In response to Typhoon Yagi, a devastating storm that struck southern China and Southeast Asia, and its aftermath, The Starbucks Foundation has partnered with <a href="https://planet-water.org/starbucks/">Planet Water Foundation</a>, a non-profit organization, to provide clean water access to impacted communities. Through this support, Planet Water Foundation deployed AquaTower water filtration systems to provide clean, safe drinking water access in Yen Bai province in Vietnam, and Chiang Rai province in Thailand. These systems produce 1,000 liters of safe drinking water per hour, providing impacted community members with safe water for drinking, cooking, and other essential uses.

core/paragraph

Starbucks has partnered with&nbsp;Planet Water Foundation since 2011 to provide clean water access and hygiene programs to communities around the world. Through this long-term partnership supported by The Starbucks Foundation, 70 AquaTowers&nbsp;have been constructed globally, including in seven&nbsp;markets across Asia Pacific, providing up to 126,000 people with access to clean water.

core/heading

core/gallery

Disaster Response (Yagi Typhoon)

The Starbucks Foundation supports Typhoon Yagi relief efforts in Thailand and Vietnam : Starbucks Stories Asia

https://stories.starbucks.com/uploads/sites/29/2024/09/NTH04178-e1726797220212.jpg

Starbucks Stories Asia

The Starbucks Foundation supports Typhoon Yagi relief efforts in Thailand and Vietnam

In response to Typhoon Yagi, a devastating storm that struck southern China and Southeast Asia, and its aftermath, The Starbucks Foundation has partnered with Planet Water Foundation, a non-profit organization, to provide clean water access to impacted communities.

https://stories.starbucks.com/uploads/sites/29/2024/09/NTH04178-1024x683.jpg

https://stories.starbucks.com/asia/stories/2024/the-starbucks-foundation-supports-typhoon-yagi-relief-efforts-in-thailand-and-vietnam/

twitter:card

twitter:description

twitter:image

twitter:title

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

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

core/image

Kris Benny Sinuraya, Indonesia

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

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

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

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

Vennibell Jotiol, Malaysia

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hangeul Lee, South Korea

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

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

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

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

Tuxsaporn Wattanayotin, Thailand

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

https://stories.starbucks.com/uploads/sites/29/2023/09/ICD_2023_2.jpg

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

25th Anniversary celebration event and limited-edition merchandise

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

Transforming the ICONSIAM flagship store to further uplift communities

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

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

Meaningful partnership to support and uplift communities

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

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

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

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

Sustainable growth, by giving more than we take

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

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

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

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

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

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

https://stories.starbucks.com/uploads/sites/29/2023/07/Starbucks-266.jpg

Starbucks Celebrates 25 years of Coffee and Connections in Thailand

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

https://stories.starbucks.com/uploads/sites/29/2023/07/Starbucks-266-1024x683.jpg

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

The Starbucks Foundation has a 25-year history of investing in communities across the U.S. and globally. In March 2022, The Starbucks Foundation announced a $30 million investment by 2030 in its Global Community Impact Grants portfolio designed to drive locally relevant impact in the communities where Starbucks operates around the world. In the second year of the <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/global-community-impact-grants/">Global Community Impact Grants</a> program, The Starbucks Foundation awarded grants to more than 90 nonprofits, all nominated by Starbucks international licensees, and will reach communities in 46 markets. Between grants and co-investment from international licensees, more than $3.8 million was awarded in 2023 for causes aligned to The Starbucks Foundation’s community impact goals, including youth workforce development, inclusion &amp; diversity, social services, hunger relief, economic opportunity, and coffee-, tea- and cocoa-growing communities. In Asia Pacific, the Foundation awarded 29 grants across 14 markets for causes ranging from youth empowerment and hunger relief, to promoting economic opportunity to workforce development, and social services. Grants were awarded to nonprofit organizations in Australia, Cambodia, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam. <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/global-community-impact-grants/">Learn more</a> about the program and organizations we support in Asia Pacific and across the globe. Highlights from select grantees in Asia Pacific include:

ChildFund Korea, South Korea The Starbucks Youth Leadership Program, supported by Starbucks Korea’s first Community Store, is a holistic 4-year program that partners with ChildFund Korea to offer academic scholarships through college graduation. The program also provides a unique curriculum focused on building business acumen, collaborative communications, and social consciousness as part of its aim to prepare young people from disadvantaged backgrounds for educational and career opportunities in Korea’s economy.

 With additional support from The Starbucks Foundation, over 80 students have been supported through the program and new students will be selected in May 2023. The most recent Global Community Impact Grant will support the current group of students to gain business development skills and other training for career development over the coming year.

Gawad Kalinga, Philippines As part of the Global Community Impact Grants, The Starbucks Foundation awarded a $50,000 grant to Gawad Kalinga’s Kusina ng Kalinga in April 2022 supporting nutrition for 600 youth in two communities in Quezon City and Laguna, as well as providing nutrition education and support for building and maintaining community vegetable gardens. Starbucks Philippines donated an additional $25,000 each to the Philippine FoodBank Foundation and Gawad Kalinga to expand its hunger relief programs in 2023 in the Visayas region. The most recent Global Community Impact Grant from The Starbucks Foundation will enable Gawad Kalinga to provide nutritious meals to an additional 1,200 children, host family health and nutrition educational workshops, and train 30 Community Food Farmers to build vegetable gardens.

Habitat for Humanity Indonesia, Indonesia

In September 2022, The Starbucks Foundation and Starbucks Indonesia partnered with Habitat for Humanity Indonesia to improve water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) infrastructure in Bojong Koneng village in Bogor district, West Java, Indonesia. Over 70 Starbucks Indonesia partners (employees) and Habitat for Humanity Indonesia, helped to build 21 toilets to support the wellbeing, health, and resilience of this rural community. 

Habitat for Humanity Indonesia is a long-time partner on disaster relief. Most recently, The Starbucks Foundation supported rebuilding efforts in Cianjur West Java, after an earthquake struck in November 2022. This included providing temporary shelter to families, as well as latrines for impacted communities. The most recent Global Community Impact Grant will help Habitat for Humanity improve wellbeing, health status, and resiliency of the Karawang community in West Java through safe and decent housing and household WASH improvements for low-income families. 

Scholars of Sustenance Foundation (SOS), Thailand The Scholars of Sustenance Foundation’s Rescue Kitchen provided more than 430,000 meals to communities from October 2022 to March 2023, with the support of a Global Community Impact Grant. Fifty partners assisted in these efforts by preparing meals for Klong Ladpachee and Wat Ampawa communities. The most recent Global Community Impact Grant will further expand the Rescue Kitchen’s network through a “cooking hero” training for community volunteers that will increase community access to nutritious food. The Global Community Impact Grant complements Starbucks Thailand’s FoodShare program which has donated more than 6,500 kilograms of surplus food, representing nearly 28,000 meals to communities in need, in January to March 2023.

Supporting Economic Opportunity, Youth Workforce Development, Hunger Relief and Social Services in Asia Pacific : Starbucks Stories Asia

https://stories.starbucks.com/uploads/sites/29/2023/04/commuity_impact_grant_AP.jpg

Supporting Economic Opportunity, Youth Workforce Development, Hunger Relief and Social Services in Asia Pacific

In Asia Pacific, the Starbucks Foundation awarded 21 grants across 12 markets for causes ranging from youth empowerment and hunger relief to promoting economic opportunity to workforce development to hunger relief to social services.

https://stories.starbucks.com/asia/stories/2023/asia-pacific-global-community-impact-grants/

Five Greener Stores across Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam are amongst the first in the Asia Pacific region to be certified, with over 20 more expected in 2023 With over 3,500 Greener Stores certified across 20 markets, Starbucks is on a path towards achieving its goal of 10,000 Greener Stores total by 2025 Greener Stores set a new benchmark in environmentally responsible retail for design, construction, and operations, poised to support the company’s 2030 goals of reducing carbon, water, and waste footprints by 50%

Starbucks today announced its first Greener Stores in the Asia Pacific region, as part of the <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/press/2023/starbucks-verifies-3500-greener-stores-globally/">company’s global expansion of its Greener Store Framework to over 3,500 stores in 20 markets</a>. Located in Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam, the five stores are amongst the first of their kind in the company’s Asia Pacific region, with over 20 more expected to be certified this year. This latest round of certifications sets the company well on its way to achieving its goal of 10,000 Greener Stores globally by 2025.

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

“We're excited to continue expanding our Greener Store portfolio worldwide, a key step towards reaching our ambitious resource positive goals. Having been on a sustainability journey for many years now, we’ve already seen results of our Greener Stores in the United States where they first piloted. In fact, when compared to historic store practices, these Greener Stores have shown to deliver 30% water savings and 30% energy reduction,” said Michael Kobori, Starbucks chief sustainability officer. “With a company of Starbucks scale – any one action, no matter how small, has the potential for massive impact. We are heartened by our partners around the world who are stepping up to adopt our Greener Store standards. This is testament of their energy and passion for sustainability that continues to drive our innovation.”

Greener Stores: paving the way towards a more sustainable future

The new Greener Stores in the Asia Pacific region help reduce Starbucks environmental impact through performance-based standards that incorporate design and extend throughout the life of a store. Each Greener Store has a unique combination of sustainable features that qualify for third-party verification on a quarterly basis. This ranges from features like energy and water efficient equipment and appliances, low-emitting paints and sealants, Grounds for Your Garden program, as well as energy efficient HVAC temperature systems and more. Additionally, the new Greener Stores in Asia include elements that go beyond the standard to deliver more robust energy, carbon, water, and waste reductions.

Singapore’s first Greener Store is strategically located at Jurong Lake Gardens, a showcase for sustainable design and operations, set amidst lush greenery, restored wetlands and habitats for biodiversity. The Greener store itself is similarly designed with long-term, eco-conscious operations in mind, with responsible design, construction and operation, including energy and water efficiency.

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

In Vietnam, the Greener Store is equipped with 100% LED lighting and sun shading features that reduce heat gain and energy consumption within the store. The store operates entirely on electricity and has a long-term contract to buy Renewable Energy Certificates to offset the energy used in stores.

“The new Greener Stores in the Asia Pacific region are poised to set a new standard in sustainable retail which we hope will accelerate our movement towards Starbucks resource positive goals,” said Scott Keller, senior vice president, Store Development &amp; Design. “As one of our fastest growing regions, we want to ensure that we are driving growth with a sustainable future in mind for our communities and planet – and Greener Stores are one of the ways that will help us achieve that vision.”

Starbucks also today announced its first in-region Greener Stores in Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA), as the company continues its global expansion of the Greener Store Framework to leverage its scale for good to accelerate the global movement towards a more sustainable future. The company is also expanding in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) by building all new stores in the region under the Greener Stores framework by the end of 2023 and going forward. In China and Japan, Starbucks plans to update its existing store portfolios by applying Greener Store standards. The aim for Starbucks China is to operate 2,500 Greener Stores in the market by 2025.

Starbucks has set bold global aspirations towards a resource-positive future and can only achieve its goals with the help of partners, customers, industry experts and advocates. The company continues to innovate new ways to reduce their impact on the environment and strive to give back more to the planet than they take from it.

Starbucks scales Greener Store expansion across Asia Pacific towards a more sustainable future : Starbucks Stories Asia

https://stories.starbucks.com/uploads/sites/29/2023/04/Starbucks-Singapore_Juronglake.jpg

Starbucks scales Greener Store expansion across Asia Pacific towards a more sustainable future

Located in Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam, the five Greener Stores are amongst the first of their kind in the company’s Asia Pacific region, with over 20 more expected to be certified this year.

https://stories.starbucks.com/uploads/sites/29/2023/04/Starbucks-Singapore_Juronglake-1024x681.jpg

https://stories.starbucks.com/asia/stories/2023/starbucks-scales-greener-store-expansion-across-asia-pacific-towards-a-more-sustainable-future/

Today, Starbucks announces a collaboration with the phenomenal K-pop Girl Group BLACKPINK, launching a new limited-edition merchandise collection in select stores to Starbucks customers in Thailand.

The Starbucks® x BLACKPINK ‘Spark in You’ collection features hearts on a dreamy starry background, with BLACKPINK’s iconic black and pink contrasting colors and sparkling star prints. The stylish collection of drinkware and lifestyle accessories is inspired by the courage and perseverance of youth who follow their heart and pursue their dreams with confidence, and the dynamic designs represent the unique personalities of BLACKPINK’s members.

“Starbucks is very excited to offer a merchandise collection that celebrates young people’s talents and determination, as truly demonstrated by BLACKPINK,” said Nednapa Srisamai, Managing Director, Starbucks Thailand. “Starbucks merchandise collection has always created opportunities for customers to express their personal style. We are delighted to bring this special collection, inspired by BLACKPINK’s journey to stardom, to Starbucks customers in Thailand.”

True to its Mission to inspire and nurture the human spirit, Starbucks is committed to empowering partners and customers to realize their dreams, and celebrates the talents and dedication of those who strive to make a positive impact in their communities. In recognition of the dedication and commitment of medical personnel across Thailand in the fight against COVID-19, a portion of the profits from this collection will support healthcare workers who are impacted by COVID-19 through the Thai Red Cross Society.

The Starbucks® x BLACKPINK ‘Spark In You’ exclusive collection is now available on the online store “Starbucks Official Store” on Shopee, starting from August 23rd.

Starbucks and BLACKPINK launch exclusive merchandise in Thailand : Starbucks Stories Asia

https://stories.starbucks.com/uploads/sites/29/2021/07/STARBUCKSXBLACKPINK_All-merchandise-.png

Starbucks and BLACKPINK launch exclusive merchandise in Thailand

Starbucks announces a collaboration with the K-pop Group BLACKPINK, for a new limited-edition merchandise collection in Thailand.

https://stories.starbucks.com/uploads/sites/29/2021/07/STARBUCKSXBLACKPINK_All-merchandise--1024x1024.png

https://stories.starbucks.com/asia/stories/2021/starbucks-and-blackpink-launch-exclusive-merchandise-in-thailand/

Located in Bangkok, the Starbucks Reserve® Chao Phraya Riverfront marks Starbucks 417th store in Thailand, as the company continues to accelerate coffee innovation and growth across Asia Pacific

The store is home to Thailand’s first Teavana™ Bar and will be the first to serve the Muan Jai™ Blend, sourced in partnership with Northern Thai coffee farming communities

Today, Starbucks celebrates the opening of its largest store in Thailand with Starbucks Reserve® Chao Phraya Riverfront at ICONSIAM, Bangkok. It marks Starbucks 12th Reserve Bar and 417th store in Thailand, reaffirming the company’s commitment to accelerating growth across one of Southeast Asia’s most dynamic markets.

The store represents two firsts for Starbucks in Thailand. It is the first store to serve the Muan Jai™ Blend, a bold coffee from Northern Thailand, and also introduces the first Teavana™ Bar for customers seeking a reimagined tea experience.

Offering panoramic views over the iconic Chao Phraya river that flows through Bangkok’s vibrant urban center, the store was designed to create a welcoming Third Place where people can unwind and connect over signature, hand-crafted beverages.

“For 22 years, Starbucks has been elevating coffee craftsmanship and bringing unique experiences to our customers in Thailand. Today marks a significant milestone as we introduce an exciting new store that recognizes our coffee heritage while celebrating Thailand’s rich and diverse culture,” said Sara Trilling, president, Starbucks Asia Pacific.

Celebrating coffee craftsmanship and tea discovery

Customers can now experience the Muan Jai™ Blend with any Starbucks® handcrafted espresso beverages, as well as choose from a range of Starbucks® signature beverages and premium Starbucks Reserve® coffees that change throughout the year and can be enjoyed in a variety of brewing methods. The store also features extensive food menu, including artisanal pastries freshly baked in-store and Starbucks® signature desserts served with ice cream. 

At the Teavana™ Bar, customers can immerse themselves in a hands-on tea experience, exploring different flavors and high-quality tea varieties through beverages including the Lychee Earl Grey Tea and Peach Mojito.

Honoring Starbucks commitment to Thai coffee communities

Starbucks is dedicated to partnering with farmers across Asia Pacific to bring the region’s high-quality coffees to the world ethically and sustainably. Starbucks developed Muan&nbsp;Jai™ Blend, which means “wholehearted happiness”, in collaboration with farmers in Northern Thailand where it has been sourcing coffee in partnership with local farming communities since 2003.

Starbucks Reserve® Chao Phraya Riverfront will be the first store in Thailand to serve the distinctive blend, which was previously only available to customers as packaged whole bean coffee. In addition to giving a proportion of proceeds from Muan&nbsp;Jai™ Blend packaged coffee back to the community, for every cup of Muan Jai™ coffee served in-store, Starbucks will donate 10 baht to Northern Thai farming communities. 

“Thailand has a rich history of coffee production and we’re proud to have shared our passion for coffee with our customers, partners and communities since first opening our doors herein 1998,” said Nednapa Srisamai, managing director, Starbucks Coffee Thailand. “The store is a fantastic showcase of craftsmanship and underscores our commitment to nurturing moments of connection over a cup of coffee. We look forward to sharing the Starbucks Experience with our customers at this breathtaking new location.”

Bringing the coffee experience to life through local design

Inspired by its rich riverside setting and history, the store was designed to bring the coffee experience to life for customers while celebrating local Thai culture. Located atop of ICONSIAM one of Bangkok’s premier lifestyle destinations, the 1,260 square meter store features distinct artwork and design pieces created in partnership with local artisans.

As guests arrive, they are greeted by a colorful mural that depicts Thai coffee farming landscapes and Bangkok’s familiar landmarks. Taking design cues from the Chao Phraya river, flowing terrazzo flooring guides customers to a range of intimate coffee experiences.

As the centerpiece of the store, the Starbucks Reserve® bar features a wood-carved mural that pays homage to the traditional art of Thai wood carving, depicting rural scenes and coffee craftsmanship. Here customers can experience an expansive range of Starbucks Reserve® coffees, while appreciating artwork that celebrates local coffee-growing communities and their stories. At the main bar, customers can enjoy Starbucks® signature beverages, including the Muan Jai™ Blend, or choose from a selection of Teavana™ teas.

Customers are invited to ascend a feature staircase, inspired by the flavor wheel Starbucks uses to qualify its unique Starbucks Reserve® coffees, to explore the mezzanine floor above. The staircase features a coffee tree from Northern Thailand at the center and transforms into a compass, guiding customers on a bean-to-cup coffee journey that celebrates global coffee culture and Starbucks heritage. On the mezzanine floor, Starbucks Baristas guide customers through the different tastes and aromas of Starbucks Reserve®&nbsp;coffees, with a colorful artwork depicting the flavor wheel acting as a perfect backdrop.

The mezzanine ceiling features beautifully crafted lanterns in a nod to Bangkok’s Loy Krathong festival, while stadium seating mirrors the river’s contours, offering spectacular views over the city. Customers can also wind down on the outdoor terrace while enjoying panoramic views of the river.

Starbucks unveils its largest store in Thailand with new Starbucks Reserve® at ICONSIAM : Starbucks Stories Asia

https://stories.starbucks.com/uploads/sites/29/2021/02/Starbucks-ICONSIAM-seating.jpeg

Starbucks unveils its largest store in Thailand with new Starbucks Reserve® at ICONSIAM

New store will be the first to serve the Muan Jai™ Blend, sourced in partnership with Northern Thai coffee farming communities.

https://stories.starbucks.com/asia/stories/2021/starbucks-unveils-largest-store-in-thailand/

New licensee commits to accelerate retail growth in the market

SEATTLE; Starbucks Coffee Company (NASDAQ:SBUX) today announced it has entered into an agreement with Coffee Concepts Thailand, a joint venture between Maxim’s Caterers Limited and Thai partner, F&amp;N Retail Connection Co., Ltd., to fully license Starbucks retail business in Thailand. Under the agreement that is expected to close by the end of the month, the joint venture will have the exclusive rights to operate and develop Starbucks retail stores in Thailand to accelerate growth across the market.

“Starbucks has been proudly serving customers across Thailand for more than 20 years.&nbsp; This is a significant move for our company and we are pleased to transition the Thailand business to Maxim’s Caterers Limited and F&amp;N Retail Connection Co., Ltd. with their focus on accelerating new store development to realize the full potential of this important market,” said John Culver, group president, Starbucks International, Channel Development and Global Coffee and Tea. 

Starbucks first store in Thailand opened in July 1998 at Central Chidlom, located in Bangkok’s most premium shopping destination. Since then, Starbucks has built the brand by delivering an unparalleled in-store experience across its 372 stores across the market. With a deep commitment to give back to the communities it serves, Starbucks Thailand opened the first community store in Asia in 2013, where 10 Thai baht on every cup of handcrafted beverages sold at the Langsuan community store is directed to The Integrated Tribal Development Program (ITDP). Today, sales from this community store continue to support sustainable education and health and irrigation projects in local coffee farming communities.

As a long time and highly recognized retail operator across Asia, Maxim’s Caterers Limited has a deep history and strategic partnership with Starbucks that started in 2000 with the opening of the first Starbucks store in the Hong Kong market.

“We look forward to leveraging our expertise and deep understanding of the Starbucks culture and brand to build on the unparalleled service, craft and passion of our Thai partners (employees) which will propel the business for the future,” says Michael Wu, chairman and managing director of Maxim’s Caterers Limited. “We look forward to continuing to deliver the unique Starbucks Experience to Thai customers as we grow.”

Today, Maxim’s Caterers Limited operates more than 400 Starbucks stores in Cambodia, Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore and Vietnam, employing more than 6,000 partners (employees) across the five key markets. Under the newly formed joint venture, Maxim’s Caterers Limited will oversee the retail operations and new store development in Thailand. 

core/separator

Since 1971, Starbucks Coffee Company has been committed to ethically sourcing and roasting high-quality arabica coffee. 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, online at&nbsp;<a href="http://starbucks.com/">Starbucks.com</a> and through the <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/">Starbucks Stories</a>.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements contained in this release are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of applicable securities laws and regulations, including statements about the expected closing of licensing transaction and the future growth of the Thailand market. Such forward-looking statements are based on current management expectations and satisfactions of certain conditions that are subject to various risks and uncertainties, including market conditions and those risks detailed in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the “Risk Factors” section of the Starbucks Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2018. The Company assumes no obligation to update any of these forward-looking statements.

Starbucks Retail Business in Thailand Transitions to Coffee Concepts Thailand : Starbucks Stories Asia

https://stories.starbucks.com/uploads/sites/29/2019/05/SBUX20190522-Coffee-Concepts-Thailand-Featured-Image.jpg

Starbucks Retail Business in Thailand Transitions to Coffee Concepts Thailand

Starbucks announces its agreement with Coffee Concepts Thailand to fully license Starbucks retail business in Thailand.

https://stories.starbucks.com/asia/stories/2019/starbucks-retail-business-in-thailand-transitions-to-coffee-concepts-thailand/