 |
Oct 09, 2009
Starbucks Honored with ‘Most Ethical Company in Europe' Award
European Coffee Industry Peers Recognize Starbucks for its Ethical Commitment and Achievements
VIENNA – 9th October 2009 – Starbucks Coffee Company (NASDAQ: SBUX) has been voted as the ‘Most Ethical Company’ in the coffee industry in Europe by the coffee research experts Allegra Strategies following nominations by leading industry figures. Starbucks also won the award for the ‘Most Admired Coffee Chain Brand’ in France. The awards were announced last night at the European Coffee Symposium held in Vienna, Austria.
The nominations were made by more than 300 senior industry peers who took part in the Allegra European Coffee Leader Survey in August and September 2009. Respondents included leading decision makers from across the major branded coffee chains throughout Europe, key suppliers and industry associations.
This is the second time in 2009 that Starbucks was recognized by those that participated in the Allegra European Coffee Leader Survey. In May of this year, Starbucks VIA ™ Ready Brew was named ‘Most Innovative New Product of the Year’ by Allegra Strategies, which positioned Starbucks VIA™ to be a leader in the instant coffee market.
This award follows announcements in September that Starbucks stores in the UK and Ireland began serving Starbucks™ Shared Planet™ verified and 100% Fairtrade Certified coffee in all espresso-based beverages. Additionally, by March 2010 every cappuccino, latte, mocha and other espresso-based beverage served in Starbucks throughout Europe will be Starbucks™ Shared Planet™ and Fairtrade Certified. Starbucks is already the world’s largest purchaser of Fairtrade coffee, and the switch to Fairtrade Certified espresso in Europe will help contribute to a total global annual payment to small-scale coffee farmers estimated at EUR 2,800,000. This move will expand the reach of Fairtrade and deepen its impact on tens of thousands of farmers.
Buck Hendrix, president of Starbucks Europe, Middle East and Africa said, “We have always been committed to ensuring our values are upheld in every aspect our business, whether that is ethically sourcing our coffee, acting as good stewards of the environment, or being involved in local communities. Collectively, we refer to these efforts as Starbucks™ Shared Planet™. We are tremendously honored by this recognition from our peers as it highlights the impact our industry can have on global issues.”
Jeffrey Young, Managing Director, Allegra Strategies said, “Starbucks have made great strides across Europe in representing the ethical commitment of our industry. From the local community involvement of its stores and partners to its global targets for ethical sourcing and sustainability the company has fulfilled its commitments across Europe. It is no surprise that Starbucks has been recognized by the industry.”
Fairtrade Labelling Organizations International (FLO), Conservation International (CI) and the African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) are partners in the Starbucks™ Shared Planet™ commitment to ethical sourcing. - In addition to increased purchases of Fairtrade Certified coffee, Starbucks, FLO, CI and AWF will work with Fairtrade farmers to enhance coffee quality and profitability through improved environmental and agricultural practices, and to specifically expand the number of small-scale farmers producing crops under the ethical coffee buying guidelines for Starbucks™ Shared Planet™ and the Fairtrade Certified system.
- Starbucks and Fairtrade contribute to sustainable development for marginalized producers, workers and their communities. Moreover, Fairtrade contributes to sustainable changes in trade by empowering organized farmers groups.
- Integral to the success of this effort are the Starbucks Farmer Support Centers in Costa Rica and Rwanda, as well as the current investments Starbucks is making in programs such as Root Capital, Calvert Fund and Verde Ventures that provide farmers access to credit.
About Starbucks™ Shared Planet™
Starbucks™ Shared Planet™ is Starbucks commitment to doing business in ways that are good to the earth and to each other. From the way the company buys its coffee, to minimizing its environmental footprint, and being involved in local communities. Starbucks ethical coffee sourcing principles for Starbucks™ Shared Planet™ coffees include specific criteria that address the environmental, social and economic transparency issues that are critical to the financial stability and long-term health of coffee farms and farmers. Launched in 2004, Starbucks ethical sourcing principles were developed in collaboration with Conservation International. The more than 200 indicators are evaluated by third-party verifiers under oversight by Scientific Certification Systems (SCS). Last year alone, our ethical sourcing principles for coffee impacted more than one million farmers and workers. To learn more, visit www.starbucks.com/sharedplanet.
About Starbucks
Since 1971, Starbucks Coffee Company has been committed to ethically sourcing and roasting the highest quality arabica coffee in the world. Today, with stores around the globe, the company is the premier roaster and retailer of specialty coffee in the world. Through our unwavering commitment to excellence and our guiding principles, we bring the unique Starbucks Experience to life for every customer through every cup. To share in the experience, please visit us in our stores or online at www.starbucks.com.
About Allegra Strategies
“Allegra Strategies annually publishes the most comprehensive research conducted on the European and UK branded coffee shop market: Project Café UK and Project Café Europe. With 10 years of research experience in the European branded coffee shop market, Allegra Strategies is recognized as the thought leader and the most trusted source of information in the industry.”
< back
Social Media:
|
