Sunday, 28 June 2009 10:21
Starbucks Coffee Company Reaffirms its Commitment to Rwandan and East African Coffee Farmers
As part of its ongoing commitment to east Africa, Starbucks Coffee Company announced that participating stores in the U.S. and Canada will offer a selection of African coffees and other products from the region.
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.
