At Starbucks, our coffee goes on quite the journey to get to you. Whatever your order, our coffee is responsibly sourced from farmers around the world.

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For over 50 years we've aspired to ensure a sustainable future of coffee for all. Working together, we are focused on not only providing coffee farmers with the knowledge, tools and resources to adapt to climate change, but we are also committed to being part of the solution by promoting and scaling sustainable farming practices across the coffee industry.&nbsp;

C.A.F.E. Practices, our approach to responsibly sourced coffee in partnership with Conservation International, is a verification programme that measures farms against economic, social and environmental criteria, all designed to promote transparent, profitable and sustainable coffee growing practices while also protecting the well-being of coffee farmers and workers, their families and their communities.&nbsp;

A sustainable future for coffee involves caring for the entire coffee ecosystem – the planet, but also all the people and places that are part of coffee’s journey, from seed to cup.

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For coffee stories from around the world, head to our new Global Starbucks Stories page dedicated to our shared love of coffee.

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From Seed to Cup - Starbucks Stories EMEA

Starbucks Stories EMEA

At Starbucks, our coffee goes on quite the journey to get to you. Whatever your order, our coffee is responsibly sourced from farmers around the world. For over 50 years we&#8217;ve aspired to ensure a sustainable future of coffee for all. Working together, we are focused on not only providing coffee farmers with the knowledge, […]

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https://stories.starbucks.com/emea/stories/2023/from-seed-to-cup/

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From Seed to Cup

As we countdown to the 10th Barista Championship Final hosted in London, in three weeks' time, we look back at Starbucks EMEA’s past three champions and see how they have kept their coffee passion alive since.

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Phuti, the 2022 EMEA Barista Champion, describes the profound happiness of his achievement, his passion for inspiring partners at Starbucks, and his journey from the championship to becoming a district barista coach, emphasising the importance of nurturing individual sparks of coffee passion to create exceptional baristas.

Cynthia, the 2021 EMEA Barista Champion, recounts the exhilarating moment of her victory, describes the opportunities and connections her win has brought, her passion for training others, and how the experience has enriched her life through meaningful connections over coffee.

Teddy, the 2019 EMEA Barista Champion, is living his dream, inspiring others through his passion for coffee, and embracing a fulfilling journey that involves training and connecting with green apron partners daily.

You can find out who will take home the golden pitcher, purple apron and ‘2023 EMEA Barista Champion’ title on 6 October.

Barista Championship Lookback - Starbucks Stories EMEA

As we countdown to the 10th Barista Championship Final hosted in London, in three weeks&#8217; time, we look back at Starbucks EMEA’s past three champions and see how they have kept their coffee passion alive since. 2022 Phuti – South Africa Phuti, the 2022 EMEA Barista Champion, describes the profound happiness of his achievement, his […]

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https://stories.starbucks.com/emea/stories/2023/barista-championship-lookback/

Barista Championship Lookback

Starbucks entered the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region 25 years ago, opening our first store in the UK in 1998 on Kings Road, London.

Our first market in EMEA, and still our largest, Starbucks now welcomes millions of customers every year at more than 1,100 stores across the UK.

From introducing flavours like our iconic Pumpkin Spice Latte (PSL), to establishing new coffee craft experiences such as <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/emea/stories/2023/coffee-meets-olive-oil-the-story-behind-starbucks-new-coffee-ritual-starbucks-oleato-coffee-beverages/">Starbucks Oleato™</a> - we’re proud of what has been accomplished over the last quarter century. We were even the first major coffeehouse to introduce Cold Brew to the UK high street in 2015, which has since become a staple nationwide.

Now, to celebrate our 25th anniversary we’ve launched a Cold Brew with an exclusive new taste – one that combines two quintessentially British flavours to create a celebratory coffee moment that comes together with a unique twist. The Starbucks®&nbsp;Clotted Cream Fudge Cold Brew is a sensational sip of classic British flavours of fudge and clotted cream, both produced in the UK and paired with Starbucks smooth Cold Brew to bring to life our popular iced offering exclusively for British coffee lovers.

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In addition to bold product innovation and industry-leading coffee craft, 25 years of Starbucks presence across Europe Middle East and Africa has also been defined by growth and expansion. Today, we celebrate a significant milestone on our journey as we open our 20,000th store outside of North America in Oldham, Manchester, in the UK.

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This mixed-format store features the convenience of a Drive Thru, alongside relaxed sit and stay seating and is certified as a <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/emea/stories/2023/starbucks-certifies-first-greener-stores-in-the-uk/">Greener Store</a>, repurposed from a former retail outlet and reflects our commitment to developing new store formats that meet our customers’ needs where they are.

Alex Rayner, General Manager at Starbucks UK, said: “As we celebrate 25 years of contributions and leadership within UK coffee culture, we are proud to build on our coffee craft legacy by welcoming a new, permanent beverage to our menus, and to continue realising our ambitious plans for growth.”

“We’ve seen huge revenue growth in both the UK and EMEA – in part down to new stores in the region, but also by innovating at pace to meet our customers where they're at – investing in digital&nbsp;channels, new store formats, and expanding the Third Place as our customers’ expectations and habits evolve.

“It’s been an incredible 25 years, and it couldn’t have been achieved without our incredible partners. I’m looking forward to the next 25.”

Starbucks has also taken action to secure the future of coffee, including introducing the pioneering <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/press/2020/cafe-practices-starbucks-approach-to-ethically-sourcing-coffee/">C.A.F.E. Practices</a>, one of the coffee industry's first set of ethical sourcing standards to ensure fairness across our supply chains, establishing <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/emea/stories/2022/starbucks-farmer-support-centers-free-education-and-resources/">Farmer Support Centres</a> around the world, and <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/emea/stories/2021/starbucks-to-work-directly-with-farmers-to-help-reduce-emissions/">piloting new sustainable dairy&nbsp;sourcing</a> techniques as part of an industry-leading programme, as we commit to giving back more than we take from the planet.

Starbucks celebrates 25 years of coffee in the UK and in the Europe Middle East and Africa region - Starbucks Stories EMEA

Starbucks celebrates 25 years of coffee in the UK and in the Europe Middle East and Africa region

Starbucks entered the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region 25 years ago, opening our first store in the UK in 1998 on Kings Road, London. Our first market in EMEA, and still our largest, Starbucks now welcomes millions of customers every year at more than 1,100 stores across the UK. From introducing flavours like […]

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https://stories.starbucks.com/emea/stories/2023/25-years-of-coffee-in-the-uk-and-emea/

The celebrations are in full swing this year as Starbucks partners across Europe put on their ‘You Belong Here’ and ‘Love Onwards’ t-shirts, and take to the streets of various European cities to showcase their support for the international Pride network.

See below for some of the highlights from the past few months, from our green-apron partners (employees) in Vienna, Zurich, Milan, and Manchester.

As part of our longstanding support of the LGBTQIA+ community, this year, Starbucks UK has further extended its sponsorship of Manchester Pride.

Regarding the partnership, Mark Fletcher, Manchester Pride CEO, said: "Starbucks approached Manchester Pride&nbsp;three years&nbsp;ago seeking to authentically engage with LGBTQ+ communities and has since been a proud&nbsp;partner of Manchester Pride's volunteer programme. With Starbucks invaluable support, we’re able to create more opportunities for LGBTQ+ people to make new connections, develop new skills, and help local queer communities to thrive.&nbsp; “Manchester Pride’s All Equals Charter exists to&nbsp;help make the workplace inclusive, diverse and equal for marginalised people, and as a member of the All Equals Charter, Starbucks receives support from our expert team to promote sustainable&nbsp;change within their organization — proudly adhering to a number of commitments that help us collectively work towards an equal world for all.”

As well as proudly displaying the Pride flag above the entrance all June, partners at the Starbucks <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2018/top-10-things-to-know-starbucks-reserve-roastery-milan/">Starbucks Reserve® Roastery</a> in Milan greeted customers with an extra dose of Starbucks warm and welcoming spirit this summer, wearing their vibrant Pride t-shirts to also encourage customers to embrace the city and celebrate its ‘open to everyone’ culture.

Zurich, Switzerland

Through the streets of Zürich, Swiss Starbucks partners raised their flags and wore their “Love Onward” t-shirts, representing the idea of accepting all people as they are.

Our Austrian partners joined 250,000 fellow supporters in the Vienna parade to celebrate this year’s Pride, complete with face paint, flags, and colourful balloons. Celebrating together to set an example of acceptance for customers and the local community.

From Manchester to Milan, Starbucks partners celebrate Pride across Europe - Starbucks Stories EMEA

From Manchester to Milan, Starbucks partners celebrate Pride across Europe

The celebrations are in full swing this year as Starbucks partners across Europe put on their ‘You Belong Here’ and ‘Love Onwards’ t-shirts, and take to the streets of various European cities to showcase their support for the international Pride network. See below for some of the highlights from the past few months, from our […]

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The Starbucks EMEA Barista Championship is set to make its triumphant return for the 10th time. A celebration of coffee craft and passion, the yearly event brings together green apron partners from across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, showcasing their exceptional knowledge and shared commitment to the art of coffee craft.

It all starts in store, store champions then compete in district and regional heats, working their way to the national finals where one barista is eventually named National Barista Champion meaning they're the best barista in their market.

National Champions then compete in the EMEA finals to be named overall champion across Starbucks EMEA, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Year after year, Barista Championship-mania takes over Starbucks, here are five reasons why:

1. A Decade of Opportunity:

Since its inception, the EMEA Barista Championship has stood as a beacon of opportunity for thousands of aspiring baristas. The competition has provided a platform for up-and-coming talents to shine, proving that every green apron partner possesses the potential to become the best barista. As the 10th edition approaches in 2023, the excitement is palpable, as green apron partners gear up to showcase their coffee passion, knowledge, and craft in the biggest competition to-date.

2. A Symphony of Coffee Expertise:

Green apron partners represent the heartbeat of Starbucks, and their involvement in the championship is a testament to their status as coffee aficionados. With the ability to hand-craft innovative and great-tasting beverages, and unparalleled levels of knowledge, each brew, pour, and craft, is a symphony composed of years of coffee dedication and love.

3. Forging Connections through Coffee:

Beyond the thrill of competition, the EMEA Barista Championship fosters a unique shared experience. Partners come together from different corners of the region, perfecting their skills and forging meaningful connections through their shared love of coffee. As partners collaborate and learn from one another, the championship becomes a powerful testament to the sense of community and human connection that lies at the heart of Starbucks.

4. From Local Passion to National Glory:

The journey to becoming the best barista begins at the local store level, where store champions emerge. These dedicated partners then elevate their craft through district and regional heats, each step bringing them closer to the coveted title of National Barista Champion. The championship becomes a caring obsession, a pursuit of excellence that culminates in the recognition of being the best barista in their respective market.

5. Ambassadors of Coffee Craft and Connection:

Becoming a Barista Champion is not just a personal achievement; champions become ambassadors for Starbucks, empowered to share their knowledge, passion, and expertise with fellow partners and customers alike. Barista Champions uphold the Starbucks Experience through meaningful connections over coffee and their ability to effortlessly tell the tale of coffee’s journey from bean to cup.

Anticipation builds across EMEA as the countdown to the Barista Championship final begins. The grand final is set for 6 October, where one partner will don the coveted purple apron, an apron only awarded to EMEA Barista Champions.

Still wondering what it takes to make a champion? Look no further than South Africa who have won two out of the past three competitions:

Starbucks EMEA Barista Championship Returns for its 10th Anniversary - Starbucks Stories EMEA

Starbucks EMEA Barista Championship Returns for its 10th Anniversary

The Starbucks EMEA Barista Championship is set to make its triumphant return for the 10th time. A celebration of coffee craft and passion, the yearly event brings together green apron partners from across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, showcasing their exceptional knowledge and shared commitment to the art of coffee craft. It all starts […]

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https://stories.starbucks.com/emea/stories/2023/starbucks-barista-championship-returns-for-10th-anniversary/

<a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/emea/stories/2022/barista-championships-2022-milan-winner/">Phuti</a>, the EMEA Barista Champion for 2022, shares his journey of striving for success. Overcoming his shyness, he found his stride at Starbucks, where he thrived through the support of his fellow partners who helped him achieve his coffee goals.

Starbucks South Africa established the Black Apron Coffee Master’s Squad, known as the Black Mambas, with the mission to strengthen coffee knowledge and create a culture of warmth and belonging. Starbucks partner Ishan (aka Mr. Miyagi), their mentor, emphasises routine, consistency, preparation, and genuine human connection as keys to success.

Phuti's triumph in Milan at the 2022 Barista Championship final, supported by his fellow partners Ishan and Teddy, showcases the power of perseverance and a strong support system; ultimately, 'How to Brew a Champion'.

How to Brew a Champion - Starbucks Stories EMEA

Phuti, the EMEA Barista Champion for 2022, shares his journey of striving for success. Overcoming his shyness, he found his stride at Starbucks, where he thrived through the support of his fellow partners who helped him achieve his coffee goals. Starbucks South Africa established the Black Apron Coffee Master’s Squad, known as the Black Mambas, […]

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https://stories.starbucks.com/emea/stories/2023/how-to-brew-a-champion/

How to Brew a Champion

With summer in full swing, Iced Coffee season has officially arrived to keep you cool - and Starbucks is here to answer all your beverage needs with thousands of different iced beverage combinations to choose from.

For a refreshing thirst quenching sip, look no further than the Strawberry Açaí Starbucks Refresha® Drink or the fan-favourite Cool Lime Starbucks Refresha® Drink that has earned its popularity from its zingy and zesty blend of lime!

If you’re an Iced Tea lover, discover a flavourful twist on the classic Iced Tea with our Lemon, Hibiscus, Green or Peach Iced Tea with or without lemonade.

To help you savour every iced sip, try our Matcha Green Tea Latte with skimmed milk, or for a true coffee kick, look no further than Starbucks Cold Brew or Iced Latte available all year round to help you keep up with your taste buds.

Starbucks Refresha® Drinks

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Starbucks Iced Tea Beverages

Starbucks Iced Coffee Beverages

*Available during the summer season only

**Prices vary depending on Starbucks® location. Some Starbucks stores are operated by licensees. Prices in licensed stores may also vary and are set by licensees.&nbsp;

Disclaimer: Due to the handcrafted nature of our beverages, nutrients may vary from those published here. Adults need around 2000 kcal per day.

Available while stocks last in select markets across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

Check your local Starbucks App or website for availability. Alternatively, to find your nearest store,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.starbucks.com/store-locator?map=39.635307,-101.337891,5z">click here</a>.

10 iced drinks under 100 calories at Starbucks this Summer - Starbucks Stories EMEA

10 iced drinks under 100 calories at Starbucks this Summer

With summer in full swing, Iced Coffee season has officially arrived to keep you cool &#8211; and Starbucks is here to answer all your beverage needs with thousands of different iced beverage combinations to choose from. For a refreshing thirst quenching sip, look no further than the Strawberry Açaí Starbucks Refresha® Drink or the fan-favourite […]

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https://stories.starbucks.com/emea/stories/2023/10-iced-drinks-under-100-calories/

Jeddah Park Reserve store is first Starbucks Reserve store in the Western Province of KSA

Starbucks has reached a new milestone with the opening of its 400th store in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This new store in Jeddah increases Starbucks presence within a flourishing local coffee culture.

Ever since its debut in the Kingdom in 2000, Starbucks has been committed to serving and connecting with the local communities in Saudi. In line with Saudi Vision 2030, the company has been investing heavily in its partners (employees) and in new stores, including the Starbucks Reserve store opening in Jeddah on 4 May 2023. In January this year, the Saudi Ministry of Culture also recognised Starbucks as a key contributor to the success of the 2022 Year of Saudi Coffee. 

Nationalisation, empowerment and increased diversity of women in the workplace are at the heart of Starbucks regional recruitment plan. Through an active recruitment agenda, over half of Starbucks workforce is local talent and female, including its first <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/emea/stories/2022/best-stores-to-visit-in-emea/#:~:text=Coast%20Road%2C%20Kingdom%20of%20Saudi%20Arabia">all-female run Drive-Thru</a> in Saudi which opened in June 2022. This is an ongoing effort, working with the Saudi government to support the broader nationalisation agenda.

Andy Holmes, president, Starbucks Alshaya Group said: “We are proud to mark the opening of 400 Starbucks stores in the Kingdom, which would not have been possible without the hard work of our partners (employees) and the support of the local communities we proudly serve. Reaching this milestone is a testament to our unmatched coffee expertise, commitment to bringing bold new beverage innovations to Arab coffee lovers and evolving our dynamic store concepts to meet our customers’ needs where they are. We have big ambitions to continue our accelerated growth in the Middle East, and this will be driven primarily through our ongoing investment in the recruitment, development and empowerment of young national talent.”

Starbucks is committed to creating unique and inviting spaces for customers to connect and enjoy their favourite beverages and food through distinctive store design, featuring brighter colours, dynamic material palettes, modern artwork, and harmonious lighting. The store aesthetic is constantly evolving throughout the region, leading the way in store design and innovative new store concepts. 

The 400th store opening milestone was celebrated at an event in Starbucks Jeddah Park Reserve store on Monday 10 July. This is the first Starbucks Reserve store to open in Jeddah and the Western Province, joining an exclusive number of Reserve stores in the Kingdom, such as the iconic Riyadh Boulevard Starbucks. Reserve offers coffee connoisseurs a bespoke coffee craft experience, with baristas displaying their coffee craft and expertise through an array of coffee brewing methods, infusing coffee into surprising beverage creations with rare and extraordinary coffee beans.

Starbucks mission captures its commitment to local communities: with every cup, with every conversation, with every community – we nurture the limitless possibilities of human connection. 

The Jeddah Park store will exclusively have our newest, most innovative beverage – <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/emea/stories/2023/starbucks-oleato-arrives-in-the-middle-east/">Oleato</a> ™. Launched in May in Saudi Arabia, Dubai and Kuwait, this alchemy of Partanna ™ extra virgin olive oil and arabica coffee is sure to delight customers in Jeddah with its lush velvety texture.

Starbucks Celebrates Opening 400 Stores in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia  - Starbucks Stories EMEA

Starbucks Celebrates Opening 400 Stores in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia 

Jeddah Park Reserve store is first Starbucks Reserve store in the Western Province of KSA Starbucks has reached a new milestone with the opening of its 400th store in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This new store in Jeddah increases Starbucks presence within a flourishing local coffee culture. Ever since its debut in the Kingdom in 2000, […]

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Via Dei Cerretani, Italy – Via dei Cerretani 46/R, 50123

Florence, the city of art and culture, Dante’s homeland, and cradle of the Renaissance, has just welcomed its third Starbucks® store, located in the heart of the city centre.

A stone’s throw away from the Santa Maria in Fiore Cathedral and from Piazza del Duomo with the famous Brunelleschi’s dome, the store is the perfect stop both for the local community and for tourists who come to the city to admire some of the best art masterpieces the country has to offer.

The new store combines the chromatic shades of the near cathedral with botanic-themed artworks. The store’s design respects the existing architectural structures with arches, vaults, and wood beams ceilings, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Piazza Montecitorio, Italy – Via della Guglia, 56, 00186, Rome

Opened in April 2023, the first Starbucks store in Rome overlooks Piazza Montecitorio, the historic and political heart of the ‘Eternal City’. The store has a unique view of the Piazza and the Palazzo Montecitorio, one of the most symbolic places of Italian politics.

The ambience and interiors used in the store mimic the characteristic coral shades of Piazza Montecitorio and it is a combination of lively and quieter spaces, mixing travertine marble and tuff, typical of traditional Roman buildings.

Prague Castle, Czech Republic – Hradčany, 118 00, Prague

A store inside a Castle? That’s right. Located within Prague's castle walls, this store seamlessly combines classical Gothic architectural style and modern design. A must see, the store’s stone terrace offers a beautiful panorama of the city.

The Guinness Book of Records names Prague Castle as the largest ancient castle in the world spanning 70,000 square meters and is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Prague.

A visit to this store allows you to step back in time whilst enjoying your favourite Starbucks beverage and the view of Prague’s stunning skyline.

Aix-en-Provence, France – 1 Pl. des Augustins, 13100

In the vibrant and quaint Aix-en-Provence, this brand-new store opened this Summer embodies the city’s rich cultural heritage and the Provençal way of life.

It is located in the picturesque Place des Augustins. Customers can choose to sit inside, to absorb the store’s ambience and art, or outside, to take in the vibrant atmosphere, or get their favourite treats to takeaway, as they explore the city’s picturesque streets, unique fountains and colourful facades.

Edinburgh, UK – 120 Princes St, EH2 4AD, Scotland

Nestled in the heart of Princes Street, directly opposite Edinburgh Castle, this store offers panoramic views of both the historic castle and Princes Street Gardens, creating a fascinating backdrop for customers to enjoy their favourite beverages and treats.

The store serves not only as a haven for coffee aficionados, but also as a (literal) window into Edinburgh's rich heritage and natural beauty.

Besides visiting the beautiful store, castle and gardens, visitors can also experience Edinburgh’s Fringe Festival. Held each August, millions of culture lovers descend on the city to celebrate creativity, innovation, and diverse artistic expressions that brings together local communities to create its unique atmosphere.

Brand new this Summer, a dedicated space for iced beverage craft inside our Tower Place store called The Summer Bar.

Located in central London, opposite historic tourist attraction, the Tower of London, locals and tourists alike can shake up their unique Summer vibe by enjoying a range of our iced crafted beverages to cool off this Summer such as the brand-new Salted Caramel Cream Cold Brew or a much loved classic Strawberries and Cream Frappuccino® Blended Beverage.

The Tower Place store has been carefully designed to champion handcrafted coffee and celebrate coffee craft culture. Its modern upstairs Mezzanine level overlooking the Tower of London creates a true contrast of old and new.

Its location and proximity to the Thames means it boasts stunning views of the city’s famous river and London’s tallest building, The Shard.

Dubai Mall Chinatown, UAE

Placed within the vibrant Dubai Mall’s Chinatown, this store’s design concept pays homage to the rich heritage of Chinese culture. Its unique ambience provides a tranquil stop amidst the busy mall, inviting visitors to savour their favourite beverages and treats, including the latest Oleato™ range.

Customers can then indulge in a unique shopping experience in the world’s most visited mall and embark on a cultural journey through Chinatown.

Grand Egyptian Museum, Egypt – Kafr Nassar, Al Giza Desert, Giza Governorate, 3513204

Opened this year, this store is located inside the Grand Egyptian Museum, the largest archaeological museum in the world, outside of Cairo on the Giza Plateau and next to the famous ancient pyramids.

This store embraces local architecture, showcasing remarkable engraved panels, captivating colours, and materials reminiscent of ancient Egypt. It combines unique textures and patterns, paying homage to the rich cultural heritage that surrounds it.

Muizenberg, South Africa – Muizenberg Beach Phase 4, Surfers Corner, Cape Town, 7950

This beachside store allows customers to watch the sunset over the sea, through the store’s glazed façade, as well as the ocean-inspired Siren artwork and bar.

Located in Western Cape, South Africa, the store embodies the laid-back beach-side vibe, which is renowned for its surfing community and beach huts.

Top Starbucks stores to visit this summer - Starbucks Stories EMEA

Top Starbucks stores to visit this summer

Europe Via Dei Cerretani, Italy – Via dei Cerretani 46/R, 50123 Florence, the city of art and culture, Dante’s homeland, and cradle of the Renaissance, has just welcomed its third Starbucks® store, located in the heart of the city centre. A stone’s throw away from the Santa Maria in Fiore Cathedral and from Piazza del […]

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https://stories.starbucks.com/emea/stories/2023/top-starbucks-stores-to-visit-this-summer/

Starbucks has always been a&nbsp;values-led company&nbsp;striving to create a warm and welcoming&nbsp;Third Place&nbsp;for all who visit our stores. Along with creating an equitable, diverse and inclusive culture and offering equal and meaningful opportunities to all, regardless of background or place of origin.

Working in partnership with a number of NGO partners, Starbucks industry-leading refugee hiring programme has placed refugees into permanent roles across Europe in 2017.&nbsp;Recognising the challenges faced by refugees in building a new life, the refugee hiring programme provides a unique insight into Starbucks and the skills and qualities needed before stepping behind the bar.

On this World Refugee Day, we take a trip to the UK and see how Starbucks partner Chiara is empowering refugees and promoting inclusivity, alongside the experience of Asma, a five-year partner who joined Starbucks through the hiring programme.

Starbucks championing refugees across Europe - Starbucks Stories EMEA

Starbucks championing refugees across Europe

Starbucks has always been a&nbsp;values-led company&nbsp;striving to create a warm and welcoming&nbsp;Third Place&nbsp;for all who visit our stores. Along with creating an equitable, diverse and inclusive culture and offering equal and meaningful opportunities to all, regardless of background or place of origin. Working in partnership with a number of NGO partners, Starbucks industry-leading refugee hiring […]

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https://stories.starbucks.com/emea/stories/2023/starbucks-championing-refugees-across-europe/

Eighty Starbucks partners (employees) from Europe, the Middle East and Africa visited Rwanda in May, as part of the 2023 Origin Experience. The goal? To immerse in the story of coffee on the farms where it’s grown.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Similar Origin Experiences occurred earlier this year in Costa Rica, for North American partners, and Indonesia, for those in Asia Pacific. In total, 929 partners company-wide participated in Origin Experience in 2023. Since the program started in 2010, 3,344 partners have visited Origin.

The partners in Rwanda represented a variety of roles and perspectives within the company, from baristas to manufacturing to operations leaders, in both company-owned and licensed markets. They met farmers, agronomists, exporters and buyers; planted coffee seedlings and harvested coffee cherries; and saw how coffee is grown and processed.

See what they experienced, through this photo essay, and hear from partners about what they’re taking away.

The lessons begin at Dukundakawa, a farming cooperative where partners learn about the different stages of the coffee plant: how a seed sprouts into a “little soldier” and then a “butterfly” before it’s planted in the ground to become a tree that will bear fruit in 2-3 years.

They harvest cherries from trees that Origin Experience partners planted in 2019.

Later that day, at Abakundakawa, a different cooperative,&nbsp;they see how the coffee is washed, processed and graded in the traditional manner – pushed by paddles along narrow canals – and dried on long, raised beds that stripe the lush green hillsides of Rwanda, a country nicknamed “the land of a thousand hills.” The coffee grown in Rwanda will eventually be used in Starbucks blends worldwide – Siren’s Blend, Green Apron Blend and Cold Brew Blend – as well as in high-end Starbucks Reserve selections like Rwanda Sholi and Rwanda Hingakawa.&nbsp;

Smallholder, subsistence farmers in Rwanda don’t have enough money for all the fertilizer they need, and often, the only way to get it is by having a cow. Cows make manure, which provides the raw material for compost, which helps coffee farmers improve their production. In the village of Musasa, Origin participants meet Faustin, a farmer who Starbucks gifted with a cow 10 years ago. Since then, he’s increased his yield – from 1.5 kilograms of coffee per tree to 4 kilograms per tree – and he’s used the extra income to pay for his children’s schooling, make improvements to his house and reinvest in his farm. 

In communities like Faustin’s, tradition means gifting the first-born female calf to a neighbor in a public ceremony, and partners witness one such heartfelt exchange between families. “If I give you a cow, by default, you’re my friend forever,” says Arsene Mustafali Bin Uwihoreye, an agronomist at the Rwanda Starbucks Farmer Support Center who works with farmers in Musasa to improve yields. “It unites people.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

The next morning, partners visit RWACOF, the largest exporter of coffee in Rwanda and Starbucks biggest coffee supplier in the country. After the coffee is processed on the farms and the cooperatives, it’s brought here by truck to the RWACOF dry mill and warehouse to be hulled and sorted – both by hand and a buzzing assembly line of machines. The quality is re-inspected in a lab, where test batches are roasted and screened for taste and issues like Potato Taste Defect. Then it’s all bagged for delivery on container ships.

Partners also visit the Starbucks Rwanda Farmer Support Center to learn how the team helps coffee producers throughout east Africa grow and deliver the best product. 

And finally, they meet with representatives from Rwanda’s <a href="https://naeb.gov.rw/index.php?id=1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Agricultural Export Development Board</a> for a formal presentation about the coffee industry.

Throughout the experience, Origin participants learn about how the <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/productions/hingakawa/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coffee industry helped Rwanda recover</a> from a violent past. They spend one afternoon in contemplation at the Rwanda Genocide Memorial in Kigali, the capital city, that commemorates the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda when Hutu extremists killed an estimated 1 million people. The memorial sits atop mass graves where an estimated 250,000 people are buried. Many participants come out shaken. Later, they hear the testimonies of the Women of Ineza, the victims of sexual violence during the genocide, who formed a support group and sewing cooperative. For all the sad moments, there are uplifting ones as well. Each cooperative greets Origin participants with welcome dances and singing. One night, a dance troop delights the participants back at the hotel with a beautiful celebratory performance.

On the final day, Origin participants visit a small village in the Musenyi sector for a community service project with The Starbucks Foundation and one of the nonprofits it supports, <a href="https://rippleeffect.org/us/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ripple Effect</a>. The day’s work options – building a cow shed, planting vegetable gardens, plastering the exterior walls of houses, building bricks or constructing rainwater tanks – will help five women in this coffee-growing community, including four widows. The atmosphere is festive. Pop music blares from speakers on a big central field. Dozens of people from the community join the muddy, sweaty work. And afterwards, everyone dances in a big circle. Laurent Munyankusi, country director for Ripple Effect, tells the Starbucks participants, “For you to come here to Rwanda, it’s a big blessing. The only way to address the problems of this world is through partnership.”

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Follow the journey of three Starbucks&nbsp;<a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/emea/stories/2022/barista-championships-2022-milan-winner/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EMEA Barista Champions</a>, as they experience Origin for the very first&nbsp;time.

Starbucks partners (employees) from across Europe, the Middle East and Africa traveled to Rwanda in May to immerse in the story of coffee, on the farms where it's grown.

Rwanda Origin Experience 2023

https://stories.starbucks.com/emea/stories/2023/rwanda-origin-experience-2023/

Starbucks Origin Experience takes Starbucks partners (employees) from behind the bar or office desks and places them among&nbsp;the people that grow, harvest and produce the coffee.​

The aim of the experience: build a bridge between what Starbucks calls “the first 10 feet” – the coffee farms themselves – and&nbsp;the “last 10 feet,” where a customer orders and consumes their&nbsp;favourite&nbsp;coffee. Iced, hot or shaken – however the beverage&nbsp;is crafted – the coffee is&nbsp;<a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/press/2020/cafe-practices-starbucks-approach-to-ethically-sourcing-coffee/">ethically sourced&nbsp;</a>by farmers around the world.&nbsp;​

This year,&nbsp;80&nbsp;Starbucks partners from across Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) travelled to Rwanda to immerse in the&nbsp;origin of coffee in the East African nation.​

We followed the journey of three partners, all Starbucks&nbsp;<a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/emea/stories/2022/barista-championships-2022-milan-winner/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EMEA Barista Champions</a>, as they experienced Origin for the very first&nbsp;time.&nbsp;

This is&nbsp;<a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/emea/stories/2021/teddys-journey-barista-champion/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Teddy</a>&nbsp;(2019 Champion),&nbsp;<a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/emea/stories/2022/cynthias-journey-barista-champion/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cynthia</a>&nbsp;(2021 Champion), and&nbsp;<a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/emea/stories/2022/meet-phuti-south-africas-barista-champion-2022/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Phuti’s</a>&nbsp;(2022 Champion) story from&nbsp;store&nbsp;to&nbsp;farm.​

​See more photos from the Rwanda Origin Experience <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2023/rwanda-origin-experience-2023/">here</a>.

Every year, partners (employees) from across Europe, the Middle East and Africa travel to Rwanda to be immersed in the origin of coffee.

Store to Farm: Rwanda Origin Experience​

https://stories.starbucks.com/emea/stories/2023/store-to-farm-rwanda-origin-experience/

Every year, partners (employees) from across Europe, the Middle East and Africa travel to Rwanda to be immersed in the origin of coffee. From behind the store counters to meeting the people that grow, harvest and produce our coffee. This is Starbucks Origin Experience.

Stories