Starbucks Celebrates Its First Anniversary in Ecuador with Over 1 Million Beverages Served
The brand celebrates one year in the market with a new coffeehouse, the arrival of the iconic Pumpkin Spice Latte, and a continued commitment to sustainability.
A year ago, Starbucks arrived in Ecuador with the promise of offering much more than coffee. Since then, it has shared over one million beverages with its customers, created thousands of memorable moments, and begun building lasting connections across the market.
Now with six coffeehouses in Quito, operated by Delonorte S.A., a subsidiary of Delosi S.A., and with the inauguration of its newest store at Portal Shopping, the brand celebrates its first anniversary with a very special milestone: the arrival of the iconic Pumpkin Spice Latte — one of Starbucks most beloved beverages worldwide— available hot, iced, or as a Frappuccino®. Joining this launch is the Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte, created for those seeking a refreshing option.
The new Starbucks store at Portal Shopping marks the brand’s expansion in northern Quito, offering a warm environment to enjoy with family or friends, and creating authentic connections in spaces designed for sharing or enjoying a moment of pause.
During its first year of operations, Starbucks has strengthened its local presence by investing in Ecuadorian talent, ongoing training, and a culture of global hospitality. Ecuador is among the newest markets where Starbucks operates, contributing to a presence that today spans 26 markets in Latin America and the Caribbean and 89 worldwide.
Over the past year, Starbucks has generated opportunities for local employment, supporting around 150 jobs in Quito through its coffeehouses. The company has sourced high-quality Arabica coffee from Ecuador for more than a decade, and through its local presence seeks to honor the country’s rich coffee-growing tradition. Starbucks also aims to strengthen its ties with Ecuador by investing in its people, connecting with local culture, and sharing meaningful moments of community through coffee.
Ecuadorian customers have warmly embraced the brand, setting clear trends during the first year. Cold beverages, in particular, have been very well received, reflecting how Starbucks adapts to local tastes, routines, and preferences. Beyond coffee, the company’s coffeehouses have become welcoming spaces to converse, work, study, or simply take a break —true to Starbucks aspiration of becoming that “third place” in the community that complements people’s daily lives, creating authentic connections through warm and personalized experiences.
Aligned with its global commitment to a more sustainable future, Starbucks Ecuador designs and operates its coffeehouses to optimize water and energy use, incorporating sustainable materials that reduce environmental impact. The company also promotes a culture of conscious consumption by prioritizing the use of ceramic cups in stores, encouraging reusable cups and expanding recycling programs.
This anniversary reflects how warmly Starbucks has been embraced in the lives of Ecuadorians, becoming a space where moments, experiences, and community are shared. With increasingly closer connections, the brand looks ahead with excitement, committed to new openings, new stories, and new ways to connect with its customers in Ecuador.
