First store with Reserve coffee bar experience in the Middle East and North Africa Region (MENA)

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The store combines coffee theatre with local design elements

Kuwait was the start of Starbucks journey in the MENA region, with the first store opening 18 years ago in Kuwait on the Souq Sharq waterfront. Today, Starbucks introduces an immersive coffee destination with the Crystal Tower store, where the theatre of coffee led by expert Coffee Master baristas, takes centre stage.

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The opening of the first store with a Reserve coffee bar experience, in the heart of Kuwait’s dynamic business district, represents Starbucks uncompromising pursuit of elevating the coffee experience for its customers. Commenting on the store opening, Graeme Gardiner, Senior Operations Manager, Starbucks Kuwait said: “We are extremely proud to introduce this special store that showcases our passion for coffee in this region. With an immersive and sensory coffee bar, the new store defines a new opportunity bringing customers closer to their coffee - and Starbucks – more than ever before.”

Featuring the company’s rare, small-lot Reserve coffees roasted at its Seattle Roastery, the Reserve bar gives baristas a platform to engage in a dialogue with customers over unique brewing methods. These methods include the Clover™ Brewing System, pour over, siphon, chemex, and Black Eagle manual espresso machine. Only available in limited quantities, each Reserve coffee is one-of-a-kind, sourced from coffee growing regions in Latin America, Africa and the Asia Pacific islands.

Three Reserve coffees will be on offer at the store opening – Nicara Elsuyatal, Brazil Bourbon and Colombia Andino. The store will also offer Starbucks core range of food and beverages that are known and loved by customers in Kuwait.

The store’s design is also unique – the name of the tower provided inspiration for the warm wooden interiors, with triangle shaped panels reminiscent of natural crystal stones. Existing signature features were also integrated into the beautiful design, including a coffered concrete ceiling and exposed brick surfaces.

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Starbucks Introduces Unique Store in Crystal Tower, Kuwait - Starbucks Stories EMEA

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Starbucks Introduces Unique Store in Crystal Tower, Kuwait

The opening of the first store with a Reserve coffee bar experience, in the heart of Kuwait&rsquo;s dynamic business district, represents Starbucks uncompromising pursuit of elevating the coffee experience for its customers.&nbsp;

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https://stories.starbucks.com/emea/stories/2017/starbucks-introduces-unique-store-in-crystal-tower-kuwait/

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With more than 25,000 stores, Starbucks is in 75 countries around the globe. That means Starbucks and its partners (employees) wearing the company’s iconic green apron are a part of thousands of communities worldwide. From handcrafted beverages and immersive coffee experiences to hands-on volunteer work and programs that embrace a community’s unique needs, here are some Starbucks top stories from markets outside the U.S. in 2016.

1. First International Roastery Announced

The most premium Starbucks retail experience is its Roastery in Seattle. Since opening two years ago in Seattle, the Starbucks® Reserve Roastery has become recognized as the most dynamic and immersive coffee retail experience in the world. That experience will be shared by many more customers as Starbucks opens its next Roastery in Shanghai in 2017. <a href="https://news.starbucks.com/news/first-starbucks-roastery-coming-to-shanghai">In May, Starbucks announced</a> its first international Roastery will be located along Nanjing Road (West), one of the world’s busiest shopping destinations. The Roastery will be part of the HKRI Taikoo Hui Project, Shanghai’s newest premium world-class retail, office and hotel area. In 2018, Roasteries <a href="https://news.starbucks.com/news/starbucks-new-york-roastery-announcement">will open in New York City</a> and in Tokyo. Located in the Nakameguro district, an upscale neighborhood known for its exclusive boutiques and art galleries, <a href="https://news.starbucks.com/news/starbucks-reserve-roastery-coming-to-tokyo">the Japan Roastery</a> will be designed in collaboration with Kengo Kuma, a world-renowned architect and founder of Kuma Lab at the University of Tokyo. A fifth Roastery location in Europe will be announced early next year.

2. Creating Opportunity at Starbucks First Stores in South Africa

In April, Starbucks arrived in South Africa with <a href="https://news.starbucks.com/news/starbucks-opens-its-first-south-african-store">its first store opening in Johannesburg</a> at the corner of Cradock Heights and Tyrwhitt Avenue in Johannesburg’s Rosebank neighborhood. The company has since <a href="https://news.starbucks.com/news/starbucks-opens-first-store-in-pretoria-south-africa">opened other stores</a> in the country. Starbucks partnered with Taste Holdings, a South African-based management group, to create the stores and new job opportunities for South Africans. Out of a working-age population of 38 million in South Africa, 22 million citizens haven’t completed high school and 8 million are jobless. Changing Lanes is a five-day program was developed by Taste Holdings and the nonprofit Khulisa Social Solutions to prepare unemployed South Africans for the workplace and to help them find jobs. Many of <a href="https://news.starbucks.com/news/starbucks-and-changing-lanes-create-a-path-for-south-africans">the store partners in South Africa</a> have been through the Changing Lanes program.

3. A Dream More Than 30 Years in the Making

Howard Schultz walked cobblestone streets of Milan for the first time in 1983 as the marketing director of Starbucks, which then sold whole-bean coffee from a handful of stores in Seattle. Schultz went to Italy to represent the company at an international trade show. He returned with an idea that would change the trajectory of the Starbucks Coffee Company. “The Italians had created the theater, romance, art and magic of experiencing espresso,” Schultz recalled. “I was overwhelmed with a gut instinct that this is what we should be doing.” In February, Starbucks announced its will open in Italy in 2017. <a href="https://news.starbucks.com/news/howard-schultz-dream-fulfilled-starbucks-to-open-in-Italy">In this video and story</a>, Schultz shared how the company’s history is directly linked to Milan, Verona and Italian espresso bar traditions.

4. Celebrating 20 Years of Coffee Leadership in Japan

<a href="https://news.starbucks.com/news/starbucks-japan-celebrates-20-year-anniversary">Starbucks first international market outside of North America</a> began in the Ginza district in a two-story retail space in 1996. Today the company has grown to more than 1,100 stores across all 47 prefectures in Japan. In addition to sharing their coffee passion, many Starbucks partners volunteer in their communities. Last year alone in Japan, partners participated in 7,000 local events and projects to further strengthen their neighborhoods. In response to the devastating earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan five years ago, Starbucks introduced the limited-edition Hummingbird card. Proceeds from that card in 2012, and every year since, were donated to the Michinoku Future Fund. The fund provides full academic college tuition assistance to the 1,800 children who lost their parents due to the natural disaster. The youngest child impacted by the devastation is expected to graduate from college in 2036. The Starbucks Hummingbird card has raised about 100 million yen ($1 million USD) since the program began.

5. Locally-Relevant Stores in New Markets

The twin-island nation of Trinidad and Tobago, just north of South America’s northern coast, is known for its peach sand, lush rainforests and natural beauty. The steelpan drum was invented there in the 1930s, and its calypso sounds still fill the air. Gathering with friends to relax is a national pastime, known as “liming” in local slang. <a href="https://news.starbucks.com/news/starbucks-opens-its-first-store-in-trinidad-and-tobago">Starbucks opened its doors for the first time there</a> in August. Other new markets for Starbucks in 2016 include <a href="https://news.starbucks.com/news/starbucks-opens-first-store-in-slovakia">Slovakia</a>; one of South America’s most beautiful cities, <a href="https://news.starbucks.com/news/starbucks-first-store-in-medellin-colombia">Medellin</a>; and the <a href="https://news.starbucks.com/news/starbucks-opens-world-class-flagship-store-in-cambodia">world-class flagship store in Cambodia</a>. As Starbucks continues to expand its store footprint around the world, it is deeply committed to locally relevant store design in addition to being an active member of each community and a catalyst for positive change.

6. Starbucks Strengthens Its Commitment in China

2016 began as it ended for Starbucks, with the company reaffirming its commitment to growth and innovation for customers and partners in China. In January, Starbucks chairman and ceo <a href="https://news.starbucks.com/news/starbucks-strengthens-commitment-in-china-2016">Howard Schultz spoke with partners in Chengdu, joined by Jack Ma</a>, founder and executive chairman of Alibaba Group. Schultz also announced a housing allowance subsidy for partners help them overcome the initial financial challenges of starting their careers and often living and working independently. Belinda Wong, who became ceo of Starbucks China in October, announced earlier in December <a href="https://news.starbucks.com/news/starbucks-tencent-partnership">a strategic partnership to co-create a new social gifting feature on WeChat</a>, China’s leading mobile social communications service, in early 2017. Starbucks now operates approximately 2,500 stores in 118 cities in China and remains on track to open more than 5,000 stores in China by 2021.

Starbucks Canada and the True Patriot Love Foundation <a href="https://news.starbucks.com/news/starbucks-canada-to-help-veterans-find-jobs-after-leaving-service">announced a new collaboration</a> in 2016 that will help support veterans’ reintegration to civilian life. Each year, 5,000 men and women exit the Canadian Armed Forces looking for the next chapter in their lives. Entering the civilian workforce for the first time is a significant challenge and many require support to translate military skills into civilian jobs. Through the Coffee with a Vet program, Starbucks will provide much-needed meeting places for one-on-one networking and mentoring meetings with veterans who have successfully reintegrated into civilian life, along with larger scale events, all aimed at leading to employment and support services. Starbucks is well ahead of its commitment to hire 10,000 veterans and military spouses by the end of 2018.

In India, Tata Starbucks, which owns and operates Starbucks coffeehouses, has instituted a five-day work schedule, down from the country's customary six-day workweek. A first-of-its-kind initiative in the nation, it provides more than 1,200 partners with an additional 52 personal days off per year. In addition to providing greater personal flexibility, Tata Starbucks has emphasized partner development through mentorships, leadership courses, life coaching and training programs. In China, full-time Starbucks baristas and shift supervisors receive a monthly housing subsidy. These initiatives are examples of the <a href="https://news.starbucks.com/facts/starbucks-history-of-partner-benefits">benefits customized to meet partners needs</a> around the world. <a href="https://news.starbucks.com/news/starbucks-partner-benefits-span-the-globe">Read about others here</a>.

9. Barista Champions' Coffee Passion and Craft

In competitions around the world, Starbucks baristas celebrated their passion and pride for coffee while showcasing their skills. For two months this year, Ryan Wibawa practiced his coffee brewing and artistry skills every day after work for five hours. With passion for coffee and dedication to his craft, he earned the opportunity to compete in the World Brewers Cup finals. “It was like a dream come true,” said Wibawa, a Starbucks barista from Indonesia. I felt very humbled and honored to represent my country in an international competition. The experience was the best teacher.” <a href="https://news.starbucks.com/news/starbucks-barista-champion-from-thailand">Read more about Starbucks barista champs here</a> and how <a href="https://news.starbucks.com/news/starbucks-baristas-latte-art">baristas share their love of latte art</a> around the world.

10. Supporting Coffee Farming Families for Generations to Come

For the third year, Starbucks Mexico supported <a href="https://news.starbucks.com/news/how-starbucks-is-helping-chiapas-coffee-farmers-thrive">an initiative the company launched in 2014</a> to address an ongoing threat of coffee leaf rust to farmers in the region. The initiative, called <a href="https://news.starbucks.com/news/starbucks-mexicos-coffee-tree-initiative-grows">Todos Sembramos Café, which means “We All Grow Coffee,</a>” lead to Starbucks Mexico donating a rust-resistant coffee tree to farmers in the Chiapas region for every bag of whole bean coffee purchased by customers. Coffee rust, known locally as “la roya,” is a plant fungus damaging millions of coffee trees around the world, making it difficult for farmers to produce high-quality coffee. According to Mexico’s Asociacion Nacional de Café (ANICAFE), coffee harvests have now reached their lowest volume in 45 years. Todos Sembramos Café was the inspiration for a company-wide program – Starbucks One Tree for Every Bag commitment. In just one year, the program has <a href="https://news.starbucks.com/news/22-million-coffee-trees-milestone">raised enough funds to plant 22 million coffee seedlings</a> to replace trees that are declining in productivity due to age and disease, such as coffee-leaf rust.

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Starbucks and its partners wearing the company’s iconic green apron are a part of thousands of communities worldwide. Here are some Starbucks top stories from markets outside of the U.S. in 2016.

Starbucks Top 10 Global Stories of the Year

https://stories.starbucks.com/emea/stories/2016/starbucks-top-10-global-stories-of-2016/

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Taste Holdings and Starbucks open the doors of the first store in Johannesburg

The store brings the full Starbucks Experience, plus Starbucks Reserve coffees

Store design underlines commitment to support local artists, artisans and craftsmen

Johannesburg, South Africa, April 21, 2016 – Starbucks has arrived in South Africa, with its first store opening in Johannesburg today. Opened by Starbucks and <a href="http://www.tasteholdings.co.za/home.php">Taste Holdings</a>, it is located at the corner of Cradock Heights and Tyrwhitt Avenue in Rosebank. The store has a unique design and offers a wide range of Starbucks beverages and food, including Starbucks ethically sourced 100 percent arabica coffee.

“This is a milestone for Starbucks and we are delighted to have arrived in South Africa," said Rhys Iley, Starbucks vice president, licensed operations, Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) and UK retail, who was present at the official opening. "With Taste Holdings, we will deliver the special Starbucks Experience for our new South African customers, a place for the community to gather and connect over a great cup of coffee."

The Rosebank store combines inspiration from the neighborhood and the very first Starbucks store, located in Pike Place Market in Seattle, Washington.

Here's a short video of the South Africa store's opening moment:

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“This store will not only offer amazing coffee and world-class customer service, it is a representation of our commitment to South Africa through its localized design,” said Carlo Gonzaga, CEO of Taste Holdings. “We have taken inspiration from rich local color palettes and designs, with materials and artworks produced by local artisans. It signifies the start of our coffee journey in South Africa.” 

Artwork in the store includes woven leather ceiling panels that pay homage to the South African tradition of basket weaving and a 3D recreation of the famous Starbucks Siren in wood. There is also a copper mural that captures the atmosphere of the neighborhood around the Pike Place Market. The copper is also reminiscent of the <a href="https://news.starbucks.com/news/video-inside-starbucks-reserve-roastery-and-tasting-room">Starbucks Reserve Roastery and Tasting Room</a> in Seattle.

“We also carefully considered South African customer tastes when we developed our menu and customers can expect local products like Rooibos tea,” added Gonzaga.

Starbucks sources coffee from nine countries in Africa. For the coffee connoisseur, the store hosts an intimate and immersive coffee environment where single-origin, small-batch Reserve coffees sourced from around the world can be experienced with a variety of brewing methods, including Siphon, Pour-Over, and the Clover™ brewing system. In addition, all espresso beverages will be prepared using Reserve coffees on a Black Eagle espresso machine. 

Some of the store partners (employees) are from <a href="http://www.tasteholdings.co.za/csi.php">Taste Holdings’ Changing Lanes program</a>. This is a training and development program that recruits from local communities and provides retail opportunities to currently unemployed youth.

“We are very proud to partner with Taste Holdings to bring Starbucks to South Africa, celebrating our rich coffee history, whilst also celebrating the vibrant community we will be serving," said Iley. "We are creating jobs and opportunities in our stores, as well as supporting the local supply chain and we look forward to the future of Starbucks in South Africa.”

Taste Holdings is a South African-based management group and a leading licensor of global brands in the Southern Africa region. It owns and licenses a portfolio of franchised and owned category specialists, Quick Service Restaurants (QSR) and retail brands currently represented in five countries in Southern Africa. Its food division has a 30-year master license agreement for Domino’s Pizza in Southern Africa. It also owns, operates and franchises Zebro’s Chicken, The Fish &amp; Chip Co., Maxi’s Restaurants, Scooters Pizza and St Elmo’s Woodfired Pizza. Its luxury goods division is underpinned by three owned retail brands – NWJ, Arthur Kaplan and World’s Finest Watches. NWJ is the third largest national jewelry chain by store numbers in the region. Arthur Kaplan and World’s Finest Watches are, together, the leading retailers of luxury Swiss watch brands in the region. Taste is listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) under the symbol “TAS." <a href="http://www.tasteholdings.co.za/home.php">www.tasteholdings.co.za</a>.

Since 1971, Starbucks Coffee Company has been committed to ethically sourcing and roasting high-quality arabica coffee. Today, with more than 23,000 stores around the globe, Starbucks 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 our stores or online at <a href="http://news.starbucks.com">news.starbucks.com</a> and <a href="http://starbucks.com">Starbucks.com</a>.

The Johannesburg store, opened by Taste Holdings and Starbucks, combines inspiration from the neighborhood and the very first Starbucks store, located in Pike Place Market in Seattle, Washington.

Starbucks Opens Its First Store in South Africa

Starbucks Opens its First Store in South Africa

https://stories.starbucks.com/emea/stories/2016/starbucks-opens-its-first-south-african-store/

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Thirty-three years after his initial visit to Milan, chairman and ceo Howard Schultz returns to Italy to announce Starbucks debut in the market that inspired its creation

Company to enter Italian market with noted brand, retail and real estate developer Percassi

MILAN, Italy; February 29, 2016 -- Starbucks Coffee Company (NASDAQ: SBUX) today announced a partnership to open the first Starbucks store in Italy. Percassi, confirmed as Starbucks licensee in Italy, will own and operate Starbucks stores, with the first store opening in Milan in early 2017.

Today’s announcement is especially significant for Starbucks Coffee Company chairman and ceo Howard Schultz. Thirty-three years ago, Schultz took his first business trip to Milan and Verona, a journey that changed his life forever. Inspired by the craftsmanship of the Milanese barista, the spirit of the Italian people, their passion for community, their friendliness and taste for quality, Schultz’s vision for Starbucks began to take root.

“Starbucks history is directly linked to the way the Italians created and executed the perfect shot of espresso. Everything that we’ve done sits on the foundation of those wonderful experiences that many of us have had in Italy, and we’ve aspired to be a respectful steward of that legacy for 45 years,” said Schultz. “Now we’re going to try, with great humility and respect, to share what we’ve been doing and what we’ve learned through our first retail presence in Italy. Our first store will be designed with painstaking detail and great respect for the Italian people and coffee culture. And, my hope is that we will create a sense of pride for our partners – so much so that every partner who sees our store or walks through the doors will say: ‘We got it right.’”

Related: <a href="https://news.starbucks.com/news/howard-schultz-dream-fulfilled-starbucks-to-open-in-Italy">A Dream 33 Years in the Making</a>

Working together with Percassi, Starbucks chosen partner in Italy, the company’s retail stores will be developed in cities across the country, beginning with the first store in Milan. Percassi, the licensee, is a renowned Italian company with a proven track record of operating highly-successful major brand partnerships across Italy. The company shares Starbucks values and passion for the history and cultural heritage of Italy, and will combine local expertise with demonstrated business success to make every single store an exciting, unique experience for new Italian customers. Starbucks is expected to open its first Italian store in Milan in early 2017.

"We know that we are going to face a unique challenge with the opening of the first Starbucks store in Italy, the country of coffee, and we are confident that Italian people are ready to live the Starbucks experience, as already occurs in many other markets," said Antonio Percassi, President of the company Percassi.

Starbucks and Percassi share common values and a commitment to creating pathways to youth opportunities and employment in communities right across Italy. Starbucks will partner with Percassi to support local projects our store partners love to work with around the world.

<a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Starbucks_Comunicato.pdf">Italian Translation Press Release</a>

1. Howard Schultz, chairman and ceo Starbucks Coffee Company, visited the historic Duomo cathedral in Milan, Italy this week as he announces the brand's intention to open its first Italian store in 2017.

2.Howard Schultz, chairman and ceo Starbucks Coffee Company, announces to Milanese artisans, entrepreneurs and business leaders his intention to open a store in Milan, Italy in 2017.

3. Howard Schultz, chairman and ceo Starbucks Coffee Company, stands in the center of Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, one of the world's oldest shopping malls, in Milan, Italy as he announces that Starbucks will open its first store in the country in 2017.

Since 1971, Starbucks Coffee Company has been committed to ethically sourcing and roasting high-quality arabica coffee. Today, with more than 23,000 stores around the globe, Starbucks 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 our stores or online at <a href="https://news.starbucks.com/">news.starbucks.com</a> and <a href="http://www.starbucks.com/">Starbucks.com</a>.

Founded in 1976 by Antonio Percassi, it is a business company whose activities are focused on managing its portfolio of own trademarks (Kiko Milano, Madina, Womo and Bullfrog in cosmetics, Vergelio in footwear, Atalanta in sports, Da 30Polenta in food services) or in joint venture (Billionaire Italian Couture in clothing), in addition to the development and the management of the sales networks of important brands (among which Gucci, Polo Ralph Lauren, Nike, Victoria's Secret and LEGO Group). In the past Percassi developed stores worldwide for the Benetton Group and contributed to the entry and growth in the Italian market of Inditex (Zara, Massimo Dutti, Oysho, Pull and Bear, Bershka, Stradivarius) as well as of Swatch, Calvin Klein, Guess, Tommy Hilfiger and Levi's. Percassi operates also in the Real Estate business with the development and improvement of major real estate projects in the sales and managerial sector, always at the forefront of innovation and high quality. For more information: <a href="http://www.percassi.com/index.html">www.percassi.com</a>.

Thirty-three years after his initial visit to Milan, chairman and ceo Howard Schultz returns to Italy to announce Starbucks debut in the market that inspired its creation.

Starbucks to Open Stores in Italy

With Humility and Respect, Starbucks Turns its Eye Toward Italy

https://stories.starbucks.com/emea/stories/2016/starbucks-announces-it-will-open-stores-in-italy-in-2017/

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