Starbucks Announces Entry to Ecuador and Honduras
Seattle, Washington – Starbucks Coffee Company today announced plans to enter two new markets in the Latin American and the Caribbean region by the end of this year: Ecuador and Honduras. This expansion is part of Starbucks "Triple Shot Reinvention with Two Pumps" strategy announced last November, which lays the roadmap for how the company will deliver long-term, sustainable growth. The strategy includes accelerating store expansion to 55,000 locations globally by 2030.
In partnership with Delonorte S.A. and Premium Restaurants of America, the company will open stores in Quito, Ecuador, and San Pedro Sula, Honduras, respectively. The market openings will bring Starbucks operations to 26 markets in the Latin America and Caribbean region and 88 globally. The company’s presence in Latin America and the Caribbean has grown steadily, with more than 1,600 stores, providing employment opportunities for over 22,000 green apron partners (employees).
“Latin America has been integral to Starbucks business since our founding in 1971,” said Brady Brewer, ceo of Starbucks International. “Over half of the coffee Starbucks sources worldwide each year comes from the region, and we are proud to continue bringing the Starbucks Experience to more people, in more places, in celebration of the region’s rich coffee heritage.”
Starbucks first store in Ecuador is scheduled to open in July 2024 with the Honduras debut later this year.
Local Partners for Regional Expansion
Starbucks has established strong relationships with licensed business operators responsible for managing the brand’s new stores in Ecuador and Honduras. These operators, Delonorte S.A. in Ecuador and Premium Restaurants of America in Honduras have been chosen for their extensive local market knowledge and proven ability to deliver the exceptional Starbucks Experience to customers.
Delosi S.A., an affiliate of Delonorte S.A. and Starbucks long-time business operator in the Andean region, has been a key partner since Starbucks opened its first store in Peru in 2003. This partnership has since grown to include 117 stores in Peru and 7 in Bolivia, demonstrating a strong commitment to regional expansion.
Similarly, Premium Restaurants of America began its partnership with Starbucks in 2010 with the opening of the company’s first store in El Salvador and has since expanded in Guatemala and Costa Rica. Currently, the company operates 26 stores in Costa Rica, 23 stores in El Salvador, and 20 in Guatemala.
History of Coffee Sourcing & Community Support in Ecuador and Honduras
Starbucks has purchased high-quality Arabica coffee from Ecuador and Honduras for more than a decade and will continue to elevate coffees from the markets to the global stage.
Ecuador’s Galápagos La Tortuga Starbucks Reserve® and Ecuador Loja Starbucks Reserve® as well as Honduras’ Starbucks® Single-Origin Honduras Marcala and Honduras Honey-Processed Los Naranjos, showcase regional excellence within Starbucks diverse global coffee portfolio.
Through the company’s Coffee and Farmer Equity (C.A.F.E.) Practices program and projects to uplift coffee communities, Starbucks remains dedicated to supporting farmers in Ecuador and Honduras, fostering economic transparency, and practicing social responsibility every step of the way.
About Starbucks
Since 1971, Starbucks Coffee Company has been committed to ethically sourcing and roasting high-quality arabica coffee. Today, with more than 38,000 stores worldwide, the company is the premier roaster and retailer of specialty coffee in the world. Through our unwavering commitment to excellence and our guiding principles, we bring the unique Starbucks Experience to life for every customer through every cup. To share in the experience, please visit us in our stores or online at stories.starbucks.com or www.starbucks.com.
About Delonorte S.A.
Delonorte S.A. is a company specialized in the management of restaurant franchises, responsible for the operations of Starbucks stores in Ecuador. Delonorte S.A. is affiliated with Delosi S.A., a Peruvian operator with over 40 years of experience in managing globally recognized restaurant franchises.
About Premium Restaurants of America
With headquarters in El Salvador, Premium Restaurants of America – PRA (formerly American Franchise Corporation - CFA) operates more than 300 restaurants in Central America, employing over 9,000 people. International companies such as Pizza Hut, KFC, Wendy's, and China Wok have entrusted PRA with the operation of their brands. For Starbucks, PRA operates 26 stores in Costa Rica, 23 stores in El Salvador, and 20 stores in Guatemala, employing over 700 people.