A message to Starbucks partners (employees) from Rossann Williams, evp, president North America

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I am writing you today from Buffalo, NY where I have been connecting with partners, as I often do in my role around the country. I wanted to pause and check in as some of you have asked about three stores here that have petitioned to join a union called Workers United. I want to make sure you are hearing directly from us, and me personally, so you know our position and have the facts.&nbsp;

For context, I first came to Buffalo in early September to see for myself the working conditions and operational challenges our partners had shared with us. From what I have seen and heard, from both newer and tenured partners, it’s 100% clear that they have not had the Starbucks Experience that we work so hard to create for you, and all of our partners across the country. So, we are here to ensure that we can give them just that. Some stores are well supported, but there are serious gaps in too many other stores in this market that fall short of the Starbucks Experience and represent some of the most challenging conditions, over and above the everyday complexity COVID-19 has brought. We are working to deliver the Starbucks standard, with humility, care and urgency. This is what every partner deserves – the very best partner experience we can offer. Our local operations team is leading the work, with a focus on staffing, training (both in-store and at our two temporary training stores), and creating the store environment partners expect and deserve, while ensuring every local leader is dedicated to creating a safe and welcoming environment for our Buffalo partners. A team of regional operations, facilities, technology, PRO, Store Dev and support manager partners are on the ground to help too.&nbsp;

There are many changes happening to close the operational gaps, but even positive changes can take time for partners to adjust to, so I am personally trying to stay as close as I can while also overseeing North America and what’s important to all partners. I will continue to meet with as many partners as possible across Buffalo and around the country to be in service wherever I can. Being in the stores, working shoulder to shoulder, is the part of the job that brings me the most energy and has for my 17 years at Starbucks.

In terms of the three petitions, an election date has not yet been set. We have also asked the National Labor Relations Board to allow all partners in Buffalo stores to vote, instead of just three stores. As you know, Starbucks stores in a city or market are deeply interconnected – partners like to routinely work shifts in other stores, we transfer and promote partners between stores, we share inventory across the market, we operate under the same policies, and we share the same set of leaders. In fact, like other markets, nearly half of the partners in the Buffalo market have worked in multiple stores this past year. We believe rather than restricting the vote to three stores, all Buffalo store partners should vote because every partner’s voice matters, especially in an important decision that may affect them all.&nbsp;

In the meantime, we want to make sure our partners here in Buffalo know the facts and have a space to hear from us directly so they can make their own informed decision. We are hosting partner meetings so we can share information and partners can ask us questions – like what the vote actually decides, what collective bargaining entails, how a union works, and how to make the most of the benefits we already offer. And we want partners to know how unionizing would fundamentally change their direct relationship with Starbucks. We care deeply about our partners here in Buffalo, as we do in every market across the country, and we want to preserve our partner to partner relationship. While it is certainly our partners’ right to make their own decision – and one we fully respect – I do hope our partners will give us a chance as they make the best decision for themselves, their families and their fellow partners. &nbsp;

I want to be clear that our actions in Buffalo are not about whether we are pro-union or anti-union. &nbsp;It’s quite simply that we are pro-Starbucks partners. As you know, our heritage and culture are built on the belief that by working directly together as partners, we can build a different kind of company. We do that by listening, having real talk, and lifting one another up, always with Our Mission and Values at our core. It’s what I truly love most about Starbucks – and I know many of you do too. Every success we have ever achieved has been in direct partnership with one another – without an outside party between us.&nbsp;

Unfortunately, what I’ve seen and heard in the market shows we have partners who don’t feel the partnership we pride ourselves on having, which is heartbreaking to me. And truth be told, the operational challenges I described, like staffing, training, call outs, or repairing equipment, can only be solved by us, from within Starbucks. That responsibility, along with the responsibility to offer even part-time workers our total pay and benefits package and COVID benefits are uniquely Starbucks to own. So, we are asking partners to vote “no” to a union – not because we’re opposed to unions but because we believe we will best enhance our partnership and advance the operational changes together in a direct relationship.&nbsp;

I know some of these operational gaps are not unique to Buffalo. As I shared in my message to you a few weeks ago, the pandemic has fundamentally changed our jobs and partners are navigating more complexity than ever imaginable. I want you to know that across the country, we will continue to make the investments we need to ensure an elevated Starbucks Experience, just as we have this last year – like accelerating wage investments, investing in cold beverage labor, fixing and innovating equipment and technology in stores, repurposing 40 stores around the country for new partner training, expanding referral bonuses, adding hourly recruiting specialists and more. Ensuring your care and safety remains the top priority. And with that, continuing our direct conversations as partners. Our only goal is that you feel safe, supported and truly LOVE what you do at Starbucks. You deserve that and more!

I often hear stories of incredible strength and resilience from partners, and I can say with conviction that there is no situation, pandemic or otherwise, that can shake the heart and soul of our company. We are not perfect – we make mistakes, we stumble – but we listen, grow together and take action. This work doesn’t happen in a boardroom in Seattle – it starts with open and honest conversations, in stores – learning, asking what’s possible, and committing to making ourselves, and our company, better.&nbsp;

Thank you for taking time to read this message as I felt the details were important to share. I will continue to check in. Thank you for your partnership, and thank you for standing with Starbucks.

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Stories to inspire and nurture the human spirit

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A message to Starbucks partners (employees) from Rossann Williams, evp, president North America.

Working Directly Together as Partners, We Can Build a Different Kind of Company

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A message from Kevin Johnson, Starbucks ceo to partners (employees)

Fifty years ago, Starbucks opened our doors in Seattle’s Pike Place Market and our journey began. Today we are a proud part of more than 33,000 communities around the world. Since the beginning, we have been a different kind of company, grounded in our Mission: to inspire and nurture the human spirit – one person, one cup and one neighborhood at a time.

This week, as we celebrate both National and International Coffee Days, we also continue to celebrate our milestone anniversary, honoring the legacy and heritage of Starbucks and all the partners who have come before us. I am filled with optimism for our future: one where we give more than we take from the planet, create a sustainable future for coffee, positively impact the communities we serve, and enhance the lives of all who connect with Starbucks.

The last 18 months have certainly brought unprecedented challenges in our society - with a historic global pandemic, extreme weather events, and racial and social injustice as just a few examples of what we’re navigating together. And as the economy continues to recover and more customers return to our stores, we’re navigating new supply chain challenges, staffing complexities, and other store pressures, much like others across the industry. Our operations and support teams have managed these challenges with flexibility and grace, working with urgency to find solutions. Starbucks partners have remained resilient, always rising to the occasion in support of other partners as we meet our customers where they need us to be. For that, and so much more, I am so grateful for each of you and so very proud to be a partner.

We know our success – past, present, and future – is built on how we partner together. This culture of belonging is both our heritage and our future.<a></a>

Since 1971, we have sought to inspire and nurture the human spirit by asking ourselves, repeatedly and frequently, “what’s possible?” I ask you that same question today. What is possible if we spend the next 50 years using what we’ve learned in our first 50 to make people’s lives better, the planet better, and all of humanity, better?

I invite you to join me in building our next chapter. One where together, we create positive impact on people and the planet, grounded in what Starbucks has learned over the past 50 years: that “possible” is just the beginning.

We know our success – past, present, and future – is built on how we partner together. This culture of belonging is both our heritage and our future.

Celebrating 50 Years of Starbucks Coffee Company

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By 2030, 50% of water withdrawal will be conserved or replenished across our direct operations, stores, packaging and agricultural supply chain from FY19, prioritizing action in high-risk water basins while supporting watershed health, ecosystem resilience and water equity.

In January 2020, Starbucks set an ambitious goal to conserve or replenish 50% of water used in green coffee production in our direct operations, as part of the company’s multi-decade commitment to become a resource positive company. In August 2021, Starbucks expanded this goal to include global operations, agricultural supply chain, and packaging, increasing the projected water conserved or replenished and addressing some of the biggest impacts on Starbucks water footprint. In addition, Starbucks will also prioritize action in high-risk basins to support watershed health and actively address ecosystem resilience and water equity. This approach aims to achieve sustainable water security for our business and works to reliably provide clean, safe water to high-risk communities.&nbsp;

Our approach to meet this updated target will include efforts to:

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By 2030, 50% of water withdrawal will be conserved or replenished across our direct operations, stores, packaging and agricultural supply chain.

Starbucks expands commitment to water

Starbucks expands commitment to water and outlines comprehensive strategy

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In response to the relief efforts underway&nbsp;following the tornadoes in the Midwest this weekend,&nbsp;The Starbucks Foundation contributes&nbsp;$50,000&nbsp;of its broader commitment to strengthen communities.

The Starbucks Foundation will contribute $50,000 to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief in response to the tornadoes in the Midwest. This contribution is part of The Starbucks Foundation’s $1 million commitment to the Red Cross Annual Disaster Giving Program – an effort designed to help make resources available for people and communities as soon as needs arise. 

In addition to this contribution from The Starbucks Foundation, effective December 13 Starbucks will offer customers the opportunity to donate to the Red Cross directly through the point of sale in nearly 9,000 U.S. company-operated locations.

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In response to the relief efforts underway for Hurricane Ida and the western wildfires, The Starbucks Foundation contributes $400,000 of its broader commitment to strengthen communities. 

The Starbucks Foundation Commits $1 million to American Red Cross Disaster Relief

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In a message to&nbsp;Starbucks&nbsp;partners (employees),&nbsp;ceo&nbsp;Kevin Johnson&nbsp;encouraged partners to use their voice to make a difference in the communities it serves, reinforcing Starbucks commitment to civic engagement.&nbsp;&nbsp;

I am proud to share that today Starbucks joined the <a href="https://www.businessforvotingrights.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Business for Voting Rights Coalition</a> in calling on Congress to update the Voting Rights Act, to help ensure protection of the right to vote for all. This builds on our multi-year non-partisan effort to encourage partners and customers to vote, while ensuring that no partner has to choose between working or voting on (or before) Election Day.&nbsp;

Throughout our history, Starbucks has been committed to ensuring that the voices of our partners are heard. The Voting Rights Act was signed into law in 1965 by President Lyndon B. Johnson and was designed to enforce the voting rights guaranteed by the Fourteenth and Fifteenth Amendments to the Constitution of the United States.&nbsp; We believe civic engagement is critical in building stronger communities and <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2020/starbucks-unveils-plan-to-support-partner-and-customer-voter-engagement/">we will continue to provide tools and resources</a> to help you use your voice to make a difference in your communities. Voting is one way this can come to life and protecting the right to vote for every eligible American, regardless of who they vote for, is core to the integrity of our Democracy.&nbsp;

Every election, whether it be for President of the United States or your local mayor or city council member, is important. We will continue to ensure that Starbucks partners have access to expanded tools and resources to participate in the democratic process. You will also hear more from us on the ways you can get involved in your communities, and how Starbucks is supporting you in this work. Based on your feedback, we continue to focus on:

The right to vote is core to our Democracy. The struggle for civil rights and racial equity in America exists in every aspect of our society, and the democratic process is no exception. We believe that voting should be free of discrimination of any kind.

A letter to Starbucks partners from Kevin Johnson, Starbucks president and ceo.

Starbucks ceo: The right to vote is core to our Democracy

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In a message to Starbucks partners, ceo Kevin Johnson encouraged partners to use their voice to make a difference in the communities it serves, reinforcing Starbucks commitment to civic engagement.

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A letter to local Seattle partners (employees) from Camille Hymes, vice president of community impact at Starbucks

From our start as a single store at the Pike Place Market 50 years ago, our aspiration has always been to be a different kind of company. A company that looks for opportunities to bring people together for conversation and connection, making a positive impact in the communities we serve. 

Today is a proud moment for our hometown partners and ice hockey fans across the country as Starbucks and the Seattle Kraken, a new professional ice hockey expansion team, announce a multi-year partnership to celebrate and strengthen the Seattle community.&nbsp; This partnership will focus on building community and advancing equity in Seattle – amplifying Starbucks existing investments and partnerships in the Seattle community and the Kraken’s ongoing efforts to advance diversity, equity and inclusion.

When we learned of this unique opportunity to engage in a partnership with the&nbsp;Kraken&nbsp;organization, the first question we asked ourselves was, “Will this partnership make our partners proud?”&nbsp;And after learning that the ethos of the organization is to promote a more equitable society, a healthier planet and a world where people can realize a brighter future, the answer was a resounding “YES”!&nbsp;

I want to reiterate to you that this is about more than ice hockey; it’s about supporting communities and our hometown. Together, Starbucks and the Kraken are committed to serving the Seattle community via the newly named Kraken Community Iceplex. It will serve as a space to support the Northgate community – one of Seattle’s most diverse neighborhoods – bringing people together and fostering a sense of inclusion and belonging through community programming and of course, ice hockey.

And, inside the Kraken Community Iceplex, we will open our 21st Starbucks Community Store where a percentage of store profits&nbsp;will support the Kraken and Climate Pledge Arena’s <a href="https://onerooffoundation.org/">One Roof Foundation</a> and local nonprofit organizations with a focus on youth&nbsp;homelessness, environmental justice and providing access and opportunities in youth ice hockey. It is set to open with Kraken Community Iceplex this September.

Even more, as one of the Community Impact Partners of the Seattle Kraken, Starbucks will:

And partners, this is just the beginning of the incredible community impact we know we can have in partnership with the Kraken.

There is an old African proverb I am reminded of, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” In this partnership, we will further amplify our community efforts and there is no limit to how far we can go.&nbsp;

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A letter to local Seattle partners (employees) from Camille Hymes, vice president of community impact at Starbucks.

Our New Community Impact Partnership in Seattle

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In a letter to US partners (employees) global chief inclusion and diversity officer Dennis Brockman shares an invitation to pause, reflect, and to explore the history of Juneteenth.

The events of the last year have produced a broader awakening across this country and around the globe in the fight for racial and social equity. This is true at Starbucks, too. While this is not a new journey for us, we have spent the last year looking deeper, listening more intentionally, and reflecting on our responsibility to each other – to care for one another, to strengthen our communities and to ensure diverse voices are heard at all levels of the company.

Last June, we paused to examine how we were living up to Starbucks Mission and Values. We did this by listening to our Partner Networks and by embracing guidance from our Black Partner Network. Together, we unequivocally stood in solidarity with our Black partners to celebrate freedom, condemn oppression and recognize Juneteenth as an annual U.S. company holiday. This was one of many actions we’ve taken to promote an environment where our partners see and feel real progress. At Starbucks, Our Mission and Values aren’t just words, they are at the core of who we are.

Juneteenth is a day celebrated by many Black and African Americans as our Independence Day. The history of this day always gives me pause. On June 19, 1865 enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas were told by Union soldiers that the Civil War had ended, and they were free. This came almost two and half years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation ending legal slavery. I think about this delay – how my people remained enslaved years after they were legally free, about the systems in place to keep them enslaved, and about the systems still in place today that keep people of color from reaching our full potential. Juneteenth is a day of celebration, but it also a day to reflect on and learn about its history. It is a day that inspires me to keep doing the work to unravel these systems so we can feel truly seen, heard and valued.

This year marks the 156th anniversary of Juneteenth, and I invite you to pause, reflect, and to explore the history of Juneteenth through the stories and resources shared on <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2021/celebrating-juneteenth-progress-made-isnt-progress-secured/">Starbucks Stories</a>. I also invite you to share the spirit of Juneteenth in your homes by spending the day with family and friends in community around shared food and traditions.

We acknowledge that there is much to be done at Starbucks and around the world to help ensure every individual, regardless of their background, can succeed and thrive. As we work to advance racial and social equity within our company, our stores, and our communities, we remain committed to being transparent, intentional and to holding ourselves accountable.

I know our partners and communities have been through a lot, and I want to thank each of you for your hard work and trust. The journey we are on is a marathon and not a sprint, and I value days like Juneteenth that inspire me to pause and reflect not only on the past, but on the road ahead.

I wish you all a happy and healthy Juneteenth!

Freedom is not a state; it is an act. It is not some enchanted garden perched high on a distant plateau where we can finally sit down and rest. Freedom is the continuous action we all must take, and each generation must do its part to create an even more fair, more just society."&nbsp; – John Lewis

In a letter to US partners, global chief inclusion and diversity officer shares an invitation to pause, reflect, and to explore the history of Juneteenth.

Message from Dennis Brockman: What Juneteenth Means to Me

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Each year since 2001, Starbucks has reported on its efforts to make a positive impact in the communities it serves. Starbucks ceo Kevin Johnson reflects on our 2020 impact and shares the company’s progress for global initiatives in people, planet and coffee.

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Dear Starbucks partners, customers and stakeholders:

As a company grounded in a mission to inspire and nurture the human spirit, Starbucks has always looked to make positive connections and impact on people and communities around the world. So, 20 years ago, we made a commitment to report transparently and regularly about our efforts to improve economic conditions for coffee farmers, minimize our environmental footprint, make positive contributions to the communities we serve, and create a culture of inclusion, belonging and opportunity for all Starbucks partners (employees).&nbsp;

In this FY20 report, you’ll see that even through a historic global pandemic, we remained steadfast in our commitment to people and to the planet. Our goal to make a positive impact on the lives of partners and customers and to give more than we take from the planet is central to the work we do. I’m tremendously proud of all Starbucks partners who prioritized the health and safety of people and showed up for their communities as we navigated COVID-19 together.

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Accordingly, you will see that we have added additional rigor to this work by providing data consistent with the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) reporting standards.&nbsp;

While this report covers the progress we made in FY20, our key areas of focus continue in FY21. Most recently, our partners have seen a substantial wage increase; our renewable energy investments are benefitting our stores and the communities around them; we have set new <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2020/starbucks-announces-new-commitments-to-advance-racial-and-social-equity/">inclusion and diversity goals and commitments</a>; we committed to invest $100 million to support small businesses and community development projects in Black, Indigenous and People of Color <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/press/2021/starbucks-expands-initiatives-to-advance-opportunity-equity-and-inclusion-in-the-communities-it-serves/">(BIPOC) neighborhoods</a>; we added another $50 million to our global coffee farmer fund; and we’re doing more each day.

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We have a unique opportunity at Starbucks to use our reach and scale to create a better society in many ways, big and small. I have immense gratitude and pride for all Starbucks partners who have worked together through this historic time in service of their communities, creating a third place where we can all find community, acceptance and a sense of belonging.

Now, meeting the ambitious targets set out in this report will take time … and Starbucks is wholeheartedly committed to these environmental and social goals for the long term. They are core to our mission, they are core to our business and they are core to who we are as Starbucks partners.&nbsp;

Supporting documents and data tables for the 2020 Report, including the Impact Summary Scorecard, Planet Positive Performance and Sustainability Accounting Standards Board Reporting, can be found&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://stories.starbucks.com/uploads/2021/04/2020-Starbucks-GESI-Report-Supporting-Documents.pdf" target="_blank">here</a>.

Starbucks ceo Kevin Johnson reflects on our 2020 impact and shares the company’s progress for global initiatives in people, planet and coffee.

A message from Starbucks ceo Kevin Johnson: Our 2020 impact

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In a letter to U.S. partners, Starbucks ceo Kevin Johnson reflects on the jury verdict in the murder trial of ex-police officer Derek Chauvin and Starbucks recommitment to the hard work ahead.

The murder of George Floyd is tragic, painful and heartbreaking. Today’s jury verdict in the murder trial of ex-police officer Derek Chauvin will not soothe the intense grief, fatigue and frustration so many of our Black and African American partners are feeling. Let me say clearly to you: We see you. We hear you. And you are not alone. Your Starbucks family hurts with you.

And while today’s verdict is a step forward in accountability, until we confront the ugly realities and root causes of what led us to this day, our people, our nation, will always fall short of their full potential. We know there is so much more work to do to address systemic racism in our society and create the change needed to ensure everyone has an equal chance to succeed and thrive.

This is an important time for us to be here for one another, to share perspectives, to listen to each other, and to commit ourselves to a more equitable tomorrow. We cannot sit on the sidelines as individuals nor as a company.

At Starbucks, we will continue to advance our work by focusing on greater inclusion, diversity and equity as partners, investing in the communities we serve, and partnering with community organizations to help ensure Starbucks remains a welcoming place for all.

We’re going to call a Partner Open Forum this week. We want to create space to honor the life of and acknowledge the injustice to George Floyd. An injustice too familiar to too many. We will be here for our partners in the Twin Cities and for each and every BIPOC Starbucks partner as we try to understand the systemic wrongs that lead to inequality.

We are 400,000 partners in 33,000 communities. We have the power to make a positive difference.

Today's verdict and recommitting to the hard work ahead - Starbucks Stories

Today&#8217;s verdict and recommitting to the hard work ahead

In a letter to U.S. partners, Starbucks ceo Kevin Johnson reflects on the jury verdict in the murder trial of ex-police officer Derek Chauvin and Starbucks recommitment to the hard work ahead.

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Today’s verdict and recommitting to the hard work ahead

In a letter to partners (employees), ceo Kevin Johnson outlines highlights from the company’s third Civil Rights Assessment conducted by Covington &amp; Burling LLP under leadership of former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder, Jr.

We continue to pursue greater inclusion, diversity and equity at Starbucks. And as we do so, we are guided by three principles: intentionality, transparency and accountability. Being intentional and transparent is the foundation of accountability, and a meaningful part of our transparency is the regular assessment of our company's commitment to civil rights. It is an objective evaluation that 1) provides a factual and honest review of our journey in inclusion, diversity and equity, and 2) helps us track progress over time to drive truly lasting change. Each year since 2019, we have asked for and published this objective assessment, allowing us to reflect on our progress and, more importantly, focus on areas we can improve and advance this agenda.

Other companies may hesitate to allow an outside evaluator to dig into its practices, and then to make their findings public. But we work for a different kind of company. We act with courage, we challenge the status quo and we find new ways to grow—not just as a company but as partners. I’m proud that we undergo this assessment. All companies should.

<a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/uploads/2021/03/Starbucks-2021-Civil-Rights-Assessment.pdf">This year’s Civil Rights Assessment (CRA)</a>—once again, under the leadership of former United States Attorney General Eric Holder, Jr. and his law firm, Covington &amp; Burling LLP—will be published tomorrow and made easily available to all partners, customers and stakeholders. And while I encourage all partners to read the entire assessment, I want to share with you, in advance of its publication, a look at some of the key areas of progress and opportunity identified this year:

As it has in the past, the assessment provides an honest review of our journey and offers expert recommendations for how we can create an even more inclusive, diverse and equitable workplace. We’re proud of the progress we continue to make, and we know that there will be setbacks. We are, however, fully committed to lasting change. Some of the opportunities identified in this year’s assessment for Starbucks include:&nbsp;

You will see the CRA outlines an agreement we recently reached with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Through a voluntary process earlier this year, Starbucks and the EEOC resolved allegations (based on workforce data from 2007 through 2011)that we had not been providing equal access to promotion opportunities for store partners based on their race and national origin. While we do not know what prompted the EEOC allegations and our analysis of this data did not reveal systemic discrimination in promotions, we know we can improve transparency around promotion opportunities. The agreement is not only the right thing for partners, it has also led us to focus more resources on structural changes necessary to support partners’ career progressions and ensure that every partner has the opportunity to learn about promotion opportunities.&nbsp;&nbsp;

What does this mean for you? You will begin to see improvements to make more partners aware of and able to apply for open positions and to enhance accountability for leaders. Leaders will also be better equipped to help their partners navigate these opportunities. We now have tools and technology to help non-retail leaders track their team’s progress towards BIPOC representation goals and to give retail partner—from baristas through managers—seamless visibility to promotion opportunities. During your upcoming performance and development conversations with your manager, each of you will have an opportunity to learn about these new systems in place, while at the same time, having space for meaningful and supportive career conversations. The tools and technology are only as good as the behaviors of a truly inclusive culture.

I want to be very clear: racism and discrimination have no place at Starbucks. Not with customers. Not with partners. If you ever have a concern regarding racism or discrimination, we have several resources in place to support you, including your PRO partner, PRSC, or our Ethics &amp; Compliance team. You can also reach out to <a href="mailto:inclusion@starbucks.com">our I&amp;D team</a> if you have any questions.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Inclusion is at the very core of what we do at Starbucks. We inspire and nurture the human spirit. We create places of warmth and belonging, where everyone is welcome. As we continue to have these open conversations about diversity and equity, we discover time and again that inclusion lines up perfectly with our Mission and Values.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Starbucks Civil Rights Assessments

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n a letter to partners (employees), ceo Kevin Johnson outlines highlights from the company’s third Civil Rights Assessment conducted by Covington & Burling LLP under leadership of former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder, Jr.

Our Third Civil Rights Assessment

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In a letter to partners (employees), ceo Kevin Johnson outlines highlights from the company’s third Civil Rights Assessment conducted by Covington & Burling LLP under leadership of former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder, Jr.

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Michelle Burns, svp of Global Coffee, Tea and Cocoa, shares new 2030 coffee sustainability goals to achieve carbon neutral green coffee and conserve water usage in green coffee processing by 50%.

It is no secret to any of us that climate change is making it harder and harder to grow coffee. We’ve seen the research. We’ve spoken to experts. We’ve witnessed it first-hand. And, even more so, we’ve heard directly from farmers. If we want to ensure a sustainable future of coffee for all, if we want farmers to thrive, if we want coffee to continue to flow, then we must do more with a greater sense of urgency.

Last year, our ceo, Kevin Johnson, made a <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2020/message-from-starbucks-ceo-kevin-johnson-starbucks-new-sustainability-commitment/">bold aspiration for our company to be resource positive</a> – giving more than we take from the planet – and outlined ten-year goals to achieve 50% reduction in carbon, water and waste. With the entire company rallied behind this vision, the coffee team set off to build upon our long-standing programs and initiatives, research and development work, and partnerships with so many others in the industry, to outline a clear path forward for coffee to contribute to these goals, knowing it was equally important for farmers that we take on and solidify this work.

So today, in support of the company’s resource-positive aspiration, to support farmers and to protect the longevity of our supply chain, I’m excited to share our goals to achieve carbon neutral green coffee and conserve water usage in green coffee processing by 50%, both by 2030. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Our carbon strategy will focus on three primary strategies:

For water conservation at origin, we will:

More details about our goals and roadmap can be found <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2021/starbucks-announces-coffee-specific-environmental-goals/">here</a>. But even more so, it’s important to re-emphasize this isn’t new for us. With coffee at our core and sustainability always a part of our philosophy, this has been a journey fifty years in the making led by the passion of our Starbucks leaders and partners who believe in our mission to inspire and nurture the human spirit. And it’s because of our strategic partners, our industry allies, our like-minded suppliers who have also made sustainability a priority and who have helped us, as well as the industry, to think bigger, hold ourselves accountable and reimagine what’s possible.

The journey is long from over, but together, the future is looking bright. We know we don’t have all the answers and much of the work ahead is uncharted territory. But we stand more firmly now than ever in our commitments and our continued work together to support farmers, their communities and our planet.

I also wanted to share with you how we continue to bring this great work to our customers and partners, as we know sustainability is also a meaningful topic for them. Last week, we launched a new, <a href="https://coffeeexperiences.starbucks.com/">immersive virtual experience of Hacienda Alsacia</a>, our coffee farm in Costa Rica. As the center of our research and development efforts, Hacienda Alsacia plays a pivotal role in testing new farming practices, tools and techniques as well as breeding more resilient tree varietals – work that has helped inform our sustainability strategies and will continue to play an important role moving forward. With the new virtual experience, people around the world can now get closer to how their coffee is grown and have a deeper appreciation for the many farmers who make it possible. I invite you to grab a cup of coffee and take a trip to the farm.

A Message from svp of Global Coffee, Tea and Cocoa on 2030 coffee sustainability goals - Starbucks Stories

A Message from svp of Global Coffee, Tea and Cocoa on 2030 coffee sustainability goals

Michelle Burns, svp of Global Coffee, Tea and Cocoa, shares new 2030 coffee sustainability goals to achieve carbon neutral green coffee and conserve water usage in green coffee processing by 50%.

https://stories.starbucks.com/uploads/2021/03/SBX20200319-Coffee-FeatureHorizontal.jpg

https://stories.starbucks.com/press/2021/a-message-from-svp-of-global-coffee-tea-and-cocoa-on-2030-coffee-sustainability-goals/

https://stories.starbucks.com/uploads/2021/03/SBX20200319-Coffee-FeatureHorizontal-1024x498.jpg

Starbucks is committed to transparent and ongoing third-party audits and disclosures of our global social and environmental impact. Since 2001, we <a href="https://www.starbucks.com/responsibility/global-report">have proactively published</a> an annual update on our performance against key Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) factors. These summaries are audited by third parties and provide a fiscal year summary detailing what we have achieved to date, where we have more to do, and what is still to come. Beginning in 2021, Starbucks has committed to incorporate <a href="https://www.sasb.org/about/">The Sustainability Accounting Standards Board</a> (SASB) ESG reporting standards into our annual Global Environmental and Social Impact Report.

In addition to&nbsp;our&nbsp;annual Global Environmental and Social Impact Report, in 2019, Starbucks commissioned Covington &amp; Burling LLP, under the leadership of former Attorney General Eric Holder, to&nbsp;<a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/uploads/2019/01/Covington-Report-to-Starbucks-Jan-23-2019.pdf">conduct a comprehensive assessment</a>&nbsp;of Starbucks commitment to civil rights, equity, diversity and inclusion.&nbsp;<a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/uploads/2020/02/Starbucks-Civil-Rights-Assessment-2020-Update.pdf">In 2020</a>, we invited Attorney General Holder to conduct a follow up assessment&nbsp;and in 2021, we will share our third Civil Rights Assessment.&nbsp;

We also released a comprehensive&nbsp;<a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/uploads/2020/01/Starbucks-Environmental-Baseline-Report.pdf">Environmental Baseline Audit</a>&nbsp;conducted by Quantis in partnership with the World Wildlife Foundation in 2020.

Recognizing the importance of industry-wide ESG surveys, since 2001, Starbucks has participated in the <a href="https://www.spglobal.com/esg/csa/djsi-csa-annual-review-2020">Dow Jones Sustainability Index</a>. Since 2007, Starbucks self-disclosed information to the <a href="https://www.worldsmostethicalcompanies.com/">Ethisphere Institute</a> and has been consistently recognized as one of the most world’s ethical companies.

Starbucks Commitment to Environmental, Social and Governance Disclosures - Starbucks Stories

Starbucks Commitment to Environmental, Social and Governance Disclosures

Starbucks is committed to transparent and ongoing third-party audits and disclosures of our global social and environmental impact.

https://stories.starbucks.com/uploads/2019/01/Spring_logo_low-res.jpg

https://stories.starbucks.com/press/2021/starbucks-commitment-to-environmental-social-and-governance-disclosures/

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