Earlier this month, we celebrated the craft and artistry that goes into making our iconic espresso-based beverages in Latin America and the Caribbean at the Starbucks LAC Barista Championship in Hacienda Alsacia, Costa Rica.

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This event was a unique opportunity for green apron partners (employees) <a href="https://historias.starbucks.com/en-es/stories/2022/starbucks-lac-barista-championship/">across the region</a> to showcase their knowledge and expertise, and to celebrate coffee passion with their fellow partners. The top National Barista Champions from unique LAC markets competed across three days for the overall title; <a href="https://historias.starbucks.com/en-es/stories/2022/meet-the-champion-starbucks-lac-barista-championship/">Camila from Argentina</a> was officially crowned LAC Barista Champion.

"I've always loved learning and with coffee you never stop finding out new things", Camila told us. "If you're anything like me, then my advice for you is to take part in a tasting if you ever get a chance. You'll learn so much and will love coffee even more!"

All throughout the competition the partners outdid themselves through awesome skill and artistry, as you can imagine, such an occasion was ripe with the best coffee wisdom. So we asked our Champions for their tips and tricks to brew the best cup of coffee.

1. Start with the basics

Mauricesa from the Cayman Islands reminded us of the importance of properly storing our beans. After all, maintaining the quality of our key ingredient is fundamental to preparing a good cup of coffee.

“At home, we must ensure that the beans are kept in an airtight container at the right temperature and stored somewhere they can’t get wet,” she said. “Coffee is what you make it: it is a blank canvas packed with flavor to which you can add your own twist. Whether by adding creamers, milks, something sweet, or even by adding some coffee to your favorite recipes or desserts, coffee is all about personalizing and loving your experience.”

Once we have the coffee, the next step is knowing which brewing method to use. Even though everyone had their preferred way of making coffee, most of our Champions mentioned the French press as their favorite at home.

“I think a French press is a must-have!” said Shanyhah, who was representing the Bahamas. “What I love about it is that I can prepare my hot coffee every morning and when I get home, I can make iced coffee with the rest of the batch. I highly recommend it.”

Juan Marco from Guatemala shared another great trick: he told us we can use the French press to froth warm milk for a homemade cappuccino. “You just put the milk in the carafe and press up and down a couple of times until you get the desired texture for your coffee.”

John from Peru gave us a tip we didn’t expect. “Make sure to preheat the carafe before making the coffee. You can <a>dip</a> it in some hot water beforehand, for example. And always make sure you use filtered water!”

3. For your inner connoisseur

As we spoke more with our Champions, their suggestions became more specific. Yatziri from Costa Rica suggested we research the place where our coffee is from to find out more about it; understanding the <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2022/introducing-the-next-generation-of-starbucks-coffee-art/">brewing instructions and coffee description</a>s can help you know what foods to pair it with to make the most of the flavors. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Andrew, a partner representing Jamaica, advised us to “try different brewing methods of your favorite coffee so you can see which one you like best.” On a similar note, Jezabel from Uruguay recommended we get out of our comfort zone and try different coffees and add some variations, such as different milks, <a>to</a> taste new combinations.

4. Cold brew all the way

For more experienced at-home baristas, Miguel Ángel from Mexico had this to say: “You’ve got to try to make your own Cold Brew coffee! Beans from Kenya are great for this. You only need a big glass container, then grind your coffee as coarsely as possible and put 10 g to every 180 ml of room-temperature water. Put your coffee mixture in the fridge for 20 hours and voilà! As an extra tip, I really like to add a slice of orange or grapefruit to the infusion to give it a more citrusy touch.”

All in all, the consensus for great coffee at home was to have fun and enjoy both the brewing and learning process behind a great cup.

“Always seek to improve your technique, whether by watching a video on YouTube or asking a partner at your local Starbucks store how to choose the perfect quality coffee for your taste,” recommended Vinicius, who’s representing Brazil for the fourth time.

Finally, a piece of advice from Moisés from Bolivia: “Enjoy every cup of coffee like it is your first one, so that every time you taste it, you can find new textures and flavors in it!”

Brew Your Best Cup of Coffee: Top tips and tricks from this year’s Starbucks LAC Barista Championship contestants - Historias-en

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Brew Your Best Cup of Coffee: Top tips and tricks from this year’s Starbucks LAC Barista Championship contestants

Earlier this month, we celebrated the craft and artistry that goes into making our iconic espresso-based beverages in Latin America and the Caribbean at the Starbucks LAC Barista Championship in Hacienda Alsacia, Costa Rica. This event was a unique opportunity for green apron partners (employees) across the region to showcase their knowledge and expertise, and […]

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Set against the beautiful green hills of Costa Rica at Starbucks first and only coffee farm Hacienda Alsacia, this year’s Starbucks Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) Barista Championship reunited top baristas representing <a href="https://historias.starbucks.com/en-es/stories/2022/starbucks-lac-barista-championship/">21 markets across the region</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

With mesmerizing precision and support for their fellow competitors, baristas flashed their latte art skills and flexed their beverage mastery.

“It makes me so proud that as we celebrate two decades of presence in this dynamic region, we have the opportunity to see our green apron partners gathered together at Hacienda Alsacia – Starbucks beautiful coffee farm – to showcase their coffee knowledge and expertise,” said Tom Ferguson, president, Starbucks Latin America and Caribbean.

After three days of competition where partners displayed their skill and artistry through multiple rounds of exciting coffee challenges, including espresso shot pulling, milk steaming, latte art and beverage innovation, <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/">Camila from Argentina earned the prestigious title of Starbucks LAC Barista Champion 2022</a>.

“It’s been an incredible experience that extends beyond winning and representing my market and the larger Latin America and Caribbean region,” the champion said about her win. “What I’m most proud of is being part of something bigger and sharing an experience like this with so many beautiful people. I wouldn't change it for the world.”

Tasting coffee with her fellow competitors until dawn, sharing stories, practicing their craft, laughing and connecting through coffee was an invaluable experience to Camila, who felt supported by her partners every step of the way.

“Nothing really prepares you for this adventure,” she noted, “but it sure is worth it: the connections you make, the things you learn. I left Argentina with no idea how much knowledge and love I would leave the competition with. It would be amazing to participate again, but I would also like more partners to have the ability to experience this journey.”

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This year, Starbucks green apron partners gathered at Hacienda Alsacia to fully experience the deep care that goes into the first 10 feet of a cup of coffee to share that connection with customers at the last 10 feet.

“The Championship helped us appreciate the importance of our work in the stores,” Camila shared. “It is an honor to be part of the arduous process behind a single coffee bean. However, the Championship was also about solidarity and being united. The friendships I’ve made here are the most beautiful thing I’m taking back home.”

It was a thrill to watch these outstanding coffee experts share their passion, love and out-of-this-world skills during the Starbucks LAC Barista Championship 2022. We are excited to continue recognizing the coffee mastery of our partners, who inspire us every day!

Let’s raise a mug for this year’s Starbucks LAC Barista Champion, Camila from Argentina! - Historias-en

Let’s raise a mug for this year’s Starbucks LAC Barista Champion, Camila from Argentina!

Set against the beautiful green hills of Costa Rica at Starbucks first and only coffee farm Hacienda Alsacia, this year’s Starbucks Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) Barista Championship reunited top baristas representing 21 markets across the region.&nbsp;&nbsp; With mesmerizing precision and support for their fellow competitors, baristas flashed their latte art skills and flexed their […]

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One thing hasn't changed over the last 20 years since we opened our first stores in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC): our partners' passion for coffee!

We're proud of all the milestones we've reached in these two decades, but most importantly we are proud of the thousands of green apron partners that day in and day out handcraft our customers' favorite espresso-based drinks.

To recognize the skill and dedication of our green apron partners, as a company we celebrate the Barista Championship around the world. This year, the Championship will return to the LAC region, where partners will showcase their coffee passion, creativity and expertise. National Barista Champions from 21 unique LAC markets will compete across three days for the overall title, with a crowning at Starbucks coffee farm <a href="https://www.starbuckscoffeefarm.com/en/">Hacienda Alsacia</a> in Costa Rica.

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Hosting the event at Hacienda Alsacia, Starbucks global agronomy headquarters, provides participating partners the unique opportunity to experience first-hand the first 10 feet of the coffee journey, which will enrich their knowledge of the last 10 feet: right before the cup of coffee reaches a customer.

Join the excitement of the Starbucks LAC Barista Championship and get to know this year’s contestants!

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Meet our 21 Champions: Get to know our green apron partners participating in this year’s Starbucks LAC Barista Championship! - Historias-en

Meet our 21 Champions: Get to know our green apron partners participating in this year’s Starbucks LAC Barista Championship!

For 20 years, Starbucks partners across Latin America have been hard at work preparing your favorite beverages. To recognize their craft and dedication we are celebrating the Starbucks LAC Barista Championship.

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Get to know our green apron partners participating in this year’s Starbucks LAC Barista Champiohip

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At Starbucks, when we say you should always expect more than coffee, we mean it. ​

Since the very beginning, we’ve strived to be different, to offer more than what people imagine possible from a coffee shop, because we know that coffee is more than a beverage. 

A cup of coffee can evoke strong memories of places, people, and experiences. It can unite family, friends, and even strangers. However, there’s also a rich story behind the coffee beans, one of community and hard work. It takes many hands to craft the perfect cup of coffee.​

It all begins at the start of coffee’s journey, where thousands of nimble hands plant, harvest and pick the best high-quality arabica coffee beans. Then, experienced hands roast them to make up the unique flavors that our iconic coffee blends are known for. Finally, Once in the store, other sets of loving hands, those of our baristas, create handcrafted beverages just the way you like them each time you enter your favorite Starbucks store.​​

This International Coffee Day and throughout the month of October, we celebrate coffee and the people that make it possible through our Commemorative Reusable Cup!​

Created in Starbucks signature green, this special new design showcases our iconic twin-tailed siren and conjures up the hard work and skill found throughout the bean-to-cup journey. At her hands, coffee cherries are blooming from a cup representing the origins of the coffee she’s about to sip. ​

This reusable cup stands out as a symbol of the story behind its content. It honors coffee&nbsp;and also&nbsp;the people whose hard work and skilled&nbsp;craft make coffee experiences possible.&nbsp;​

You can find this beautiful cup starting this International Coffee Day and all throughout October while supplies last. Also, stay tuned because there will be giveaways this October 1st in local stores all across the region!​

So now you know, this International Coffee Day is a special date for coffee, of course, but also an opportunity to acknowledge the culture, the tradition, and work behind it. ​​

For it is thanks to the people and communities behind each beverage we make that we&nbsp;are able to&nbsp;fulfill our mission to inspire and nurture&nbsp;the human spirit – one person, one cup, and one neighborhood at a time.

For us, coffee is more than just a beverage, it is a way to evoke memories and connect with other people.​This International Coffee Day we want to honor the coffee, of course, but also the culture, the tradition, and the entire journey from bean to cup.

Coffee: An ode to the experience behind the iconic beverage​ - Historias-en

Coffee: An ode to the experience behind the iconic beverage​

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Twenty years ago, we opened our first stores ever in Latin America at Angel de la Independencia in Mexico City, Mexico, and Old San Juan, Puerto Rico! Since then, our menu has gained a whole lot of delicious beverage and food options that celebrate and honor Latin America and the Caribbean's unique local flavors, as well as the expert craftsmanship from our partners and the coffee leadership the region has to offer!

From classic espresso-based beverages prepared with our exclusive Espresso Roast or seasonal whole bean coffees to tangy tropical fruits and creamy textures, there’s a treat for every taste. To give you an idea of what an adventurous palate can find, we asked our baristas in Latin America to tell us their favorite local beverages. These are the top five that came up the most:

1. Dulce de Leche Latte and Frappuccino®

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This delicious confection is a traditional Latin American delicacy so of course we had to include it on our local menus, and it is a hit!

Also known as Manjar Blanco or Cajeta, you can enjoy it as a latte, hot and cold, or a Frappuccino® across almost all markets in the region.

When it comes to chocolate in Latin America, Mexico knows best. A most customary beverage in the country is the chocolate caliente or hot chocolate. However, it’s not just any type of chocolate but a special local kind that’s prepared with sugar and cinnamon.

Although the customary recipe calls for the chocolate to be stirred into boiling water until foamy, at any Starbucks store in Mexico you can make it creamier and frothier with any milk of your choice.

This beverage recommendation is one of the most popular orders in Chile and Argentina. Consisting of two shots of espresso “cut” (o cortado) with steamed milk, this recipe follows the Spanish tradition common in both countries.&nbsp;&nbsp;

This small but strong coffee is a classic that you must try if you really want to experience Argentina and Chile like a local.&nbsp;

The lucuma is a subtropical fruit native to the Andean valleys of Peru. Of yellow color similar to that of a mango and a unique caramel-like taste, it’s a delicacy you have to try at least once in your life.

At Starbucks stores in Peru you can savor this delicately-flavored fruits from the highlands in the form of an exquisite Lúcuma Crème Frappuccino® blended beverage that combines lúcuma sauce and milk, topped with whipped cream. Caffeine-free but flavorful this is basically a tasty dessert you can drink!

Speaking of sweets, the Brazilian Brigadeiro is a must in any list of Latin American treats. This iconic chocolate bonbon is usually served at festive events, but why wait for a special occasion when you can have a creamy drinkable version whenever you want!

Available as hot, iced, and cafezinho, the Brigadeiro beverages introduced one of the lines’ favorites in 2012: the Brigadeiro Frappuccino®, which is a blend of Starbucks Frappuccino® roast, choco chips, white mocha sauce, mocha sauce, classic syrup, milk, and ice. It is served in a cup lined with Brigadeiro sauce and topped with whipped cream and chocolate sprinkles.

Now you know what to order next time you visit our stores in the region!

Top 5 unique Starbucks beverages to try in Latin America - Historias-en

Top 5 unique Starbucks beverages to try in Latin America

Twenty years ago, we opened our first stores ever in Latin America at Angel de la Independencia in Mexico City, Mexico, and Old San Juan, Puerto Rico! Since then, our menu has gained a whole lot of delicious beverage and food options that celebrate and honor Latin America and the Caribbean&#8217;s unique local flavors, as […]

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This year is very special for Starbucks as it marks our 20th anniversary in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). It’s been two decades since we opened our first Starbucks stores in the region – at Angel de la Independencia in Mexico City and Old San Juan in Puerto Rico ─ and it’s been an enriching experience throughout! Every opening has brought us closer to the wonderfully diverse communities of Latin America and helped us offer the Starbucks Experience to more customers.

From the warmth of our green apron partners that uplift the everyday in their interactions with customers to the beauty of the different landscapes, we’ve sought out to capture the region’s unique coffee heritage, as well as the essence and traditions of each specific location through the design of our stores.

To celebrate our 20th anniversary in LAC, let’s explore 20 of our most stunning stores that you can visit next time you are in the neighborhood for a cafecito or a cafezinho!

1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Mexico City, Mexico

Back in 2002, Mexico City welcomed the first Starbucks store of Latin America. Today, with over 750 stores across the market, this cosmopolitan metropolis is also home to our first Reserve Bar in the region, where customers can find Starbucks premium coffee line, buy exclusive products and try out alternative coffee methods.

The store’s design highlights unique materials from different parts of Mexico, as well as lovely murals created by Edgar Saner depicting the market’s own coffee traditions. &nbsp;

2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Dorado, Puerto Rico

Little-known fact: the Dorado Express store is our <a href="https://historias.starbucks.com/en-es/press/2021/starbucks-opens-first-drive-thru-only-store-in-puerto-rico/">first ever Starbucks Drive-Thru Only location in the Caribbean</a>. Rightfully so, as Puerto Rico has a strong coffee tradition that calls for a Starbucks Experience that brings convenience, connection and, of course, personalization.

The store is located on the northern coast of Puerto Rico and its modern and practical design is both welcoming and uplifting.

3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Santiago, Chile

Within the modern Las Condes neighborhood, known for its chic hotels and lively dining scene, you can find our <a href="https://historias.starbucks.com/es/press/2022/la-primera-greener-store-de-starbucks-en-america-latina-es-certificada-en-chile/">first-ever Greener Store in Latin America and the Caribbean</a>.

The store was designed to use 50% less water and produce 20% less carbon to help us reach our global sustainability goals.

The interior design is also environmentally friendly as the furniture and finishes are made out of recycled materials, a trend that we’ve seen in <a href="https://historias.starbucks.com/es/stories/2021/starbucks-chile-sostenibilidad/">other Chilean stores</a>.

Starbucks first entered Chile in 2003 with Isidoro Goyenechea store in Santiago. Since then, we’ve expanded to over 140 stores and the market has been a <a href="https://historias.starbucks.com/en-es/press/2022/starbucks-chile-celebrates-earth-day-with-discounts-to-promote-reusables-and-more-sustainable-options/">leader in sustainability</a>, offering EV chargers for customers, launching a program to manage in-store food waste, and continuing to expand its plant-based menu.

The Pan Americana Sur store features one of our most unique designs to say the least.

Right next to the emblematic Pan-American Highway, this is the first store in Latin America to be built using recycled shipping containers, part of a Starbucks green-building initiative to save water, energy and improve air quality.

Fittingly, it is also our first Drive-Thru format store in Peru. So, whether customers are <a href="https://historias.starbucks.com/en-es/press/2022/starbucks-introduces-chunqui-whole-bean-coffee-produced-by-coffee-growers-in-northern-peru/">picking up our latest whole bean coffee</a>, stopping for a <a href="https://historias.starbucks.com/es/press/2022/starbucks-presenta-el-cafe-de-grano-entero-chunqui-producido-por-caficultores-del-norte-del-peru/">quick treat</a>, or just wishing to take a break resting under a green umbrella on the store’s patio, we’ve got them covered.

5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Nassau, Bahamas

The Bahamar, the secondstore in the Bahamas stands out due to its size – it’s one of the smallest stores in the region. However, size doesn’t matter as this fantastic little store is unforgettable.

The capsule-like design of this store is ideal for those seeking refuge from busy everyday life. The subtle details, such as the pink penny tile that pays tribute to colorful Bahamian design, the gold decals on the walls and the large dark glass mirror creates an airy ambiance of added depth.

6.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

The Santos Dumont store is located inside Rio’s airport of the same name. Unlike other airport stores that blend in with the architecture and style of the buildings they’re found in, this particular Starbucks store stands out due to its minimalistic and beautiful design.

The artwork on the windows pays homage to the anniversary siren, while the bar’s woodwork is inspired by Ipanema’s iconic sidewalks. The warm colors of the walls and finishes evoke Rio’s stunning sunsets and sunrises, and the terrazzo flooring is reminiscent of the city’s beaches.

7.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Buenos Aires, Argentina

What people first notice about the La Lucila Starbucks store in Buenos Aires is the impressive exterior artwork that portrays two iconic Argentinian birds ─ the Cortarramas and the Gorrión ─ flying over a coffee plantation. Argentina’s national flower, the coral tree, is also represented in the mural painted by Fio Silva.

What’s also wonderful about the streetside art is that it can still be enjoyed by customers ordering their <a href="https://historias.starbucks.com/es/press/2022/starbucks-lanza-bebida-stranger-frappuccino-en-chile-argentina-uruguay/">favorite beverage</a>s on the go. La Lucila store is the first Drive-Thru available in Argentina, meeting the needs of the Porteños, the people who inhabit the bustling city of Buenos Aires.

8.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Palm Beach, Aruba

In Aruba, the perfect coffee break awaits customers at the Marriott Stellaris lobby, where they can find a beautifully designed Starbucks store worthy of the idyllic island.

With a beautiful custom wood design representing the ocean waves and stunning hand-painted siren wall art, customers can feel the breeze even indoors.

9.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Antigua, Guatemala

In our special 1,500th store in Latin America and the Caribbean, customers can find high-quality arabica coffee from Guatemala, including the Guatemala Antigua whole bean coffee year-round.

Located just steps from the iconic Santa Catalina Arch in the city of Antigua, a UNESCO Heritage site, the building used to be a private residence dating back to the 1930s. Many of the original architectural elements have been restored and, as Starbucks tradition calls for, it features the work of <a href="https://historias.starbucks.com/en-es/stories/2022/top-5-things-to-see-at-starbucks-new-store-in-antigua-guatemala/">local artists and designers</a>.

The two store murals were created by local painter and muralist Alvaro Tzaj Yotz and represent the female work and legacy behind the Guatemalan coffee industry as well as the national flora and fauna such as hummingbirds and the wondrous quetzal.

10.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; San Luis, Costa Rica

We cannot talk about remarkable Starbucks stores in Latin America without mentioning the café at our first-ever coffee farm: <a href="https://historias.starbucks.com/es/stories/2018/5-cosas-que-debes-saber-sobre-la-finca-cafetera-de-starbucks-hacienda-alsacia/">Hacienda Alsacia</a>.

It is also the first of 10 Farmer Support Centers Starbucks operates, where farmers get free access to the latest agronomy findings. However, the best thing about Hacienda Alsacia is that it is <a href="https://historias.starbucks.com/es/stories/2021/starbucks-tour-virtual-costa-rica/">open to visitors</a>!

Located in the beautiful slopes of the Poas volcano in San Luis, Sabanilla, Alajuela, guests can enjoy a guided tour and experience the entire <a href="https://historias.starbucks.com/es/stories/2018/escuchando-a-la-tierra-creando-el-centro-de-visitantes-starbucks-en-la-hacienda-alsacia/">journey of a cup of coffee</a> first-hand: from seedling, to roasting, to tasting.

The Multiplaza Escazú store in San Rafael features a design that mixes industrial finishes and hacienda-style furniture that evoke Alsacia’s craftmanship as well as the richness of Costa Rica’s rich flora and fauna through delicate murals inside the store and in the terrace area, by Majo Rodriguez.

12.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Cali, Colombia

Located in one of Colombia’s most iconic cities, the Starbucks store in Cali stands out due to its impressive circular design and the strong connection between the exterior and interior.

The glass walls surrounding the impressive building located inside the Jardín Plaza mall, lets visitors enjoy their favorite beverages while also appreciating the nearby gardens.

Cali was the third city Starbucks entered in Colombia. The company now operates stores across five cities, with the most recent opening in the vibrant coastal hub of <a href="https://historias.starbucks.com/en-es/press/2022/starbucks-opens-first-cafe-in-cartagena-colombia/">Cartagena</a>.

One interesting fact about our Colombia cafes is that all espresso-based handcrafted beverages are made with Colombian coffee.

13.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia

Bolivia’s Café 24 store is located in one Santa Cruz’s most iconic buildings: the former residence of Melchor Pinto, a prominent local doctor and activist. It has been restored to its colonial style, preserving the original wood and hand-made cement tile floors and showcasing the beauty of the original architectural style.

Our team worked very closely with local artist Adolfo Torrico to develop a proposal that was relevant and appropriate for such a unique site. Inspired by the natural environment, culture, and traditions of local coffee farms, the mural celebrates the origin and heritage of Bolivian coffee.

14.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; La Chorrera, Panama

The Drive-Thru experience of Panama’s Costa Verde store is enhanced by the beautiful artwork that surrounds the building.

Featuring green and turquoise flowers that blend in with the natural foliage of the Costa Verde community, this Starbucks store is the ideal spot for a casual meet-up with friends or a break from everyday activities whether customers wish to sit down or just pick up their favorite beverage.

15.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Chaguanas, Trinidad &amp; Tobago

This Starbucks store truly embodies what a Third Place must be: an inviting destination to relax, unwind and connect.

The Endeavour store is not only the first Drive-Thru in the market but also includes an art installation that celebrates Trini people and their culture. Local artist Beverley Fitzwilliam Harries created a large painting using only coffee pigment for the store, featuring a coffee harvesting scene within a rich tropical landscape.

16.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Montego Bay, Jamaica

To celebrate our 20th anniversary in LAC, let’s explore 20 of our most stunning stores that you can visit next time you are in the neighborhood for a cafecito or a cafezinho!

20 Starbucks stores in Latin America that will have you planning your next adventure - Historias-en

20 Starbucks stores in Latin America that will have you planning your next adventure

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We know that in addition to inspiration, women are agents of change. Where a woman thrives, an entire ecosystem prospers. For this reason, we support women from all over the world to empower them and thus change the destiny of their communities.

Within the context of International Women's Day, we want to recall some of the stories about key players in the region, from coffee growers to baristas, who are doing their bit in the coffee journey while also making a better future for coffee possible.

From beginning to end, coffee is a place for women

Starbucks seeks to empower partners who work in the final stretch before your coffee reaches the cup and is ready to be enjoyed.

The brand continually works to create an environment in which women feel free to flourish professionally. We can see this reflected in the fact that the majority of partners in the stores in El Salvador, Guatemala and Costa Rica are women.

Also, in Bolivia 65% of the team are women who perform in an exemplary manner and in Mexico 56% of store managers are women, and of these, 90% have been promoted in the last two years. "Women are strong, powerful and creative, we inject a natural balance into the world of coffee, where until a few years ago we did not have a greater presence," says Mildred Núñez, District Manager who supervises 12 stores in Cancun, and leads a team that is 75% women.

Impact starts at the root

In the journey coffee makes from bean to cup, women have always been essential. For this reason, Starbucks has various initiatives and programs that support women coffee growers in Latin America and the world.

The C.A.F.E. Practices program provides training in agricultural practices and guidance on basic crop management so women can participate equally in critical decisions regarding coffee cultivation.

In Mexico, for example, several coffee-growing communities are already part of the program. One of these is the Totonacapan Coffee Cooperative, in the state of Puebla. Made up of 29 women who participate in each step of the coffee production process, the Cooperative seeks to help women to be administrators of their own plot and cultivate using the best practices.

In Santander, Colombia, coffee is an ancient tradition in which women play an essential role. It is there, in the heart of the Andean mountains, where the coffee for one of the most special Starbucks blends is grown.

Starbucks® Colombia Santander has a bold and robust flavor, with sweet apple notes, which in addition to being a treat to the palate, is a source of pride since it is grown 100% by women from the region in a country where only 3 out of 10 coffee farmers are women.

This full-body medium-roast Arabica coffee reflects the passion of Santanderean women feel for the fruit of their land and the strength of their commitment to their community.

Needless to say, the dedication of Latin American women is one of the most important ingredients to create fertile lands where both coffee and the dreams of coffee growers can bear fruit for generations.

Donations to keep growing strong

For Starbucks, success must be shared, which is why we are committed to generating a positive impact based on opportunity and inclusion in the communities where we work.

Since 2018, the Starbucks Foundation has partnered with nonprofits around the world to support 250,000 women and girls in communities of origin, including investing $14 million in grants. This is why this International Women's Day, we share our new goal to positively impact 1 million women and girls by 2030.

The brand keeps on developing programs related to female leadership, access to finance, and healthy homes in coffee and tea-producing communities in Latin America, Africa, and Asia. Furthermore, the Starbucks Foundation will unveil 20 new grants to empower more than 70,000 women and girls as leaders in their communities thus accelerating progress toward our new goal.

These donations will propel the important work of protecting lives and livelihoods within coffee-growing communities, with continued support for women's access to clean water, sanitation, and economic resilience.

Since its founding, Starbucks has been dedicated to creating equal opportunities for all. The brand strongly believes in putting partners first and investing in their success and well-being while also creating a culture in which everyone is welcome.

This March 8, we commemorate the amazing women who are doing their bit to build the world we want to share.

For Starbucks, women are a fundamental part of the future of coffee - Historias-en

For Starbucks, women are a fundamental part of the future of coffee

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https://historias.starbucks.com/en-es/stories/2022/iwd/

By Starbucks Brazil Editorial Staff&nbsp;

In Brazil, Starbucks has a long history of social impact and of promoting a culture of warmth and respect where everyone is welcome. In November 2021, another well-being initiative took place.

Through SouthRock, brand's licensed operator in the country, Starbucks announced a partnership with the Gerando Falcões network, a non-profit organization and social development ecosystem, that works to accelerate the impact of favela leaders across the country, offering education, economic development and citizenship services.

“Favela residents cannot study because they cannot afford it and, consequently, they cannot get a job because they are neither specialized nor experienced. This situation worsened even more during the pandemic, when many lost their jobs and others were prevented from working in the informal sector, which was their only source of income,” explains Edu Lyra, founder &amp; CEO of &nbsp;Gerando Falcões.

With the objective of transforming the lives of those who live in Brazilian favelas, in 2021, Starbucks created a trainee program without a university degree requirement, as well as exclusive job vacancies for young people and adults in its offices and stores in Brazil supported by the &nbsp;Gerardo Falcoes institution.

“This career development program aims to proactively promote diversity, equity and inclusion in our teams, submitting candidates to a careful selection, in which different skills are evaluated. No university degree is required,” explains Erika Hamada, partner and Senior HR Manager at SouthRock, Starbucks licensed operator in the country.

Talent that must be supported

Upon joining the trainee program, professionals undergo a qualification and technical training process, in adition to mentoring and support from SouthRocks and &nbsp;Gerando Falcões’ teams, as well as from Starbucks leadership. All in line with a clear career path to follow.

“There are great innovative, creative and resilient talents in the favelas – skills that are sought after in many industries. But there is a lack of access to education, professional development and employment opportunities. So these talents often go undiscovered. This is why initiatives like these are essential,” explained Lemaestro, expansion director and co-founder of &nbsp;Gerando Falcões.

“Giving opportunities to talented people without a degree breaks the barriers to access better opportunities. This is what SouthRock and Starbucks are providing to young people through the partnership with &nbsp;Gerando Falcões. This is one of the ways we can break down walls; by building bridges and putting favela poverty in the museum”

To better contribute to the network’s initiatives in several cities in Brazil, the partnership also included new Starbucks products in stores across the country: the mini Ginger and mini Palha Italiana. These products’ packaging was co-created with &nbsp;Gerando Falcões designer Leandro Augusto Araújo, and all sales net profit from will be donated to the organization.

In addition, Starbucks donated all the net profit from the sale of 5 new flavors of Frappuccino® to Gerando Falcões. The delicious treats were created by Brazilian baristas in honor of the brand's 15th anniversary in Brazil, celebrated in October 2021 (available for a limited time).

<a>15 years strengthening local communities in Brazil</a>

The partnership between Starbucks, SouthRock and &nbsp;Gerando Falcões was the cherry on top of 2021, in which the brand celebrated 15 years in Brazil and a legacy of actions and initiatives in support of the local communities.

Over the last 15 years, Starbucks has worked with more than 100 NGOs and institutions in the country, in the states of São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Santa Catarina and Distrito Federal, making a significant impact on the lives of partners and customers in those regions:

In Brazil, Starbucks has remained faithful to its core mission and values as it promotes change and creates a legacy for society through its own efforts and by joining partners who are transforming agents, such as the Gerando Falcões.

Learn more about <a href="https://historias.starbucks.com/br/stories/2021/15-anos-da-starbucks-no-brasil/">Starbucks presence in Brazil</a>” and about <a href="https://gerandofalcoes.com/">the Gerando Falcões Network</a>.

Edu Lyra, fundador & CEO da Rede Gerando Falcões

Starbucks and SouthRock partner with the Gerando Falcões network to transform the lives of those who live in the Brazilian favelas.

Starbucks partners