Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) is a region that has always been close to Starbucks heart and key to the brand’s growth. Since 1971, Starbucks has purchased coffee from local farmers and today, half of the company’s coffee is sourced from coffee farmers in LAC.

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And now, 20 years since opening its first stores in Mexico and Puerto Rico, Starbucks is more committed than ever to investing in thriving communities across the region – including in a <a href="https://historias.starbucks.com/en-es/press/2023/starbucks-accelerates-growth-with-more-than-100-new-stores-planned-for-latin-america-and-the-caribbean-by-the-end-of-2023-announces-market-entry-into-guyana/">new market: Guyana</a>.&nbsp;

Starbucks recently surpassed its <a href="https://historias.starbucks.com/en-es/press/2023/starbucks-opens-first-drive-thru-store-in-dominican-republic-with-expansion-to-punta-cana/">1,600th store milestone in the region</a> and expects to open approximately 120 more stores by the end of 2023, continuing to meet the needs of local customers in the communities it serves.

Every day Starbucks works towards creating unique experiences that reflect the values and history of the local community. Part of that, of course, comes from Starbucks stores, where customers can enjoy their favorite hot or cold espresso-based beverages in a comfortable and welcoming environment.

As the company opens more stores in new cities, the focus will remain on meeting our customers’ needs, emphasizing on-the-go lifestyles and growth in new drive-thru stores. Since early 2022, Starbucks has opened nearly 50 drive thrus regionally, including five first-in-market drive-thru stores.&nbsp;

The first, located in Cali, <a href="https://historias.starbucks.com/en-es/press/2022/starbucks-surpasses-50-stores-in-colombia-opens-its-first-drive-thru/">Colombia</a>, features a mural inspired by the city and its people, depicting the local music (salsa) and dance traditions. In <a href="https://historias.starbucks.com/en-es/press/2022/starbucks-opens-first-drive-thru-store-in-barbados/">Barbados</a>, the building that houses Starbucks El Sueño drive-thru was once a lighthouse that dates back to 1910 and is located close to Worthing Beach. The stores in <a href="https://historias.starbucks.com/en-es/press/2022/starbucks-expands-store-portfolio-in-the-bahamas-unveils-its-first-drive-thru/">The Bahamas</a> and <a href="https://historias.starbucks.com/en-es/press/2022/starbucks-opens-first-drive-thru-store-in-jamaica/">Jamaica</a> are specially designed to provide a unique, on-the-go experience, featuring beautiful designs and murals that create inviting atmospheres for customers who come and wish to stay awhile. The newest store in Punta Cana, <a href="https://historias.starbucks.com/es/press/2023/starbucks-abre-su-primera-tienda-drive-thru-en-republica-dominicana-con-expansion-en-punta-cana/">Dominican Republic</a> pays homage to the popular destination, also known as the “Jewel of the Caribbean”, combining high-quality Arabica coffee and a comfortable, relaxing atmosphere inspired by the local culture.

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Additionally, and in keeping with the theme of customer convenience, Starbucks opened a small-format location in <a href="https://historias.starbucks.com/en-es/press/2022/starbucks-barbados-expands-its-store-portfolio-with-the-unveiling-of-a-new-kiosk-in-holetown/">Barbados</a>, where customers can purchase their favorite Starbucks menu items while visiting Barbados’ renowned platinum coast. In Punta del Este, <a href="https://historias.starbucks.com/en-es/press/2022/starbucks-opens-first-store-in-punta-del-este/">Uruguay</a>, customers can visit the beautiful Starbucks store that features walk-up windows, located within walking distance of the popular Brava Beach.

Starbucks is also committed to growing in LAC through a commitment to building a more equitable, resilient and sustainable future. The company strives to give more than it takes from the planet and to cut water, waste, and carbon footprints by 50% by 2030. To achieve this goal and become a truly resource positive company, Starbucks&nbsp;opened its first&nbsp;Greener Store&nbsp;in the region, located in&nbsp;<a href="https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fhistorias.starbucks.com%2Fen-es%2Fpress%2F2022%2Fstarbucks-first-greener-store-in-latin-america-certified-in-chile%2F&amp;data=05%7C01%7CMariana.Flores%40edelman.com%7C8d98af8484c44b0c5e8d08db137d1a51%7Cb824bfb3918e43c2bb1cdcc1ba40a82b%7C0%7C0%7C638125200295974942%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=mIQA4b0kl6N7A8Rz7dm%2FZQsSRIG2oICsfu8PoszkRqY%3D&amp;reserved=0">Chile,&nbsp;</a>designed to use 50% less water and produce 20% less carbon.

This is only the first of many Greener Stores to come, as Starbucks aspires to build all new stores in Latin America and the Caribbean under the Greener Stores framework by the end of 2023 and moving forward.

Finally, at Starbucks, coffee is a means of connection. This is why it is of utmost importance to honor the traditions of LAC communities with programs that support local coffee farmers and stores that celebrate local art, architecture, and history.

Such is the case with Starbucks first store in <a href="https://historias.starbucks.com/en-es/press/2022/starbucks-celebrates-1500th-store-milestone-in-latin-america-unveils-first-cafe-in-antigua-guatemala/">Antigua</a>, Guatemala that was opened as Starbucks&nbsp;1,500th store in LAC. This already iconic store was <a href="https://historias.starbucks.com/en-es/stories/2022/top-5-things-to-see-at-starbucks-new-store-in-antigua-guatemala/">designed in partnership with local artists and artisans</a> to capture the artistic, warm and colorful spirit of this historic city.

In addition to highlighting the beauty of the amazingly restored building, the store features artwork ranging from murals to woodwork and impressive tapestries. The store also includes a magnificent patio where customers can enjoy their favorite beverages al fresco.

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Elsewhere, the Teatro Nacional, an incredible French-style building in the heart of El Salvador’s capital, houses one of Starbucks most magical stores. With a classic look and one-of-a-kind ceiling mural styled after the original art of the building, this store is worth a visit.&nbsp;

Another stunning architectural gem is <a href="https://historias.starbucks.com/en-es/stories/2022/starbucks-20-anniversary-latam-stores/">Bolivia’s Café 24 store</a>. Once the former residence of one Santa Cruz’s most important citizens, Melchor Pinto, a prominent local doctor and activist, this unique building has been restored to its historic, colonial style, preserving the original wood and hand-made cement tile floors.

With stores in every corner of the region, Starbucks is highlighting the beauty and history of the outstanding local community and proudly participating in a rich coffee heritage.

Because Starbucks is all about connection. This means bringing the coffee experience the company is known for to people near and far, providing consistent, personalized moments and &nbsp;building on a history of sustainability in the region.

Find out more about how we’re growing and elevating the Starbucks Experience in the region on the <a href="https://historias.starbucks.com/en-es/">Historias Starbucks site</a>.

News

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Historias-en

From Greener Stores to Inspiring Design: How Starbucks is Growing in Latin America - Historias-en

https://historias.starbucks.com/en-es/stories/noticias/

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From Greener Stores to Inspiring Design: How Starbucks is Growing in Latin America

Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) is a region that has always been close to Starbucks heart and key to the brand’s growth. Since 1971, Starbucks has purchased coffee from local farmers and today, half of the company’s coffee is sourced from coffee farmers in LAC. And now, 20 years since opening its first stores […]

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Asking someone out for a coffee may seem a bit too traditional for some, but there are ways to make it an extraordinary date. At Starbucks we are always excited to celebrate connections between people and what better occasion for this than on Valentine’s Day?! This is why we’ve come up with some ideas that can take a seemingly run-of-the-mill coffee date to the next level.&nbsp;

Who says you must stay put on a coffee date? The world’s your oyster. Switch things up by going on a picturesque stroll, a bike ride or you could even ask your partner to go skating!

Whether you choose to sit at a park and partake in people watching, comment on the scenery as you ride by or even see who can skate the fastest, take your coffee with you! Make it theme-appropriate and environmentally friendly with Starbucks new adorable reusable cups. There’s a variety of styles to choose from that are perfect for hot beverages or a delicious, iced beverage on the go. Plus, reusables cups and drinkware can be a lovely memento of your meet cute!

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A box of candy is a Valentine’s Day classic, so why not incorporate it into your next coffee date? Starbucks Love Bonbon Latte is the perfect choice for this, and the gorgeous mix of white chocolate, mocha, espresso, and hazelnut will most definitely make your date flavorful and, of course, unforgettable. Available to personalize with your favorite milk alternative across Latin America and the Caribbean from February 10 to 15.

Tell your crush how you feel, surprise your bestie, or remind that special someone in your life how important they are to you, through a unique Valentine.

Forget the flower bouquet and instead send love, kisses, and delicious Starbucks treats via UberEats! From February 10 to February 15, you can make your order and send it along with a personalized message in the cup. “You’re brew-tiful”, “Thanks a latte for being my friend”, whatever you want to share, just click on the "Send it as a Gift" message in the UberEats app and start delivering a whole lotta love.

Now you know how to make this Valentine’s Day an affair to remember, so let’s go beyond coffee and make it about connection, wherever you are in the region.

Coffee is at our heart, inspiring our craft and driving innovation—in our drinks, our food, our stores and new ways we bring the Starbucks experience to you wherever you are.

Coffee & Craft

Coffee &amp; Craft Archives - Historias-en

https://historias.starbucks.com/en-es/stories/coffee/

A few ideas that can take a seemingly run-of-the-mill coffee date to the next level. 

This Valentine’s Day have a coffee date with a twist - Historias-en

This Valentine’s Day have a coffee date with a twist

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Starbucks stores around the world are designed to celebrate local coffee culture and traditions while delivering delicious, handcrafted beverages. Our <a href="https://historias.starbucks.com/en-es/press/2022/starbucks-celebrates-1500th-store-milestone-in-latin-america-unveils-first-cafe-in-antigua-guatemala/">new café</a> in the heart of Antigua, Guatemala – the first Starbucks location to open in the historic city – is no different. As part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the café was designed in partnership with a range of local artists and artisans to capture the artistic, warm and colorful spirit of Antigua.&nbsp;&nbsp;

With much to discover through an immersive coffee experience, don’t miss some of the highlights of this beautiful 800 m2 store:&nbsp;&nbsp;

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Starbucks Antigua’s historic building was beautifully restored with the guidance of William Porras of Tres Mas Uno Arquitectos, a local architecture firm specializing in preservation and restoration in Antigua. At the store's main lobby, a unique piece of art from local artist Daniela Rivas displays the Volcano Agua – a 3,500m stratovolcano that towers over the city. A second piece in the Lounge room is a large-scale tapestry made from a combination of cotton, clay and wood, representing the roots of Guatemala.&nbsp;

The café features murals by local artist Alvaro Tzaj Yotz highlighting Antigua’s natural beauty and generations of Guatemalan women in the coffee industry. Next to the main coffee bar is a stunning painting depicting three women, portrayed as hummingbirds, nurturing a coffee tree and sharing its cherries. In Mayan culture, the hummingbird is considered a good omen and representation of past generations. See if you can spot all the little birds Alvaro has hidden throughout the store – hint: there are 50!&nbsp;

At the heart of the store, customers can gather in the courtyard to enjoy handcrafted Starbucks beverages and the company of friends and family. This space features another coffee bar, a large green wall designed by Hernán Perla of Ecojardines, and an abundance of local plants. Two fountains preserved from the original building create a soothing ambiance. One of the fountains showcases two mermaids that stand out from the wall, reminiscent of the iconic Starbucks siren. Every element of the courtyard brings to life the beautiful work of local artists: hand-woven furniture crafted by Lupita de Blanco of Dblanco, hand-made mosaic tabletops by Jorge Larios, concrete tables by Joan Lima and his team at Hortus, adorned with vibrant cushions from textile artisans Jackeline López and Danilo Bolbito of Museo Casa del Tejido Antiguo.&nbsp;

Our new café boasts three gathering rooms, each with its own style highlighting local culture and tradition and featuring hand-made light fixtures by Megalamparas. The Sharing and Community Rooms both feature a captivating photo gallery wall with images from local photographers Gerson Cifuentes, Selvin Rodriguez and Celia Talbot Tobin celebrating local coffee farms as well as The Starbucks Foundation’s partnership with Mercy Corps.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

In this one-of-a-kind store, you will find intricate wooden features at every corner. Local artisan Hugo Lopez hand-crafted the ornate wood detail and furniture found throughout the store, including the stunning carved bar front panels, moldings, community table, console tables, and wood benches in the courtyard. Hugo’s work effectively pulls all the artisans together into one beautiful store.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Top 5 Things to See at Starbucks New Store in Antigua, Guatemala - Historias-en

Top 5 Things to See at Starbucks New Store in Antigua, Guatemala

Starbucks stores around the world are designed to celebrate local coffee culture and traditions while delivering delicious, handcrafted beverages. Our new café in the heart of Antigua, Guatemala – the first Starbucks location to open in the historic city – is no different. As part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the café was designed […]

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https://historias.starbucks.com/en-es/stories/2022/top-5-things-to-see-at-starbucks-new-store-in-antigua-guatemala/

(updated September 29, 2022)

The Starbucks Foundation has a 25-year history of investing in communities across the U.S. and globally. In March 2022, The Starbucks Foundation&nbsp;<a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/press/2022/the-starbucks-foundation-launches-global-community-impact-grants-initiative/">announced</a>&nbsp;a $30 million investment by 2030 in its Global Community Impact Grants portfolio designed to drive locally relevant impact in the communities where Starbucks operates around the world.

In the inaugural year of the <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/emea/stories/2022/supporting-youth-empowerment-hunger-relief-and-refugees-in-emea/">Global Community Impact Grants</a> program, The Starbucks Foundation awarded&nbsp;grants to nearly 90 nonprofits, all of which were nominated by Starbucks international licensees and will reach communities in more than 40 markets. Between grants and co-investment from international licensees, over $3.2 million was awarded in 2022 for causes aligned to The Starbucks Foundation’s community impact goals, including youth empowerment, inclusion &amp; diversity, social services, hunger relief, economic opportunity, and coffee-, tea- and cocoa-growing communities.

In the Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), The Starbucks Foundation awarded 31 grants across 14 markets for causes ranging from youth empowerment and hunger relief to promoting inclusion &amp; diversity and advancing economic mobility &amp; opportunity. Grants were awarded to nonprofit organizations in Argentina, Bahamas, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, Peru, Puerto Rico, Trinidad and Tobago, and Uruguay.

<a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/global-community-impact-grants/">Learn more</a>&nbsp;about the program and organizations we are supporting in LAC and across the globe.

Supporting Youth Empowerment, Hunger Relief, and Economic Mobility in Latin America and the Caribbean - Historias-en

Supporting Youth Empowerment, Hunger Relief, and Economic Mobility in Latin America and the Caribbean

(updated September 29, 2022) The Starbucks Foundation has a 25-year history of investing in communities across the U.S. and globally. In March 2022, The Starbucks Foundation&nbsp;announced&nbsp;a $30 million investment by 2030 in its Global Community Impact Grants portfolio designed to drive locally relevant impact in the communities where Starbucks operates around the world. In the […]

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https://historias.starbucks.com/en-es/stories/2022/supporting-youth-empowerment-hunger-relief-and-economic-mobility-in-latin-america-and-the-caribbean/

Coffee is at our core. We are committed to sourcing coffee responsibly, for the betterment of people and planet, so we can ensure a <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/press/2019/building-a-sustainable-future-for-coffee-together/">sustainable future of coffee</a>.

ETHICALLY SOURCED COFFEE

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Goal: Committed to 100% ethically sourced coffee in partnership with Conservation International From 2015 to 2019, 99% of Starbucks coffee was verified as ethically sourced as measured by C.A.F.E. Practices, our ethical sourcing verification program developed in partnership with Conservation International. Measuring farms against economic, social and environmental criteria, the C.A.F.E. Practices program is designed to promote transparent and sustainable coffee growing practices while also helping protect the well-being of coffee farmers and workers, their families and their communities.

In FY20, due to restrictions caused by COVID-19, auditing teams were unable to complete all the necessary in-person, on-farm audits of our coffee production, resulting in expiration for farms whose verification ended in FY20 and were not audited. This resulted in 98.6% of our coffee coming in FY20 from C.A.F.E. Practice-verified farms.

50 Million to Date, 10 Million in FY20

Goal: Provide 100 million trees to farmers by 2025 In FY20, we distributed 10 million trees to farmers in Mexico, Guatemala and El Salvador. Over the past five years as part of our 10-year, 100 million-tree commitment, Starbucks has donated nearly 50 million coffee trees to farmers. These new trees are bred to be resistant to coffee rust, a disease associated with climate change, and they’re replacing trees declining in productivity, which can, in turn, help farmers improve the quality and yields of their harvest and improve their revenue.

Nine Farmer Support Centers, 200,000 Farmers Trained

Goal: Train 200,000 farmers by the end of 2020 More than 40,000 farmers were trained in FY20, enabling us to reach our goal of training 200,000 farmers by the end of 2020. Starbucks operates nine Farmer Support Centers worldwide, where agronomists and quality experts work alongside coffee farmers – whether they sell to Starbucks or not – to share tools and information to help increase the productivity, quality and profitability of coffee on their farms and improve their livelihoods. In FY20, due to COVID-19 restrictions, we incorporated online training tools and resources to continue these efforts while supporting the health and safety of our partners, suppliers, farmers and their communities.&nbsp;

Goal: Strengthen our coffee communities In FY20, Starbucks launched a new initiative in Guatemala focused on providing safe spaces for local and migrant workers’ children to continue their education during the coffee harvest season. Five new centers opened during the 2020-21 harvest season, with co-investment from coffee suppliers and implementation by FUNCAFE and Coffee Care. Starbucks also established a $100,000 Capital Improvement fund to support initial and on-going childcare center improvements, along with preparing childcare center locations to open in a safe and welcoming way.

&nbsp;$42.9 Million to Date

$2.8 Million in FY20

Goal: $50 million in farmer loans by the end of 2020 The Starbucks Global Farmer Fund was founded to improve supply chain resiliency and ensure a long-term supply of coffee by addressing the unmet financing needs of farmers. As of FY20, we have invested $42.9 million in the Fund, partnering with <a href="https://rootcapital.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Root Capital</a> and <a href="https://www.responsability.com/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ResponsAbility</a> to provide coffee businesses and farmers with access to low-interest loans in regions where traditional banks are not an option due to high interest rates. Loans allow farmers to plant new trees and improve their infrastructure.&nbsp;

In addition, we have continued our Emergency Farmer Relief Fund for a second year to further support farmers who were negatively impacted by low global coffee prices. These secondary payments go directly to smallholder farmers in Central America to subsidize their income, helping to offset low prices compared to cost of production. Although market conditions were slightly better than in FY19, we distributed more than $2.8 million to farmers in Guatemala and Nicaragua in FY20.&nbsp;

STARBUCKS DIGITAL TRACEABILITY

Launched for Consumers, Testing Among Farmers

Goal: Create connection between coffee farmers and coffee consumers; empower farmers and support coffee farm communities As a continuation of our ethical sourcing commitment, in FY20 we launched the new <a href="https://traceability.starbucks.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Starbucks Digital Traceability</a> web tool, which provides a way for customers to engage directly with their coffee and learn more about its journey, from bean to cup. Customers can use the traceability tool to scan a bag of their favorite coffee at a Starbucks store, discover the global origin of their beans, and read about the farmers who grow it. We are continuing to explore how digital tools can empower farmers and best support farming communities by leveraging the traceability technology and platform to give farmers the ability to trace their coffee beans, so they can see where their beans go and the final product they become. In FY20 in Rwanda, we piloted a call-in platform for farmers to get agronomy tips and green coffee price information for their local markets. More than 19,000 farmers used the service over three months.

Tea: 99.7% in FY20, Cocoa: 100% in FY20

In FY20, we sourced 99.7% of tea from Rainforest Alliance certified farms. For cocoa-based beverage ingredients, 100% of cocoa beans are ethically sourced from either COCOA Practices-verified supply chains or UTZ certified farms. The UTZ program is now part of the Rainforest Alliance. We continue to strengthen our approach, programs and partnerships for sustainably sourcing tea and cocoa.

Read more and see fiscal 2021 updates on our progress in the full report.

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We are committed to sourcing coffee responsibly, for the betterment of people and planet, so we can ensure a sustainable future of coffee.

Starbucks 2020 Global Environmental and Social Impact Report: Coffee

https://historias.starbucks.com/en-es/stories/2021/gesi-report-2020-coffee-3/

Coffee is at our core. We are committed to sourcing coffee responsibly, for the betterment of people and planet, so we can ensure a sustainable future of coffee.

2020 Report: Coffee

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Our vision for the future is to become resource positive—giving back more than we take from the planet. And we know we can’t do it alone. It takes all of us.

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Our aspiration is to be people positive—investing in humanity and the well-being of everyone we connect with, from our partners to coffee farmers to the customers in our stores and beyond.