Guatemala City, Guatemala — Starbucks Coffee Company, together with its licensed business partner Premium Restaurants of America (PRA), proudly celebrates 15 years in Guatemala, reflecting on a journey defined by thoughtful expansion, lasting ties to Guatemala’s coffee-growing heritage, and a steadfast commitment to partners, customers, and communities across the market.

Honoring 15 Years of Connection Across Guatemala
Starbucks opened its first store in Condado Concepción in 2011, laying the foundation for a retail presence that has since grown into a national footprint. Today, Starbucks operates 28 coffeehouses across Guatemala, powered by more than 460 partners (employees) proudly wearing the green apron.

A major milestone followed in 2022 with the opening of Starbucks 1,500th store in Latin America and the Caribbean, located in the historic heart of Antigua, Guatemala, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Designed to honor Antigua’s deep-rooted coffee traditions, the coffeehouse reflects more than 50 years of Starbucks connection to Guatemalan coffee farmers and their craft.
Starbucks has continued expanding thoughtfully throughout the market. In 2025, new stores opened in Mazatenango and Flores, extending the Starbucks Experience to cultural and tourist hubs while creating more than 100 additional jobs.

Looking ahead, Premium Restaurants of America plans to continue expanding with new coffeehouse openings openings in Guatemala City and across the interior of the market.

Celebrating Coffee Heritage: Guatemala at the Heart of Starbucks
Guatemala has long shaped and inspired Starbucks coffee leadership. For more than five decades, the company has sourced exceptional Arabica coffee from the market’s highlands, building lasting relationships with communities whose expertise and passion help define Starbucks most beloved coffees. Signature offerings such as Starbucks® Guatemala Antigua and the fan-favorite Starbucks® Casi Cielo continue to showcase the distinctive character of Guatemalan coffee. Starbucks also supports farmers through its Farmer Support Center in Guatemala City, which provides on-the-ground agronomy training and resources to strengthen farm productivity, sustainability, and long-term resilience.

As part of Starbucks global commitment to supporting coffee farmers, the company also celebrates reaching its 100 Million Coffee Tree goal initially set in 2017, delivering coffee trees that were bred to be more resilient in adverse climate to farmers across Guatemala, Mexico, and El Salvador. Originally launched to help farmers combat coffee leaf rust and the impacts of climate change, this milestone helps strengthen farm productivity and supports the longterm future of highquality Guatemalan coffees enjoyed around the world. Starbucks is also committing to donating an additional 50 million to farms in strategic origins such as Ethiopia, Tanzania, Indonesia, Costa Rica, Honduras, and Colombia, among others, while continuing to support farmers in Guatemala, El Salvador and Mexico. 

“Celebrating 15 years in Guatemala is a testament to the strong partnership we have built with Premium Restaurants of America and the enduring connection we share with coffee-growing communities across the market,” said Ricardo Arias Nath, Starbucks svp of Global Coffee & Tea and president of Latin America and the Caribbean. “As we mark this milestone together, we are also proud to have reached Starbucks 100 million coffee tree commitment — a milestone that includes millions of coffee trees delivered to farmers in Guatemala and across the region, strengthening livelihoods and helping secure the future of highquality Arabica coffee for generations to come.”

Introducing “Gracias Guatemala” — A Celebration of Partners, Customers, and Community
To honor its 15th anniversary, Starbucks is launching “Gracias Guatemala,” a campaign created to express gratitude to the partners and customers who have made this journey possible. The campaign will include special moments to celebrate with partners and customers in stores, as well as limited-time beverage and food offerings inspired by the tastes and preferences of Guatemalan consumers, thanking the community for 15 years of sharing coffee moments together.

“This anniversary is an opportunity to thank our partners and customers in Guatemala for 15 years of trust and for sharing their passion for coffee with us,” said Otto Urquilla, country manager of Starbucks Guatemala. “We look forward to continuing to grow together and deepen our connection to the communities we serve.”

Strengthening Communities Across Guatemala
Starbucks continues to support longterm community impact across Guatemala through programs that strengthen resilience, nutrition, and economic opportunity in coffeegrowing regions. A key initiative is its partnership with World Food Program USA, advancing a World Food Programme effort to improve food security, nutrition, and income stability for coffeegrowing communities connected to the Starbucks supply chain. Over two years, the program will reach 600 households (about 3,000 people) helping diversify family incomes, strengthen agricultural value chains, and expand access to nutritious food, with a focus on Indigenous women and children. Participants also receive practical, handson training to build entrepreneurial skills and support healthier livelihoods.

Through Global Community Impact Grants, where Starbucks licensed business partners nominate organizations for grants, The Starbucks Foundation awarded a grant to United Way Guatemala to help strengthen food security and expand access to safe water for families in Sacatepéquez. The Starbucks Foundation also supports organizations including Wakami Foundation, World Neighbors, and Mercy Corps through its Origin Grants initiative, promoting economic opportunities, women’s leadership, and improved access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene across Guatemala’s coffee-growing regions.
Starbucks Guatemala partners have further contributed to community well-being by helping install four AquaTowers in collaboration with Planet Water Foundation and The Starbucks Foundation, expanding access to clean, safe drinking water for schools and local communities.

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As Starbucks celebrates 15 years in Guatemala, the company remains committed to deepening its roots in the market—strengthening community partnerships, supporting coffee-growing families, and creating new opportunities for partners and customers. With continued investment and gratitude for the people of Guatemala, Starbucks looks forward to the next chapter of growth and shared impact.