Finance

THE STARBUCKS STORY
Starbucks Coffee Company was founded in 1971, opening its first store in Seattle’s Pike Place Market. Starbucks, named after the first mate in Herman Melville’s Moby Dick, is the world’s leading retailer, roaster and brand of specialty coffee with millions of customer visits per week at stores in North America, Europe, Middle East, Latin America and the Pacific Rim.
PASSION FOR QUALITY
Starbucks offers coffee lovers a selection of coffees from around the world. Their coffee buyers personally travel to the coffee growing regions of Latin America, Africa/Arabia and Asia/Pacific to select the highest-quality Arabica beans. Once these quality beans arrive at one of the company’s four roasting facilities, Starbucks professional roasters pursue the art of creating the rich signature Starbucks Roast. This dark roast is not just a color; it is the cumulative result of expert roasters knowing coffee and bringing balance to all of its flavor attributes.
COFFEE & MORE
In addition to quality coffee, Starbucks features a variety of hand-crafted beverages, Tazo teas, Ethos water, pastries and, in some markets, a selection of sandwiches and salads. Starbucks merchandise includes exclusive espresso machines and coffee brewers, unique confections and other coffee- and tea-related items.
THE VALUE OF OUR PEOPLE
Starbucks has more than 172,000 employees worldwide as of September 2007. Eligible part- and full time employees qualify for a comprehensive benefit package that includes healthcare benefits and stock option grants through Bean Stock, Starbucks company-wide stock option plan.
KEY EXECUTIVES
Mr. Howard D. Schultz Founder, Chairman, CEO and President
Mr. Martin Coles Chief Operating Officer
Mr. James C. Alling President of Starbucks Coffee International
Mr. Michael Casey Senior Advisor
Mr. Peter J. Bocian Chief Admin Officer, CFO and Executive VP
COMPETITORS
Barossa Coffee Company Inc.
Caribou Coffee Company Inc.
Java...