Facts about Starbucks in the Middle East

Taken from starbucks.com

January 16, 2009

It is disheartening that calls for boycotts of Starbucks stores and products, which are based on blatant untruths, have had direct impacts on local economies and residents, and have also led to violent situations involving our stores, partners (employees) and customers.

Our more than 160,000 partners and business associates around the globe have diverse views about a wide range of topics. Regardless of that spectrum of belief, Starbucks Coffee Company remains a non-political organization. We do not support any political or religious cause. Further, allegations that Starbucks provides financial support to the Israeli government and/or the Israeli Army in any way are unequivocally false. Unfortunately, these rumors persist despite our best efforts to refute them.

What we do believe in, and remain focused on, is staying true to our company’s long-standing heritage -- simply connecting with our partners and customers over a cup of high quality coffee and offering the best experience possible to them – regardless of geographical location. Though our roots are in the United States, we are a global company with stores in 49 countries, including more than 230 stores in nine Middle Eastern countries. In countries where we do business, we are proud to be a part of the fabric of the local community -- working directly with local partners who operate our stores, employing thousands of local citizens, serving millions of customers and positively impacting many others through our support of neighborhoods and cities.

Myths

Is it true that Starbucks provides financial support to Israel?

Has Starbucks ever sent any of its profits to the Israeli government and/or Israeli army?

Is it true that Starbucks is teaming with other American corporations to send their last several weeks of profits to the Israeli government and/or the Israeli Army?

Is it true that Starbucks closed its stores in Israel for political reasons?

Middle East Partnership and Operations

Do you work with a Middle East partner to operate Starbucks stores?

In which Middle Eastern countries do you operate?

Are you still operating Starbucks stores in Israel? If not, do you have plans to re-open should the opportunity arise?

For answers to the above topics, click here More >>