Starbucks shares results of Human Rights Impact Assessment

Starbucks commissioned its first independent Human Rights Impact Assessment, a step toward making key investments for partners (employees), farmers, communities and the environment.

More than 50 years ago, Starbucks began a journey to build a different kind of company, inspired by the bold idea of putting people first. Today, Starbucks creates a positive impact for millions through serving coffee in more than 85 markets and more than 38,000 stores around the world.  

Success on a global scale requires not only being nimble, but a continual recasting of Starbucks vision and principles to meet the evolving needs of our partners, business conditions and world affairs. We strive to lead by example, now rooted in an evolved mission: 

With every cup, with every conversation, with every community – we nurture the limitless possibilities of human connection.

We’ve also created a set of six promises to partners. When we are at our best, we promise our partners a bridge to a better future; we promise to Uplift the Everyday for our customers; with our farmers, we ensure the future of coffee for all; we promise to contribute positively to our communities; for the environment, we promise to give more than we take; and we promise to generate enduring returns for our shareholders. 

Since the beginning, we have pursued ambitious goals and programs, and reported on our progress and opportunities with intention, transparency and accountability. As part of that commitment, Starbucks recently commissioned its first enterprise-wide independent Human Rights Impact Assessment executed by Article One. This assessment represents the next step in our journey to make key investments to support our partners, farmers, communities and the environment. As we have in the past, we look forward to continuing to update our stakeholders on our progress on this journey in the years to come. 

In the following pages, we are sharing not only key results from the Human Rights Impact Assessment, but also recommendations identified to advance our human rights efforts throughout the enterprise and with external partners. To achieve our mission and adhere to our legacy, we know we must address our limitations – and we will.

Nothing matters more than preserving the dignity of our partners, customers, suppliers and communities we work in every day. By understanding and sharing where we stand, we can create a better future for all.  

In partnership, 

Michelle Burns, executive vice president of Global 
Coffee, Social Impact & Sustainability