As part of its ongoing commitment to east Africa, Starbucks Coffee
Company (NASDAQ: SBUX) announced today that participating stores in the
U.S. and Canada will offer for a limited time a selection of African
coffees and other products from the region beginning next week. In
addition, Starbucks executives started a four-day visit to Rwanda today
and met with the local groups supplying the items for the Starbucks
coffee and merchandise as well as recipients of contributions through
its relationship with (PRODUCT)RED™.
Featured coffees for this summer include an East African coffee blend
offered as part of Starbucks ongoing relationship with (PRODUCT)RED™.
For every pound of the (STARBUCKS)RED Whole Bean Coffee sold
in the U.S. and Canada, Starbucks will contribute US $1 to the Global
Fund to help support AIDS programs in Africa. Stores in the U.S. and
Canada will also feature a 100 percent Rwanda coffee, which is noted for
its crisp and clean finish.
Included in today’s visit was the TRAC (Treatment and Research AIDS
Center) center and clinic. TRAC is Rwanda’s national HIV and AIDS
research center which houses the country’s busiest/most demanding HIV
clinic. Starbucks senior leadership team had the opportunity to visit
the clinic and learn and witness in person how the availability of
antiretroviral therapy, which (RED) helps finance has help make a
difference in peoples’ lives.
Also featured in Starbucks stores this summer will be merchandise
created by Rwandan artisans – such as authentic African fabric tumblers
and cotton canvas hand sewn totes – from Fair Winds Trading. Through our
relationship with Fair Winds Trading, we are able to give our customers
an opportunity to connect with a community of artisans who are working
to create a better life for themselves and their families. These
products are another way Starbucks is connecting our customers with the
people and places that grow our coffee and investing in the success of
Rwandan communities.
About Starbucks
Starbucks Coffee Company provides an uplifting experience that enriches
people’s lives one moment, one human being, one extraordinary cup of
coffee at a time. To share in the experience, visit www.starbucks.com.
About (RED)TM and (PRODUCT)RED™
(RED)’s primary objective is to engage the private sector in raising
awareness and funds for the Global Fund, to help eliminate AIDS in
Africa.
