Starbucks Celebrates a Decade of Grounds, Growth and Giving Back in Chile and Peru

23 Aug 2013 --- Ten years ago, Chile and Peru opened their doors to Starbucks Coffee Company. This week, both countries are celebrating a decade of growth that has established more than 100 stores, employing 2,000 Starbucks partners (employees) serving well over one million customers every month.

Rich Nelsen, Starbucks senior vice president of Latin America, said, “Starbucks is incredibly proud to see how our partners connect with our customers every day and the relevance the Starbucks brand enjoys in the Peruvian and Chilean communities where we operate. Peru and Chile were the first two markets Starbucks opened in South America ten years ago. We are humbled by the success and trust we have earned with our partners and customers in these communities, and we are excited for the bright future ahead in these two important communities.”

Starbucks opened its 50th store in Chile this month at Universidad Andrés Bello in Santiago, marking a decade of sustained growth in the country. One thousand partners have built meaningful connections with thousands of customers to make the Starbucks Experience part of their daily routine, while supporting communities through volunteering and community outreach. The company is looking forward to accelerating its growth and bringing the Starbucks Experience to more customers throughout Chile in 2014 and beyond. Beginning next month, Starbucks stores in Chile will be operated by longstanding partner Alsea.

This week, Starbucks is also celebrating 10 years of fulfilling Peruvians’ passion for coffee and a decade of consistent growth. Peru now operates 60 stores, employing nearly 1,000 partners in seven provinces. Starbucks Peru will continue to grow and reach new customers in new cities. Starbucks is proud of the long-term relationship with licensee Delosi, which shares Starbucks values and commitment to partners and communities.

Since 2001, Starbucks has built a strong and proud relationship with coffee farmers throughout Peru. Through Starbucks Ethical Sourcing program, called C.A.F.E. Practices (Coffee and Farmer Equity), Peruvian farmers receive access to training, tools and capital to improve coffee quality, increase yields and have a positive impact on farmer livelihoods. Earlier this year, Starbucks debuted Peru Aladino in
the Starbucks Reserve® program, which brings the most exotic and exquisite small-lot coffees to customers around the world.

Starbucks celebrated its decade of success in Chile and Peru with store openings, special anniversary offers and in-store coffee tastings and concerts. The festivities in Chile included an Unplugged Music Tour of three national artists performing exclusive concerts at Starbucks locations in Santiago. Peru held in-store coffee seminars in Lima and plans to celebrate with partners and customers throughout August.

This month’s celebrations are important milestones in the region. With more than 650 stores across 12 markets, Starbucks will serve more than 100 million customers in Latin America this year. Through its commitment to community service and farmer support, Starbucks creates a positive impact on the farming communities from which it sources, as well as the communities where it operates, with partners contributing more than 20,000 volunteer hours to date in 2013. Starbucks plans to continue to grow its retail presence and celebrate the coffee heritage of this diverse and dynamic region.