will pave the way for the two companies to form a joint-venture company that will purchase and export high-quality arabica Yunnan coffee beans, as well as operate dry mills in the Yunnan Province in China. (Photo: Business Wire)

The MoU signing ceremony was conducted during the inaugural 2011 U.S. &amp; China Trade, Culture &amp; Education Conference. Governor Qin Guangrong, Yunnan Provincial Government and Governor Christine Gregoire, State of Washington, were in attendance, and John Culver, president, Starbucks Coffee International, and Liu Minghui, Founder and Chairman, Ai Ni Group, signed the MoU on behalf of their respective companies.

"Starbucks Yunnan Coffee Project reinforces Starbucks coffee leadership in China, our second home market outside of the United States, and will help fuel our continued growth as we seek to serve customers through the more than 1,500 stores we expect to have in the market by 2015," said John Culver, president, Starbucks Coffee International. "Starbucks has always been committed to buying and serving the finest-quality coffee to our customers and Yunnan will play an important strategic role in ensuring our long-term supply of premium coffee."

Conference Chair Governor Christine Gregoire, State of Washington, said, "This is great news for Starbucks and for the state of Washington, home to some of the world's most innovative and globally-competitive companies, including Starbucks." She added, "Today's announcement shows that what Washington state has to offer is in demand around the world."

This partnership follows closely after Starbucks earlier commitment to collaborate with the Yunnan Academy of Agricultural Science (YAAS) and People's Government of Pu'er City, Yunnan Province, to help local farmers promote responsible coffee-growing practices and develop high-quality coffee locally. Through the numerous Starbucks Yunnan Coffee Project planned initiatives, including the increased and direct sourcing of Yunnan coffee, the investment in and operation of coffee processing facilities, and establishment of a Starbucks Farmer Support Center, Starbucks aims to develop a complete value-chain in China – from coffee seed to its authentic Starbucks Experience in stores.

"This win-win partnership is an important step forward, as part of our broader joint efforts with the Yunnan Government and the YAAS, to elevate Starbucks C.A.F.E (Coffee and Farmer Equity) Practices across the vast geographies of Yunnan Province; allowing us to make a real impact in the areas of ethical sourcing, environmental stewardship and community involvement," added Jinlong Wang, president, Starbucks Asia Pacific and lead for Starbucks Yunnan Coffee Project. "Since the introduction of Starbucks South of the Clouds Blend™ in 2009, we have remained committed to bringing the distinctive Yunnan coffee taste to even more of our customers and coffee-lovers around the world."

"The new joint-venture company will combine Starbucks global best practices and coffee expertise with Ai Ni Group's established coffee-farming model to create a better future for the coffee farmers and communities in Yunnan," said Mr. Liu Minghui, Founder and Chairman, Ai Ni Group. "Ai Ni Group is proud to partner with Starbucks in this endeavour as we share a common vision and ambition to establish Yunnan as a globally recognized premier coffee growing region."

In addition to the joint-venture company with Ai Ni Group, Starbucks also plans to set up its wholly-owned Farmer Support Center in Pu'er, Yunnan Province. The Farmer Support Center will seek to provide agronomy consultation services and support to members of the coffee-farming community across China, in particular, those within the Yunnan Province. As part of the MoU, the Starbucks Farmer Support Center will also provide counsel to the Ai Ni Group on three different aspects, namely, the provision of coffee seeds for Starbucks recommended coffee varietals; agronomy support for Ai Ni Group's demo coffee farms; and technical assistance on the set-up of its coffee wet mill.

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=6794423&amp;lan=en-US&amp;anchor=www.starbucks.com&amp;index=1&amp;md5=9c7d67940d20212ade4d1ced516b7de2">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, the Group had purchased and processed 6,900 tons of coffee parchment, benefiting almost 4,600 coffee farmer households in Yunnan Province, in 2009/2010. The Group also runs four high-end restaurants in Yunnan Province and manages a cattle business of about 10,000 heads of beef cattle. For more 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=6794423&amp;lan=en-US&amp;anchor=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ynaini.cn%2F&amp;index=2&amp;md5=ce46e5d7d89ea9e14610d4e112763aae">http://www.ynaini.cn/</a>.

Starbucks Accelerates China&#8217;s Yunnan Coffee Project Momentum with New Partnership : Starbucks Stories Asia

http://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=bwnews&amp;sty=20110714006680r2&amp;sid=tekgr&amp;distro=nx

Starbucks Accelerates China&#8217;s Yunnan Coffee Project Momentum with New Partnership

Starbucks and Ai Ni Group to form joint-venture company in Yunnan&rsquo;s Pu&rsquo;er city as part of ongoing coffee commitment

https://stories.starbucks.com/asia/stories/2011/starbucks-accelerates-chinas-yunnan-coffee-project-momentum-with-new-partne/

Starbucks Accelerates China’s Yunnan Coffee Project Momentum with New Partnership

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

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

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

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

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

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 ~

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

May 26, 2010 – Starbucks Coffee Company (NASDAQ: SBUX) celebrates the opening of its newest store in Fukuoka, Japan. Inspired by Starbucks™ Shared Planet™, the company's ongoing commitment to ethical sourcing, environmental stewardship and community involvement, the store's design reflects the character of the surrounding neighborhood and helps to reduce environmental impacts. Located at the center of Ohori Park, it is the first Starbucks store in Asia to be registered for LEED certification*.
"Our new design approach will reinvigorate customer experience in Asia because it aligns with the evolving lifestyle and values of Asian customers. The Ohori Park store is a good example of how we aspire to cultivate an enhanced sense of community and environmental consciousness. We look forward to bringing this kind of innovation to more customers around the Asia Pacific region," said Andy Adams, vice president, Store Development, Starbucks Coffee Asia Pacific.
Â&nbsp;
The Ohori Park store was constructed and designed to integrate into the existing landscape and to preserve surrounding trees. The design also minimizes energy and water consumption, incorporates locally-sourced and reused or recycled materials, and employs creative methods to inspire partners (employees) and customers to make environmentally responsible decisions in their daily lives. Specific examples include:

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Â&nbsp;
As Starbucks continues to expand in the Asia Pacific region, the company plans to build and renovate stores according to its new global design strategy, with long-term goals related to energy and water conservation, recycling and green construction. Starbucks aims to achieve LEED certification for all of its new company-owned stores beginning later this year. In order to reach this goal, Starbucks is participating in a LEED Volume Certification pilot program that makes broad-scope green building plans feasible by enabling significant cost and time efficiencies. The Ohori Park store is one of 12 Starbucks locations around the world that are participating in the pilot. 
For more information about Starbucks environmental goals and recent milestones, visit <a href="http://www.starbucks.com/responsibility2009">www.starbucks.com/responsibility2009</a>.
Â&nbsp;
*Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is an internationally recognized green building certification system, providing third-party verification that a building or community was designed and built using strategies aimed at improving performance across all the metrics that matter most: energy savings, water efficiency, CO2 emissions reduction, improved indoor environmental quality, and stewardship of resources and sensitivity to their impacts. For further details, please visit <a href="http://www.usgbc.org">www.usgbc.org</a>. Â

Starbucks New Store in Japan is Designed to Reduce Environmental Impacts : Starbucks Stories Asia

Starbucks New Store in Japan is Designed to Reduce Environmental Impacts

Fukuoka Ohori Park Location is the Company&rsquo;s First in Asia to be Registered for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED&reg;) Certification

https://stories.starbucks.com/asia/stories/2010/starbucks-new-store-in-japan-is-designed-to-reduce-environmental-impacts/

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

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/