Starbucks Opens the Doors to Its First Coffeehouse in Argentina
Starbucks Coffee Company is proud to warmly welcome customers to our first store in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The entry into Argentina represents a milestone for the company, while supporting its expansion in Latin America and throughout the world. Starbucks Coffee International, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Starbucks Coffee Company (Nasdaq: SBUX) and Operadora Internacional Alsea, S.A. de C.V., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Alsea S.A.B. de C.V. through the joint-venture company, Starbucks Coffee Argentina S.R.L., are celebrating the opening of its first store in Argentina at Alto Palermo Shopping Center, one of the premiere shopping centers in the country, tomorrow, May 30.
"Starbucks is humbled and honored to be welcomed into Argentina, a country with a rich coffeehouse culture," said Buck Hendrix, president of Starbucks Coffee Latin America. "We are excited about becoming a part of this great tradition and contributing to its prosperity."
The Starbucks Experience is distinctive in that it provides partners (employees) and customers with daily inspiration through human connections, innovative products and services and a comfortable atmosphere.
"We are thrilled about opening our first Starbucks store in Argentina, and are proud to be able to share the unique Starbucks Experience with the people of Argentina," said Diego Paolini, general manager of Starbucks Coffee Argentina. "Additionally, we are excited to offer some traditional Argentine favorite beverage and food items in innovative ways that are complementary to our premium-quality coffees."
Customers in Buenos Aires and throughout Argentina will be able to enjoy Starbucks® high-quality coffee, legendary customer service, and comfortable third place environment, enjoyed by our customers approximately 50 million times per week worldwide. Starbucks is highly respectful of the surrounding environment and community where we do business and this respect extends to local tastes and flavors.
Inspired by the culinary heritage of Argentina, Starbucks is pleased to offer a Dulce de Leche Latte and Frappuccino® blended beverage. Starbucks is also introducing a new handcrafted beverage that was specifically developed for the Argentina opening and three food offerings that are exclusive to this market. These are Mate Latte, a yerba mate infused latte; media luna croissants; alfajores, chocolate cookies filled with Dulce de Leche and sandwiches de miga, crust-less finger sandwiches.
The Starbucks Experience also extends well beyond Starbucks retail locations into the communities in which it operates. With every store that opens, Starbucks strives to become a part of the community.
"Contributing positively to communities and the environment is a fundamental part of both Starbucks and Alsea's cultures," states Cosme Torrado, president ? Alsea, parent company of Starbucks joint-venture partner in Argentina. "That's why we are proud to be working together again to open a new market in Latin America. Both companies are passionate about operating a successful business while contributing to programs that benefit others."
In conjunction with the opening of its first store in Argentina, Starbucks is honored to announce an alliance with Fundación Natalí Dafne Flexer in Palermo. "We are excited to further become a part of the community by lending assistance to more than 1,000 children and their families each month who suffer from cancer by providing access to appropriate treatment, support and care, said Paolini. "Our commitment to support the local community is long term, and this is the first of many relationships we hope to develop and nurture as we grow."