For the first time since taking the helm of Starbucks, chief executive officer Laxman Narasimhan traveled to India to celebrate a slew of exciting <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/press/2024/tata-starbucks-to-accelerate-growth-to-1000-stores-double-employment-in-india-by-2028/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">company announcements</a> in the new year. The two-city visit was especially personal, as Narasimhan was raised in Pune and spent several years working in Mumbai (Bombay) before moving abroad.

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In partnership with India-based Tata Starbucks Private Limited, Starbucks currently operates 390 stores in 54 cities across the country and employs nearly 4,300 partners (employees), with plans to open 1,000 stores by 2028 – the equivalent of one store opening every three days. Reflecting on that upward trend, Narasimhan – who goes by Laks for short – delivered a strong message to partners (employees) throughout his time in country:&nbsp;&nbsp;

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A Vision for Starbucks in India with Coffee and Partners at the Core&nbsp;

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On hand to announce the opening of 1,000 additional stores throughout India over the next four years, Laks reinforced Starbucks ambition to reach new customers in innovative ways, wherever they are. Future store formats will continue to celebrate inclusion and diversity, while also emphasizing third place experiences that foster meaningful human connections over coffee. As part of Starbucks promise to be a bridge to a better future for our partners, the opening of nearly twice as many new stores in country will also mean unprecedented opportunities for them to receive career advancement and development. &nbsp;

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The energy and enthusiasm for these initiatives was evident nearly everywhere Laks traveled, including Mumbai where he engaged with dozens of store partners and helped announce the winners of this year’s Starbucks Coffee Championship. A young barista named Madhav took home the trophy for his region. He says he joined the company a few years ago during a troubling time in his life – and grew to love the culture, his customers and his team. &nbsp;

“When I saw [Laks] go behind the bar – that’s when the term ‘partner’ came alive. He was working with us and knew what we were doing,” Madhav shared while proudly donning the black apron of a coffee master. Not only did he work alongside Laks making drinks for others, but he also gave the CEO some tips he has learned over time for steaming better milk. “That was an experience I will always cherish.” &nbsp;

During a partner open forum, Laks discussed the back story and principles of <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/mission/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Starbucks updated mission, values and promises</a>. He also shared memories of growing up in India and his journey from a curious child who loved the game of cricket – India’s favorite sport – to his humble beginning decades later at Starbucks, where the veteran executive immersed himself in store culture and trained to be a barista for six months before succeeding former CEO Howard Schultz. For him, the process of earning his green apron in the field and being trained by retail partners of many backgrounds was a grounding and pivotal experience that set him up for the chief executive position he holds today based at the Starbucks Support Center in Seattle.&nbsp;&nbsp;

At a time when the world feels so divided and in conflict, Narasimhan believes Starbucks can provide people with places to come together, to connect and to find common ground while also feeling a sense of belonging and joy. In fact, after touching down in India after a long flight and stepping inside a Starbucks away from crowded streets, he noted that it was the partners in the green aprons who grounded him and brought him into the present.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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“When someone who feels disconnected comes into the store and a partner asks their name and how they can help, it feels great. It starts with a name,” he told the forum audience. “It’s a little overwhelming to say it's great to feel back at home. So, thank you for having me.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

Fielding questions from partners about the path forward, Laks focused on the importance of reinvigorating company culture and doubled down on his promise to be a partner-centered leader with high ambitions. He referred frequently to the company’s recently unveiled <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/press/2023/starbucks-announces-triple-shot-reinvention-strategy-with-multiple-paths-for-long-term-growth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Triple Shot Reinvention strategy</a>, which means more opportunity than ever for growth in India’s trillion-dollar economy through elevating coffee experiences – exemplified by the announcement of a second Reserve store to open in market and the forthcoming global release of the locally grown Starbucks Reserve(R) whole bean coffee, Monsooned Malabar. &nbsp;

“Coffee is the heart of this company, and we must all learn and embrace it,” he said. “The promise of India is enormous, but for us to accomplish [our goals], we need to be sure we're building a business that's got great substance, that's got a great core to it, and is differentiated. At our best for our customers in India, we uplift the everyday.” &nbsp;

Remembering Roots, Working Alongside Partners&nbsp;

Since he began his role as CEO, Laks has committed to working at least one shift as a barista in a Starbucks store every month. It’s a key aspect of his goal to remain close to the field and understand frontline store operations from the highest levels of the company.&nbsp;&nbsp;

India took things to a whole new level.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In Mumbai, store leader Sunil reported that Laks “was checking in with my entire team, with each and every person. He asked us about the store, he joined us for a coffee tasting – and he talked to partners in Hindi. I was not expecting that. It really touched my heart.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

Leaders including Michael Conway, group president for Starbucks International and Channel Development, and Emmy Kan, president of Starbucks Asia Pacific, also joined Laks in-store. Together, they watched firsthand as retail partners worked their magic with customers – displaying pride in their coffee craft through offering tastings and engaging in meaningful conversations.&nbsp;

By the time they reached his hometown of Pune, Laks took the opportunity to go behind the bar of the nearest Starbucks. Wearing his green apron and a localized nametag, he worked alongside partners and interacted with the community that raised him. For some, figuring out this new barista was actually the chief executive of Starbucks inevitably led to requests for photos and autographs. &nbsp;

“He had a happy vibe and a smile all the time,” Preeti, a 10-month partner, said of her temporary shift partner. “It was like talking to an old friend.”&nbsp;

As he does with every in-store visit, Laks asked many questions of store partners, from business fundamentals and how long they’d worked for Starbucks to their best barista tips and their long-term career goals. There were many high-fives – and the consistent sound of laughter.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Dinesh, a store manager and nearly ten-year veteran of Starbucks in India, says customers and partners alike were delighted to see Laks hand off drinks to customers and even speak in their local language, Marathi.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

“The global CEO of Starbucks is of Indian origin,” he said. “We are very proud, and he’s a very down-to-earth person. It was a great moment for us. A proud moment for us.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

On his way back to the U.S., Laks shared some of his reflections about the experience as well. He loved seeing up close how partners in India are leveraging the mission of Starbucks and its numerous initiatives with Tata Starbucks Private Limited to build better lives for themselves and their families.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The visit coincides with ambitious new plans to expand Starbucks presence and elevate coffee experiences across one of the fastest-growing markets in the world.

Photo Essay: Starbucks CEO Laxman Narasimhan Comes Home to India - Historias-en

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Photo Essay: Starbucks CEO Laxman Narasimhan Comes Home to India

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The holidays have arrived at Starbucks, with <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2023/a-sneak-peek-of-starbucks-holiday-cups/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">colorful holiday cups</a> and the return of Starbucks beloved seasonal beverages. This year, there are new flavors to explore, from the new Iced Gingerbread Oatmilk Chai in the United States and Canada, to the Strawberry Merry Cream Frappuccino blended cream in Japan.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Here is a look at some of the most magical beverages you can find on Starbucks holiday menus this year, available at participating stores while supplies last.&nbsp;

Starbucks China’s new Apple Joy Latte combines the sweet flavor of apple pie (a dessert often served in China during the holidays) with a classic latte. The latte features the rich fruity aroma of apple and the sweetness of caramel, combined with espresso and steamed milk topped with diced apple. &nbsp;

Inspired by Dutch stroopwafel cookies, Caramel Waffle Latte combines signature Starbucks Espresso® Roast and steamed milk with waffle sauce, topped with caramel whipped cream and spiced caramel waffle crunch topping. 

In Paris, there’s a traditional dessert called the Mont Blanc, made with sweetened chestnut puree topped with a graceful mountain of whipped cream. The new Starbucks Chestnut Mont Blanc Oatmilk Latte is a modern plant-based reimagining of a classic confection. The drink is made with an exquisite blend of signature espresso, oatmilk, and toasty chestnut syrup, topped with a cloud of chestnut whipped Cream, sweet chestnut drizzle, and a delightful chestnut-shaped chocolate. Available hot, iced or as a Frappuccino® blended beverage.&nbsp;

Chestnut Praline Latte, now on the holiday menu for its tenth year, begins with espresso and velvety steamed milk, followed by flavors of caramelized chestnuts and spices – all topped with a finale of whipped cream and specially spiced praline crumbs. Available hot, iced or as a Frappuccino® blended beverage.&nbsp;

Hazelnut Caramel Latte is a toasty holiday treat made with espresso, steamed milk, and hazelnut syrup and topped with whipped cream, caramel sauce, and a dash of cinnamon. Available hot, iced or as a Frappuccino® blended beverage.&nbsp;

Europe’s new Hazelnut Crunch Hot Chocolate is expertly handcrafted with cocoa powder, steamed creamy milk and finished with a chocolate whip and crunchy chocolate and hazelnut topping.&nbsp;

A spicy blend from start to end, Holiday Cinnamon Latte combines espresso, steamed milk and everyone's favorite flavor: cinnamon dolce. Topped with whipped cream and a dash of nutmeg for a special touch. Available hot, iced or as a Frappuccino® blended beverage.&nbsp;

Starbucks' newest non-dairy holiday drink is a <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2023/new-starbucks-iced-gingerbread-oatmilk-chai-is-a-festive-twist-on-a-favorite-flavor/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">festive twist on a favorite holiday flavor</a>. Iced Gingerbread Oatmilk Chai features warm gingerbread notes, a cozy blend of chai spices and creamy oatmilk for a feel-good moment. Also available as hot handcrafted beverage.&nbsp;

Back for its third holiday season is the Iced Sugar Cookie Almondmilk Latte, featuring sugar cookie flavored syrup, combined with Starbucks Blonde Espresso, ice, and almondmilk in the United States and oat beverage in Canada. And just like a holiday cookie, it’s topped with red and green sprinkles. Available hot, iced and as a Frappuccino® blended beverage.&nbsp;

Reminiscent of freshly baked gingerbread and olive oil cake, the Starbucks Oleato holiday beverage combines Starbucks® Blonde Espresso Roast infused with Partanna® extra virgin olive oil, with steamed oatmilk and notes of warm gingerbread. Finished with a subtle dusting of bright ginger and citrus.&nbsp;

A beloved part of the Starbucks holiday menu <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2022/starbucks-peppermint-mocha-a-love-story/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">for more than 20 years,</a> Peppermint Mocha is made with Starbucks signature espresso, steamed milk, sweet mocha sauce and peppermint-flavored syrup with a crown of whipped cream. For the finishing touch – a sprinkle of dark chocolate curls in the Americas and a topping of candy cane pieces and swirls of mocha drizzle in Europe and Asia. Available hot, iced, or as a Frappuccino® blended beverage.&nbsp;

A festive twist on the popular confection, Starbucks Red Velvet Latte celebrates the festive season with a colorful flair. A creamy red velvet syrup is mixed with espresso and freshly steamed milk and capped with whipped cream and a generous serving of red velvet topping. Available hot, iced or as a Frappuccino® blended beverage.&nbsp;

Japan’s Strawberry Merry Cream Blended Cream Frappuccino® is made with sweet and sour strawberry pulp frozen and topped with merry cream made from mascarpone. While the hot Strawberry Merry Cream Tea Latte features the flowery flavors of strawberry and Earl Grey tea.&nbsp;

Toffee Nut Latte is a heartwarming trip down memory lane, with delicious buttery notes made with nut and toffee syrup combined with espresso and steamed milk, topped with whipped cream and showered with toffee nut sprinkles. Available hot, iced or as a Frappuccino® blended beverage.&nbsp;

The Toffee Nut Crunch Latte adds a crackling twist to the original Toffee Nut Latte with buttery toffee nut flavors paired with hints of toasted nuts in Starbucks signature espresso and a sprinkle of crunchy toffee nut topping. Available hot, iced, and blended. You can also enjoy the Toffee Nut Crunch Nitro Cold Brew ice-cold and straight from the tap with a rich infusion of vanilla, topped by a thick layer of toffee nut cold foam and toffee nut topping.&nbsp;

From the new Iced Gingerbread Oatmilk Chai in the United States and Canada, to the Strawberry Merry Cream Frappuccino blended cream in Japan.

Experience the magic of Starbucks holiday drinks around the world

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Starbucks expands its Greener Stores program in Latin America and Caribbean, advancing progress toward its resource positive goals. 12 markets in region obtain first-in-market Greener Store certifications. By the end of 2023 and going forward, Starbucks will build all new stores in LAC under the Greener Stores framework.

Today, Starbucks announced the continued expansion of its Greener Stores program across Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) with 52 new Greener Stores certified across 12 markets, including the region’s first drive-thru Greener Store in Mexico City.

This means 13 markets across LAC have certified Greener Stores – Argentina, Bahamas, Barbados, Colombia, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Jamaica, Mexico, Peru, Puerto Rico, Uruguay, and <a href="https://historias.starbucks.com/en-es/press/2022/starbucks-first-greener-store-in-latin-america-certified-in-chile/">Chile</a>, which had the region’s first certified Greener Store.

“At Starbucks, we have always looked for ways to help protect our planet, and through our open-source Starbucks Greener Stores Framework, we have created a benchmark in environmentally responsible retail for design, construction and operation,” said Tom Ferguson, president, Latin America and the Caribbean at Starbucks. “With our new Greener Stores in the region, we are not only reducing our environmental impact, but also driving innovation at scale to ensure a sustainable future for all.”

Starbucks Greener Stores Framework, co-developed with the World Wildlife Fund, includes a set of 25 performance-based standards across environmental impact areas such as energy efficiency, water stewardship, and waste diversion. Each Greener Store has a different combination of sustainable features that help it receive its third-party verification. Some stores have obvious elements like solar panels or water recycling tanks. While others have less obvious features behind the counter like high efficiency appliances, low-emitting paint and sealants, recycling tampers, and energy efficient HVAC temperature systems.

By the end of 2023 and going forward, Starbucks will build all new stores in LAC under the Greener Stores framework. Globally, Starbucks has certified 3,508 Greener Stores across 20 markets, which sets the company well on its way to achieving its goal of 10,000 Greener Stores by 2025.

“With a company of Starbucks scale – any one action, no matter how small, has the potential for massive impact,” said Michael Kobori, Starbucks chief sustainability officer. “I’m so proud to see our Greener Stores Framework continue to scale for good globally. The program we have created will continue to move us closer towards our resource positive goals.”

LAC is similarly demonstrating its commitment to sustainability with Earth Month activations across the region focusing on building awareness on the little choices one can make to create big changes. On April 22, and while supplies last, participating stores are offering a reusable cup as a gift with purchase of any beverage, while others are offering a free beverage with a purchase of any reusable cup.

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Starbucks Surpasses 50 Greener Stores in Latin America and the Caribbean

Starbucks expands its Greener Stores program in Latin America and Caribbean, advancing progress toward its resource positive goals. 12 markets in region obtain first-in-market Greener Store certifications.

https://historias.starbucks.com/en-es/stories/2023/starbucks-surpasses-50-greener-stores-in-latin-america-and-the-caribbean/

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Laxman Narasimhan hosts his first Annual Meeting of Shareholders

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On his fourth day as Starbucks chief executive officer, Laxman Narasimhan hosted the company’s 31st Annual Meeting of Shareholders virtually. Together with the Starbucks Board of Directors, leadership team and green apron partners (employees) from around the world, Narasimhan shared what he learned throughout his immersion journey, including what it means to wear the green apron. And, importantly, he also also shared how these immersion observations will shape the future of Starbucks.&nbsp;

New ceo shares vision for a ‘limitless’ Starbucks&nbsp;

Narasimhan shared his bold vision for the refounding of Starbucks, which he reiterated in a <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/press/2023/laxman-letter-to-partners-with-gratitude-and-optimism/">letter shared directly with partners</a> to mark the occasion.&nbsp;

“We have limitless potential, but we need to address what limits us,” said Narasimhan. “Our performance is strong, but our health needs to be stronger. We strive to be a different kind of company, and that is unchanged. But we now operate in a different kind of world.”

Leaders define what limitless means to them&nbsp;

Throughout Narasimhan’s immersion, he worked closely with the leadership team to define the limitless opportunities ahead for Starbucks.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Starbucks leadership emphasized the importance of the company using its scale for good, being open-minded to new ways of doing business, continuing to innovate the partner experience and uplifting communities around the world.&nbsp;

Starbucks shared that with the reinvention plan underway comes a continued investment in partner wages and store operations, and leadership will continue to directly engage with retail partners for guidance. Narasimhan shared that to keep closely connected to the culture and customers, as well as the challenges and opportunities within retail stores, he plans to work in stores for a half day each month and expects his leadership team will stay closely connected to the frontline experience as well. “This is just the beginning,” he said.

Starbucks announced over $1 billion in investments in the overall partner experience. That's shown up with the introduction of new benefits and with increases in pay.

From the beginning, Starbucks has always believed the partner experience is foundational to the success of the company. This past fiscal year alone Starbucks invested more than $1 billion in wages and training, bringing the average hourly pay at Starbucks to nearly $17.50/hour nationally and with a range of $15-23/hour. Factoring in the value of Starbucks benefits – rated number one by Aon – that number can rise to up to $10 (making it nearly $27.50/hour), if our partners participate in all of our benefits. In addition, as a part of the reinvention plan, Starbucks recently completed the rollout of credit/debit tipping across all eligible stores, giving customers more ways to show their appreciation to partners.&nbsp;

Partner benefit enhancements mentioned in the last year include the renewal of the <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2022/the-coveted-starbucks-coffee-master-black-aprons-return/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Coffee Masters program</a> and the <a href="https://coffeeexperiences.starbucks.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Origin Experience</a> to deepen partners’ connection to coffee.&nbsp;

Human connection remains core to Starbucks&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

In his letter today, Narasimhan wrote, “Through my immersion, Howard, the leadership team and I have spent a significant amount of time discussing the universal need for human connection – something Starbucks is uniquely positioned to deliver – in a world full of isolation, loneliness and social exclusion. Together, we have acknowledged the opportunity for a refounding of Starbucks – to nurture the limitless possibilities for our partners, our customers, our communities, our farmers, our earth, and our shareholders by prioritizing human connection over every cup of coffee."

Scenic view of sunrise over Hacienda Alsacia coffee farm

Laxman Narasimhan hosts his first Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

Top takeaways from Starbucks 2023 Annual Meeting of Shareholders

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Photos by Taylor Kelliher, Joshua Trujillo, Connor Surdi

Laxman Narasimhan took the helm of Starbucks as the <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/press/2023/laxman-narasimhan-assumes-role-of-starbucks-chief-executive-officer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new chief executive officer</a> on Monday, but before that, he spent almost six months being mentored by Howard Schultz, meeting with hundreds of partners (employees) around the world, earning his barista certification, and diving into the world of coffee. As Starbucks welcomes Narasimhan to his new role as ceo at today’s Annual Meeting of Shareholders, we take a look back at the people he has met across the company and around the world.&nbsp;

“It’s been a remarkable experience for me – from our origins, where we buy coffee from over a half a million farmers, through our roasting plans, our distribution centers, and into our stores,” Narasimhan said. “This immersion has been an incredible journey and a gift.”&nbsp;

Narasimhan was welcomed as incoming chief executive officer of Starbucks with a coffee tasting in the place where it all began – at <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2015/store-tour-inside-1912-pike-place-seattle-usa/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Seattle’s Pike Place market store</a>. Soon after, he met&nbsp; Starbucks partners <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2022/incoming-starbucks-ceo-meets-partners-at-open-forum-shares-personal-journey/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">at his first open forum</a> on Sept. 8, 2022, three weeks before he officially joined the company Oct. 1. When Schultz, then interim chief executive officer, introduced Narasimhan to partners, he said that “the leader of Starbucks, the future of the company, must be steeped in humility and must have an innate understanding of humanity.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

Schultz said as he got to know Narasimhan, he said he was stuck by his experience and leadership qualities. “I know we're going to be in great hands and I can promise you he is going to make us a better company.”&nbsp;

Listening and learning&nbsp;

Narasimhan worked with Schultz to create a unique immersion to learn about the Starbucks culture and the business.&nbsp;

“This time with Howard in stores, in the roasting plants, with partners, with investors, with customers – it's an incredible opportunity for me to be learning from one of the best entrepreneurs in the world,” Narasimhan said.&nbsp;

Narasimhan began immersion as incoming ceo by earning his barista certification with four weeks of in-store training and visits to more than 30 stores around the world – working the drive-thru window, learning the point-of-sale system and perfecting the topping of a Pumpkin Spice Latte.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“I thought it was very important for me to put myself in the shoes of the partners and really understand what they do and how they do it,” Narasimhan said. “There were things I learned through experience in all of this. It taught me a lot.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

Alli Mendoza, a barista in Houston, was one of the partners who trained Narasimhan on the espresso bar. “People ask me what it’s like to train the ceo, like ‘Really, how was it?’” Mendoza said. “He loved interacting with people, he loves laughing and making people laugh. He just wants to learn and be a ceo who’s there for us.”&nbsp;

Coffee &amp; connection&nbsp;

In his visits to Starbucks stores, Narasimhan sat down with store managers, district managers and regional directors for their input and guidance. He said, “One piece of advice I hope to really live by was actually a question I was asked by a terrific store manager: ‘Did you earn your green apron today?’ It really got me reflective and thinking about how I could end each day in the future with that question, and hope that most days, the answer would be ‘yes.’”&nbsp;

The world of coffee&nbsp;

Narasimhan experienced the journey of Starbucks coffee from the first 10 feet to the last, starting from the fields where coffee is grown (such as Hacienda Alsacia above), to roasting plants in the United States and Europe, and Starbucks stores in London, Amsterdam, Japan, and the United States. Along the way, Narasimhan sipped countless cups of coffee. His favorite? Coffee from Guatemala.&nbsp;

Embracing innovation&nbsp;

Whether it’s hand-delivering a new cold foam blender to baristas in Seattle or testing out the virtual reality training for the new Clover Vertica™ in Minneapolis, Narasimhan has taken a hands-on approach to <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2022/recipe-for-reinvention-starbucks-unveils-innovations-for-better-customer-barista-experiences/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new technologies to help create a better store experience</a> for partners and customers.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Celebrating with partners is one of the best part parts of the ceo job at Starbucks. In November, he attended his first <a href="https://historias.starbucks.com/en-es/press/2022/starbucks-green-apron-partners-showcase-their-coffee-craft-and-skill-at-the-latin-america-and-caribbean-barista-championship/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Barista Championship</a> at Hacienda Alsacia recognizing Starbucks coffee craft and expertise. In December, Narasimhan traveled to Arizona State University to honor the 850 Starbucks partners in the Fall 2022 graduating class who earned bachelor’s degrees through Arizona State University with the <a href="https://www.starbucks.com/careers/working-at-starbucks/education/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Starbucks College Achievement Plan</a>. In February, he spent time with partners in the Milan Roastery for the debut of <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/starbucks-oleato-olive-oil-meets-coffee" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Starbucks Oleato</a> beverages.&nbsp;

“On a very personal level, I’m going to be very connected to our partners and to our customers in the experience that we deliver – human connection,” Narasimhan said. 

Annual Meeting of Shareholders

Narasimhan led his first Starbucks Annual Meeting of Shareholders, in Seattle, on March 23, joined by board chair Mellody Hobson (right) and the Starbucks senior leadership team, including Zabrina Jenkins (left) and AJ Jones II (second from left). &nbsp;

“These past six months have enabled me to listen, to learn, and to think about what the future of Starbucks looks like and what we need to do to get there,” Narasimhan said. “As the new ceo&nbsp;of Starbucks, I am confident that I know our business and our people well, but I will continue to learn and I'm excited to continue earning my green apron every day.”&nbsp;

As Starbucks welcomes Narasimhan to his new role as ceo at the Starbucks Annual Meeting of Shareholders, we take a look back at the people he has met across the company and around the world.

Laxman Narasimhan’s immersive training – from Starbucks barista to ceo

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Photos: Laxman Narasimhan’s immersive training – from Starbucks barista to ceo

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At the Costa Rica Farmer Support Center, Starbucks research and development agronomist Sara Bogantes is fighting for the future of coffee

On a recent morning at Hacienda Alsacia, <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2018/starbucks-farm-research-and-innovation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Starbucks coffee and research farm in Costa Rica</a>, agronomist Sara Bogantes walks through the outdoor plant nursery, studying the rows of coffee plants at various stages of growth – from three months old and just sprouting to three years old and about to burst into first harvest.&nbsp;&nbsp;

To help cultivate and develop the next generation of coffee plants. To find those hybrids and varietals that have the elusive combination of good taste, high productivity and natural resistance to disease and climate change. And every day, with science, to fight for the future of coffee.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“I’m a fourth-generation coffee farmer, coffee is in my blood,” Bogantes says. “I love the connection with the farmers, but at the same time, I love making this connection through new tools, new varieties, new solutions.”&nbsp;

Bogantes works at the Costa Rica Farmer Support Center, one of <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/press/2018/starbucks-farmer-support-centers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">10 that Starbucks has opened around the world</a>. There, she manages the “core collection” – 617 different coffee hybrids and varietals, available for free to any coffee farmer through the Starbucks open-source agronomy program.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Currently, about 3 million coffee seeds per year are distributed from the core collection to farmers in Peru, Colombia, Mexico, Guatemala and Costa Rica – whether they sell to Starbucks or not.&nbsp;&nbsp;

About 230 hybrids in the core collection are being newly evaluated. Bogantes is part of a research and development team trying to help find the strongest and best among them.&nbsp;&nbsp;

They send leaf clippings for analysis to a laboratory in Sweden, to get early genetic clues about which are more resistant to coffee rust and anthracnose, fungal diseases that kill coffee plants. They run tests to see how the plants process and absorb nutrients, physically examine root systems and leaf structures, and taste early samples from those producing coffee cherries.&nbsp;&nbsp;

After the team identifies those that show the most promise, Bogantes works with labs on making micro-cuttings and tissue cultures, techniques which can speed up propagation and distribution. Stronger plants in the ground, faster, means more income for farmers.&nbsp;&nbsp;

She also works closely with Carlos Mario Rodriguez, Starbucks head of global research and development, as part of the overall Farmer Support Center mission to directly train farmers and set up model farms based on <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/press/2020/cafe-practices-starbucks-approach-to-ethically-sourcing-coffee/">C.A.F.E. practices</a> around ethical sourcing and sustainability, where all this knowledge can be practically disseminated, and farmers can see for themselves how to create optimal conditions on their own farms.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“She's very good with teaching farmers, guiding them, because of the experience that she has,” Rodriguez says. “Having a young woman supporting and interacting with farmers is very important, and also is encouraging many young people to just keep working in coffee.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

Bogantes, 35, grew up on her family’s coffee farm in nearby San Isidro de Alajuela. She was deeply impacted when an epidemic of coffee rust, in 2014, killed off almost all her family’s coffee trees. She was in the U.S. at the time, working at an internship, when she received the urgent phone call.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“I remember the weather was very cloudy. The day was so dark. It’s raining, cold,” she says, recalling the day she arrived back home. “And when I went to the coffee plantation, I remember looking at all the coffee trees, completely destroyed.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“You need to control your emotions because your parents are completely destroyed, and you need to give them support. You are feeling completely destroyed too, inside, but you need to be optimistic because you need to be the person to be the light.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

That, and a similar moment several years later in Puerto Rico, after she saw how Hurricanes Maria and Irma almost wiped out the country’s coffee industry, have underscored for Bogantes the urgency of researching and finding solutions. It’s been a theme her entire life, from her early internships in Brazil and the U.S. to her more recent work with nonprofits like World Coffee Research and TechnoServe. She joined Starbucks two years ago.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“Nothing makes me feel happier than seeing the faces of the coffee producers smile, transmitting hope and supporting them in believing that there is a future in coffee,” Bogantes says. “I feel like I’m living my dreams, but if we want to ensure coffee for the next 50 years, we don’t have that much time. This is my challenge right now.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

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Meet the women leading in coffee around the globe

From coffee farms to coffee stores, and lots of points in between, we're spotlighting 12 women at Starbucks who are crucial to the coffee business – baristas, store managers, business directors, agronomists, roasters, leaders in sustainability and ethical sourcing, and more.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

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At the Costa Rica Farmer Support Center, Starbucks research and development agronomist Sara Bogantes is fighting for the future of coffee.

On International Women's Day, Starbucks celebrates the women leading the way in the coffee business

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On International Women’s Day, Starbucks celebrates the women leading the way in the coffee business

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Today, Starbucks hosted its 30th&nbsp;annual meeting of shareholders virtually. Mellody Hobson, Starbucks Board of Directors chair, joined Kevin Johnson, president and chief executive officer, for opening remarks following today’s news that Johnson made the personal decision to retire from Starbucks after 13 years of service.

Following opening remarks, Johnson, joined by several members of the leadership team and green apron partners (employees) from around the world, went on to outline Starbucks continued investments and aspirations for people and the planet, and the company’s optimism for a future rooted in humanity, fueled by innovation, and architected by green apron partners.

Here are the important things to know about today’s Annual Meeting of Shareholders:

Starbucks announces leadership transition

Earlier today,&nbsp;<a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/press/2022/starbucks-announces-leadership-transition/">Starbucks announced that Kevin Johnson intends to retire</a>&nbsp;after a 13-year tenure at the company, including the last five years as ceo. Johnson will transition from his current role effective April 4, 2022 and will continue to serve as a Starbucks partner and special consultant to the company and Board of Directors through September. To ensure seamless stewardship of the company until a permanent successor is named, the Board has appointed Howard Schultz as interim chief executive officer, effective April 4, 2022.

Building on the rich heritage of the company, Johnson established the People Positive, Planet Positive and Profit Positive framework that seeks to create a better world for Starbucks partners, farmers, customers and the communities it serves. He expanded the company’s reach through the Global Coffee Alliance with Nestlé, which now operates in nearly 80 markets, and established and executed the Growth at Scale agenda that significantly increased shareholder value.

Helping customers and partners divert waste from the landfill

Starbucks has spent the last few years testing, learning, and preparing to scale initiatives that help protect the planet as the company looks to a resource positive future. With a focus on waste reduction, Starbucks announced customers will be able to use their own personal reusable cup for every Starbucks visit in the U.S. and Canada – including in-store, in the drive-thru and via mobile order and pay – by the end of 2023. This is a big deal because currently, personal reusable cups are only accepted in-store. By 2025, Starbucks wants to create a cultural movement towards reusables by giving customers easy access to either a personal or a Starbucks-provided reusable cup for every visit.

And because Starbucks knows that putting items in the correct bin has a huge impact on diverting waste from the landfill, the company has also launched a waste and recycling app, developed by partners to navigate the ins-and-outs of recycling guidelines for their local store. Across Starbucks stores in the United States and Canada, there are over 440 unique ways to recycle, and previous to the app’s launch, over 8,000 of our stores were already doing some form of recycling. Learn more&nbsp;<a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2022/starbucks-innovates-tests-and-learns-from-store-partners-to-achieve-waste-goals/">here</a>.

Recharge yourself and your car at Starbucks

Currently, Starbucks company-operated stores in the U.S. are powered with 100% renewable energy, and now we get to help power our customers cars with renewable energy. Beginning this summer, Volvo electric vehicle chargers, powered by ChargePoint, will be available at up to 15 Starbucks stores along a 1,350-mile route from the Colorado Rockies to the Starbucks Support Center (headquarters) in Seattle. We know infrastructure is the primary reason customers hesitate or decide not to purchase an electric vehicle. By providing charging infrastructure customers can count on, we are hoping to remove that barrier with the added benefit of being able to order your favorite Starbucks beverage while you wait.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Supporting communities around the world and being a People Positive company

Starbucks is committed to being People Positive – a bold aspiration to enhance the well-being of one billion people who connect with Starbucks by 2030 – rooted in opportunity, inclusion, and community. Starbucks, in partnership with The Starbucks Foundation, has committed to a series of announcements to support the People Positive aspiration and strengthen communities around the world, including:

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&nbsp;1,000 Starbucks Community Stores by 2030

As part of the company’s goal to enhance the well-being of all who connect with Starbucks the company plans to open or dedicate 1,000 Starbucks Community Stores by 2030, building on the 150 already open around the globe. These stores seek to uplift communities by offering locally relevant programs and experiences that directly impact the neighborhoods they serve. Starbucks community stores deliver economic opportunity through local hiring and artist collaborations, working with diverse contractors, and creating spaces for people to come together or support local veterans and military families.

A more inclusive and accessible Starbucks Experience

Announced&nbsp;<a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/press/2022/starbucks-paves-way-for-more-inclusive-and-accessible-experiences-in-stores-around-the-world/">earlier this week,</a>&nbsp;Starbucks has committed to implementing physical and digital experiences that meet an elevated standards of accessibility by 2030. These new standards will offer customers more ways to communicate (visually, audibly and tactically) and provide more tools to navigate physical store environments. To advance these standards, Starbucks is testing technology solutions in select store locations including speech-to-text technology that provides a visual display for partners and customers placing or picking up an order, as well as new in-store order boards that update customers when their order is ready.

These efforts build on other accessibility offerings, including free&nbsp;<a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2021/starbucks-offers-aira-creating-accessible-experience-for-blind-and-low-vision-customers/">Aira</a>&nbsp;service for blind or low-vision customers, large-print and Braille menus at all stores in the U.S. and Canada, and the 11 Signing Stores that Starbucks operates globally, where baristas can connect to customers who are deaf or hard of hearing through sign language.

Introducing: Starbucks Clover Vertica Brewer

Starbucks has spent more than 50 years on a journey to perfect coffee and Starbucks is continuing its mission to innovate around coffee equipment and brewing. Starbucks will continue raising the bar on coffee by introducing our new proprietary single cup, on-demand brewer, Clover Vertica™, which reimagines the brewed coffee experience for partners (baristas) and customers by delivering a single cup of freshly brewed coffee with exquisite, beautifully pronounced flavors –&nbsp; in less than 30 seconds. The Clover Vertica™&nbsp;brewer started rolling out this calendar year.

Top things to know about Starbucks 2022 shareholders meeting - Historias-en

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Top things to know about Starbucks 2022 shareholders meeting

Today, Starbucks hosted its 30th&nbsp;annual meeting of shareholders virtually. Mellody Hobson, Starbucks Board of Directors chair, joined Kevin Johnson, president and chief executive officer, for opening remarks following today’s news that Johnson made the personal decision to retire from Starbucks after 13 years of service. Following opening remarks, Johnson, joined by several members of the […]

https://historias.starbucks.com/en-es/stories/2022/top-things-to-know-about-starbucks-2022-shareholders-meeting/

It can be hard to find the right words to convey the experience of 2021 – another year largely shaped by the COVID-19 pandemic that was full of peaks, valleys and just the day-to-day stresses of the unknown. Things we’d hoped would be normal again by now are still challenging.&nbsp;

But even within that, there were – and are – still so many beautiful moments when we truly see the humanity of the world and what happens when we come together.

Around the world, our partners (employees) once again stepped up for each other, their communities and their customers. They gave back, brought joy and worked hard, knowing that comfort can sometimes be found in a cup and that the ritual of a trip to Starbucks can provide even a little bit of normalcy in a world that can be so unpredictable.

For Starbucks, 2021 also marked our 50th anniversary. From our beginning back in 1971 as a small coffee, tea and spice shop in Seattle’s Pike Place Market to today, we are looking forward to our next 50 – bringing people together over coffee, and helping create a better future for our planet and everyone on it.&nbsp;

While it can be hard to find the words to hold all that, sometimes photos can, so today we’re looking back at some of our favorite images from 2021. Reminding us of the powerful moments we have been able to share. And most importantly, inspiring all of us to keep going forward with hope and optimism for what is yet to come.

Our stores are in neighborhoods and towns around the world and our partners represent, support and celebrate those communities. We span a beautiful spectrum, and we honor our diversity. From <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/aapi-heritage-month/">Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month</a> to <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/pride-heritage-month/">Pride Month</a>, <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2021/black-history-month-starbucks-partners-share-what-inspires-them-to-keep-going/">Black History Month</a>, <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2021/starbucks-celebrates-latinx-heritage-month/">Latinx Heritage Month</a>, <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2021/in-disability-pride-month-starbucks-partners-share-their-stories-and-how-others-can-be-better-allies/">Disability Pride Month</a>, <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2021/celebrating-american-indian-and-alaska-native-heritage-month/">American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month</a> and more, we featured partners and their stories of identity, culture and tradition.

Visit our <a href="https://www.instagram.com/starbucks.stories/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Instagram</a> to see more stories from our Heritage Month series.

50th anniversary

In 1971, a small coffee, tea and spice shop opened near Seattle’s Pike Place Market with a name out of Moby Dick and an alluring siren as a logo.

In 2021, while we celebrated our 50th anniversary, it was a great time to unbox some of the historic and <a href="https://archive.starbucks.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">archival items</a> that had been gathered and stored at Starbucks headquarters in Seattle – spanning the history of the company.

We found original menus, bags of coffee and tea, our first-ever holiday cup, tokens for free coffee and even unopened bottles of <a href="https://archive.starbucks.com/record/mazagran" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mazagran</a> – a carbonated coffee beverage launched in 1994 that lasted only a brief time but developed a dedicated following.

Store dedicated to the Navajo Nation

Like so many across the world, the Navajo Nation was ravaged by the pandemic. In the early days of COVID-19, Starbucks store manager <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2020/coming-home-store-manager-brings-covid-19-supplies-to-navajo-nation/">Ty Barbone worked to make sure essential supplies were reaching people in his community</a>. But Barbone wasn’t done. He&nbsp; reached out to Starbucks leadership and became the spark behind the new Indigenous Partner Network – one of 12 partner-led networks across the U.S.

Barbone’s store on the edge of the Navajo Nation in Gallup, New Mexico was remodeled and reopened as Starbucks 22nd Community Store, dedicated to the Navajo Nation and indigenous people.&nbsp;Each Community Store hires local partners, works with local artists and contractors, and teams up with nonprofits, with the goal of becoming a hub of community activity.

In November the store was dedicated in a community ceremony, with dancers from nearby Zuni Pueblo performing a traditional Deer Dance to honor the new gathering space. A hand painted mural by Navajo artist Daniel Josley is a centerpiece of the store, celebrating his heritage.

Stepping up, helping out

Even in the midst of the pandemic, Starbucks partners didn’t sit idly by in 2021. As always, they were getting involved in community efforts around the globe. We continued our work with Feeding America® to address the growing need for food assistance, and partners gave their time in food banks to <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2021/starbucks-grants-support-equitable-access-to-food/">to help get food to those in need</a>. They also volunteered in homeless shelters and with many other organizations that offer help to those in need.

With grants from The Starbucks Foundation, <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/asia/stories/2021/starbucks-celebrates-world-water-day/">our partners worked to bring clean, safe drinking water</a> and handwashing stations to communities in Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Mexico, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam.

Expanding support for farmers and the planet

Coffee farmer Walquíria Peixoto Correa holds the coffee she saved for her own family after the conclusion of harvest on her family farm in Guaranésia, Brazil.

In 2021, <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/press/2021/starbucks-opens-farmer-support-center-in-brazil-for-coffee-growing/">Starbucks opened our first farmer support center in Brazil,</a> our 10th globally, offering resources to farmers like Walquíria. Located in Varginha, Minas Gerais state, the new Farmer Support Center provides open-source agronomy and training on ethical sourcing practices to farmers, regardless of whether or not they sell to Starbucks.

A coffee farming community in the hills near Turrialba, Costa Rica. Costa Rica is home to Hacienda Alsacia, the only Starbucks-owned farm in the world.

The heartbeat of Starbucks

Our partners are truly the heartbeat of Starbucks. Even during this pandemic, they bring joy, care and connection to our customers and each other every day.

In 2021, we were able to feature some of our partners and their real-life stories in everything from <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2021/meet-gigi-barista-musician-and-star-of-starbucks-new-tv-spot/">ads celebrating our 50th anniversary</a> to storytelling about what these amazing humans are able to accomplish, including those who work hard to earn their bachelor’s degree through the Starbucks College Achievement Plan.

As always, we are in love with coffee, including the way it comes to life in our cups.

A looping GIF shows milk cascading through a cup of Starbucks Cold Brew, photographed with a macro lens.

Working with local artists

Through the Starbucks Art Program, we have the privilege of working with talented local artists to create original pieces for our stores and offices around the world. In 2021, the team worked with many artists including longtime contributors Jen Ament and Marisol Ortega, here working on new pieces in their studios.

News

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Experience the magic of Starbucks holiday drinks around the world

Experience the magic of Starbucks holiday drinks around the world

Starbucks Surpasses 50 Greener Stores in Latin America and the Caribbean

Top takeaways from Starbucks 2023 Annual Meeting of Shareholders

Photos: Laxman Narasimhan’s immersive training – from Starbucks barista to ceo

On International Women’s Day, Starbucks celebrates the women leading the way in the coffee business

Top things to know about Starbucks 2022 shareholders meeting

Starbucks 2021: The year in pictures

Working to create a more sustainable future of coffee for all

Starbucks announces coffee-specific environmental goals

Starbucks 2020: The year in pictures