Where Starbucks Sources Its Coffee Beans
Starbucks sources its coffee beans from nearly 30,000 coffee farms in over 30 countries like Brazil, Columbia, Guatemala, Kenya, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, and Tanzania. The company has a team of coffee buyers who work with partners to select the right beans for each blend, following Starbucks’ sourcing guidelines and standards.
Starbucks builds direct trade relationships with coffee farmers through its C.A.F.E. Practices program. This fosters trust and sustainability. Starbucks also donates proceeds and 1% revenue yearly to funds as part of its fair trade programs.
The company sources arabica coffee beans from three key growing regions: Latin America, Africa, and Asia-Pacific. Though their signature blends contain beans mostly from Asia-Pacific. Starbucks takes care in packaging beans to ensure freshness until they reach stores. There are many bean varieties, each with unique flavors.
Fair Trade Practices Implemented by Starbucks
In the 90s, Starbucks was criticized for unfair labor practices. They set up fair trade programs as a more sustainable supply chain where workers get paid fairly. Overall, coffee is grown in about 70 countries. Starbucks buys from over 30 of them.