Starbucks doesn't care if you're in a hurry

[JudynTX]

In an effort to make your stay at Starbucks as long as possible, the company is telling baristas to slow down and make no more than two drinks at a time, reports the Wall Street Journal.

The Journal, which says it has reviewed company documents detailing the need for the slow-down, says that the policy is a reaction to customer complaints about so-so quality and taste inconsistencies. To that end, Starbucks isn't just asking baristas to make fewer drinks at a time.

Writes the paper:

“Baristas are also supposed to steam milk for each drink rather than steaming an entire pitcher to be used for several beverages. Other instructions include rinsing pitchers after each use; staying at the espresso bar instead of moving around; and using only one espresso machine instead of two, according to the documents.
”

The policy changes are expected to roll out to all North American Starbucks by next month. But some of those who have already begun working under the new regulations say it's only slowed down the workflow.

One barista in Minnesota tells the Journal that the new policies have "doubled the amount of time it takes to make drinks in some cases."

Starbucks tut-tuts these concerns, saying, "As with any new behavior, it will take time for baristas to become comfortable with the new method."

The company says the new single-serve steaming policy "ensures the quality of the beverage in taste, temperature and appearance," while its two drink at a time limit "reduces possibility for errors."

However, Starbucks does confess that some drinks will take longer to make because of the new policies. In such cases, employees are to "let the customer know their beverage will take a little longer and may be out of order due to the time it takes the milk to settle and the foam to rise to the top (approximately 60 seconds)."

Do you think this will cause a long-lasting slowdown in beverage service at Starbucks? Or will baristas eventually catch up to where the time difference is negligible.

Link (http://http://consumerist.com/2010/10/starbucks-to-baristas-youre-making-the-coffee-too-fast.html)

[Cry Havoc]

:lol at Starbucks stating they care about the quality of their drinks when they use one of the lowest quality coffee bean brands available in the US. Friggin McDonald's brews a higher quality of coffee than Starbucks.

[Drachen]

It really depends on what the bulk of your customers want. Do you want speed or quality? What is the old project management adage? Speed, Quality, or Money; choose two.

If they are limited to the number of drinks they can prepare there is no way that they will ever be as quick as they once were. They may speedier than they are at the outset of this policy, but not THAT fast.

[CavsSuperFan]

Life must be good when your biggest worry in life is waiting two more minutes to purchase a 5 dollar cup of coffee…

[Fabbs]

Chardyucks

[Will Hunting]

Why can't the OP just brew her own fuckin coffee rather than waste her husband's money on a $5 cup everyday?

[desflood]

Life must be good when your biggest worry in life is waiting two more minutes to purchase a 5 dollar cup of coffee…
That's what I was thinking.

[JudynTX]

Why can't the OP just brew her own fuckin coffee rather than waste her husband's money on a $5 cup everyday?

:rolleyes I brew my own, I'm not a Starbucks snob.

[lefty]

Starbucks coffees:

- taste like shit
- are expensive
- are scalding hot; I think Kramer may have a case.

[InRareForm]

:lol at Starbucks stating they care about the quality of their drinks when they use one of the lowest quality coffee bean brands available in the US. Friggin McDonald's brews a higher quality of coffee than Starbucks.

source?

this is bs.

[InRareForm]

people say starbucks is shitty or taste burnt cuz they are used to weak coffees or folgers.

[JudynTX]

people say starbucks is shitty or taste burnt cuz they are used to weak coffees or folgers.

Dunkin Donuts coffee FTW. :toast

[IronMexican]

McDonalds coffee is awesome possum.

[Cry Havoc]

source?

this is bs.

My friends remodeled a coffee shop in Washington D.C. They did all the research and planning themselves, from the interior decoration to which coffee company to buy their beans from. Through the process they learned which cafes bought which brand(s) of coffee. Starbucks uses middle-lower tier brands for the most part, and McDonalds uses a middle-high grade of coffee (I know, I was shocked to learn that as well). I'll get the brands for you if you really want to know, but the idea that Starbucks is high grade coffee is just hilarious. There's a reason they coat most of their drinks with sugar and milk, and that's to disguise the taste. How many people do you know that are big time coffee drinkers and go to Starbucks just for roast coffee, black? :lol

[coyotes_geek]

Of course starbucks doesn't care if you're in a hurry. It's not like you're going to stop going. Besides, you may even decide you need to purchase a $5 pastry to tide you over until your $5 coffee is ready.

[Bender]

I had to google "baristas"

:reading

[LoneStarState'sPride]

This is about Starbuck's attempting to preserve their brand image as a premiere coffee brand and creator of a unique "third place" environment (i.e., an environment uniquely separate from home and work/school). For years they've been trying to combine speed, convenience, and quality, but this strategy has marginalized their traditional clientele.

[coyotes_geek]

I had to google "baristas"

:reading

Sounds like a slang term for latin american freedom fighters.

[Blake]

My friends remodeled a coffee shop in Washington D.C. They did all the research and planning themselves, from the interior decoration to which coffee company to buy their beans from. Through the process they learned which cafes bought which brand(s) of coffee. Starbucks uses middle-lower tier brands for the most part, and McDonalds uses a middle-high grade of coffee (I know, I was shocked to learn that as well). I'll get the brands for you if you really want to know, but the idea that Starbucks is high grade coffee is just hilarious. There's a reason they coat most of their drinks with sugar and milk, and that's to disguise the taste. How many people do you know that are big time coffee drinkers and go to Starbucks just for roast coffee, black? :lol

I knew it!

I've thought for a while that McD's coffee tasted superior.....less bitter.....and easily half the price.

Why anyone over the age of 20 would hang out or purchase a starbucks drink/coffee any more is beyond me.

[easjer]

McDonald's may have a better bean, but half the time it's overbrewed.

I do get Starbucks regularly - but I can't drink plain drip coffee without getting heartburn. So all the milk and stuff? Need that. Ok with paying for it. I don't mind waiting if it means my order is correct and the milk is freshly steamed.

I do think it will slow things down. I don't really see getting my knickers in a twist over it though.

[MannyIsGod]

people say starbucks is shitty or taste burnt cuz they are used to weak coffees or folgers.

Well except when they burn it. A good barista goes a long way at any coffee shop, however. Good idea by starbucks, imo.

[MannyIsGod]

starbucks is for hipsters and faggots

LOL @ thinking a hipster would go to starbucks.

[IronMexican]

People really don't know what a hipster is today. They probably think people who wear Stunner Shade's are hipsters, and not Crunk-Core fags.

[MannyIsGod]

I knew it!

I've thought for a while that McD's coffee tasted superior.....less bitter.....and easily half the price.

Why anyone over the age of 20 would hang out or purchase a starbucks drink/coffee any more is beyond me.

My office is next to a Starbucks. I get Starbucks. Not only that, I don't mind supporting Starbucks because of the way they treat their part time employees. I really approve of it.

That being said when I'm at school I get coffee from a local place thats way better.

[Cry Havoc]

I do get Starbucks regularly - but I can't drink plain drip coffee without getting heartburn. So all the milk and stuff? Need that. Ok with paying for it. I don't mind waiting if it means my order is correct and the milk is freshly steamed.

Most people are unaware, but the difference between the highest or 2nd highest grade of coffee and a very low middle grade is almost completely negligible as soon as you splash extras like milk and cream into the mix. There is a lot of subtlety to high grade coffee, and most of that's lost as soon as you introduce any significant amount of ingredients. It still might taste a little better, but it won't be the difference that most hipsters are going to be uppity over.

[SpursWoman]

I'm perfectly happy with my Folger's or Duncan Donuts that I buy and brew at home.

Although I will say, every time I'm at the Forum trying to get somewhere and see the mob of cars at the Starbuck's drive thru blocking all of the pass ways to get through that area I want to run them all down in my truck.

Hope you enjoy your douchey fucking latte, jackass(es). :flipoff :lol

[JudynTX]

I'm perfectly happy with my Folger's or Duncan Donuts that I buy and brew at home.

Although I will say, every time I'm at the Forum trying to get somewhere and see the mob of cars at the Starbuck's drive thru blocking all of the pass ways to get through that area I want to run them all down in my truck.

Hope you enjoy your douchey fucking latte, jackass(es). :flipoff :lol

I guess I'm a Dunkin Donuts snob now. :lol

Every Starbucks I've ever gone by has a line in the drive-thru, I don't get it.

[mrsmaalox]

I'm a one cup of coffee in the morning girl, so I rarely have the opportunity to get coffee outside of my house. But now that fall is here, for the next 2 months or so....I'll be hitting every coffee place I see in search of....PUMPKIN SPICE!! Wunnerful!

[MannyIsGod]

Borders used to have a pumpkin spice chai that was aaaaaaaaaaaamaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaazing. Pumpkin spice latte at SB is ok, but its nothing compared to the liquid pumpkin pie that was that chai.

[SpursWoman]

Oddly enough, a Valero on my way to work has a very decent sugar free pumpkin spice cappuccino. And large is less than $2.00! lol

[JuanValdez]

I'd rather take the time to make it myself and get it just right.

[Frenzy]

Well I'm glad I don't drink coffee. Less likely to over pay for it.

[Dex]

xfFyfG8BmV4

[lemming]

LOL @ thinking a hipster would go to starbucks.

good place to leech free wifi

[Jekka]

I don't care if they're taking longer to make my drink if it keeps them from burning the espresso. Really, that probably takes LESS time than all the times I've had them remake my drinks because they freaking burn them.

Ditto on the overbrewing of McDonald's coffee, too, easjer. The one time I got it, it was burned to hell, and if I just want regular drip coffee, Starbucks is better there, too.

My favorite coffee is from a roaster in Houston that I brew at home with filtered water, but this summer I made iced coffees for myself in the mornings out of the instant Nescafe that you find in the Mexican aisle at the store, and that shit is 265468436x better than Folgers or any other instant coffee I've ever had.

[Jekka]

Borders used to have a pumpkin spice chai that was aaaaaaaaaaaamaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaazing. Pumpkin spice latte at SB is ok, but its nothing compared to the liquid pumpkin pie that was that chai.

DAMN YOU for reminding me about that :(

[easjer]

I miss Borders coffee. They had better syrups (or were more generous?) than SB. Their hazelnut mocha was bliss.

I miss being able to easily get almond lattes or mochas. Oddly - La Madeleine is the best place for that. . .

I will say one thing for the new Border's coffee (Seattle's best or whateverthefuckitis) - they do a far, far better green tea latte than SB.

[InRareForm]

My friends remodeled a coffee shop in Washington D.C. They did all the research and planning themselves, from the interior decoration to which coffee company to buy their beans from. Through the process they learned which cafes bought which brand(s) of coffee. Starbucks uses middle-lower tier brands for the most part, and McDonalds uses a middle-high grade of coffee (I know, I was shocked to learn that as well). I'll get the brands for you if you really want to know, but the idea that Starbucks is high grade coffee is just hilarious. l

yea i do want to know.

and plus there iced coffee is one of the best out of all the coffee places out there.

[InRareForm]

I will say one thing for the new Border's coffee (Seattle's best or whateverthefuckitis) - they do a far, far better green tea latte than SB.

I think seattle's best and starbucks is the same, not entirely, but their marketing and setup and merchandise almost matches Starbucks.

[bus driver]

coffee sucks

i am a milk and oj morning kid of guy

[tlongII]

Starbucks is awesome and Cry Havoc is mistaken is his criticism of their coffee beans. It's a well known industry fact that they buy top quality coffee beans. I don't really understand this move by them though as I think it can only hurt their sales.

[easjer]

I think seattle's best and starbucks is the same, not entirely, but their marketing and setup and merchandise almost matches Starbucks.

Well, whatever the Seattle's Best brand is doing with their green tea latte's is way better than whateverthefuck Starbucks is doing.

One is good. The other is gross - and I do the same additives to them. Double shot of vanilla and 2 splenda.

In general though, I think Starbucks is better for the fancy-schmancy coffees like mochas and lattes. The calorie count will kill you, mind, if you don't pay attention, but when they aren't rushed, there is a qualitative difference to those. (and calories can be managed if you opt for non-fat, no-whip, sugar-free, etc).

[CuckingFunt]

My office is next to a Starbucks. I get Starbucks. Not only that, I don't mind supporting Starbucks because of the way they treat their part time employees. I really approve of it.

That being said when I'm at school I get coffee from a local place thats way better.

That's about where I'm at on this issue. From my new apartment, I can get to close to ten different coffee places within a 10-15 minute walk, only one of them a Starbucks. So, I only go there nowadays when I'm specifically craving a Java Chip or Toffee Mocha Frappuccino, because I haven't found any other places that have something similar. However, I have in the past been a frequent/regular Starbucks customer and I really have no problem with it. The only bad coffee I've had there has been due to barista error and quickly rectified, and they're a corporation to whom I have no problems giving money.




Also, as has already been pointed out, all hipsters worth their salt roundly and vociferously thumb their noses at Starbucks.

[InRareForm]

Their VIA Caramel ready brew (instant coffee) is pretty damn impressive for instant coffee i must add.

[Cry Havoc]

yea i do want to know.

and plus there iced coffee is one of the best out of all the coffee places out there.


Starbucks is awesome and Cry Havoc is mistaken is his criticism of their coffee beans. It's a well known industry fact that they buy top quality coffee beans. I don't really understand this move by them though as I think it can only hurt their sales.

:lol

I never said I don't like Starbucks. I go there pretty regularly. In fact, I just had a Cafe Vanilla Frap. Yum.

The fact remains that their coffee is of a much lower grade than most local cafes. If you're ever in Chicago, LA, or New York, check out a place called Inteligensia. They use the highest grade beans on the market in all of their coffees. It's worth going out of your way to get something from there.

http://www.intelligentsiacoffee.com/store/overview/Coffee

Same price as Starbucks too, for the most part. Amazing stuff.

I'll get the specific brands and get back to you.


Well, whatever the Seattle's Best brand is doing with their green tea latte's is way better than whateverthefuck Starbucks is doing.

One is good. The other is gross - and I do the same additives to them. Double shot of vanilla and 2 splenda.

In general though, I think Starbucks is better for the fancy-schmancy coffees like mochas and lattes. The calorie count will kill you, mind, if you don't pay attention, but when they aren't rushed, there is a qualitative difference to those. (and calories can be managed if you opt for non-fat, no-whip, sugar-free, etc).

Yeah, if you go no/light whip, you basically cut the fat content in those drinks by about 65%. It's insane how much of a difference it makes. A lot of people think the sugar drinks are super-fattening, but really it's the whip on top that makes them so bad.

As far as Seattle's Best, I hate to break it to you, but they are Starbucks owned and operated. :hat

[MiamiHeat]

rBNOB7FkSSM

[Sportcamper]

I have a coffee complaint…My dry cleaner has a Keurig machine…Which makes just about the best cup of coffee on the planet…I was dropping off my laundry using their free shoe shine machine & waiting for my Italian Roast & the machines water tank was empty…I asked the young girl behind the counter to rectify the situation & she said that she did not know how & needed one of the guys to do it…She offered 10% off of my bill for my troubles which I declined…Next time they better have that free coffee machine filled & ready to go or I am going to find a Star Bucs that does dry cleaning….:bang

[tlongII]

Introducing Starbucks Reserve™ Coffee
August 30, 2010

Posted by Dub H., senior vice president, coffee
10 Comments
Everyone claims to have the world’s best coffee! But not often are the words “exotic, rare and exquisite” used to describe that coffee. For Starbucks to append all three words, the coffee must be really special.

We’ve introduced Starbucks Reserve™ coffee to a limited number of stores. This new line of coffees, each available only for a short time, represents the best of the best! You can expect to find flavors that explode on your palate and fade with a lingering complexity. When you taste a Starbucks Reserve™ coffee, you’ll be reminded of our heritage and the early days of the specialty coffee business that we helped to create.

Only 3% of the world’s coffee is good enough to make it into a bag of our coffee, and Starbucks Reserve™ represents a tiny fraction of that 3%. You all have told us that you want to see rare and exotic coffees in our stores, and that is exactly what we have done in bringing treasures like Galapagos San Cristobal to you.

Check online to see which stores will be carrying Starbucks Reserve™ coffees, and be sure to look out for them. You won’t be disappointed.



I don't agree with Cry Havoc's claim that Starbucks buys inferior coffee beans. It doesn't make sense. They have more economic muscle than any other coffee bean consumer and can easily keep most of the best coffee to themselves if they want to.

[Cry Havoc]

I don't agree with Cry Havoc's claim that Starbucks buys inferior coffee beans. It doesn't make sense. They have more economic muscle than any other coffee bean consumer and can easily keep most of the best coffee to themselves if they want to.

So Wal-Mart sells the best equipment and furnishings? The RIAA makes the best music? GM makes better cars than Porsche because they have more economic muscle?

And :lol at posting what amounts to be an ad from the Starbucks website as a method of validating your opinion. Did you know McDonald's is the meal of Olympic Champions, too? :lol

[tlongII]

So Wal-Mart sells the best equipment and furnishings? The RIAA makes the best music? GM makes better cars than Porsche because they have more economic muscle?

And :lol at posting what amounts to be an ad from the Starbucks website as a method of validating your opinion. Did you know McDonald's is the meal of Olympic Champions, too? :lol

Your comparisons are invalid. Starbucks positions itself as a premium coffee retailer. It only makes sense that they would buy top quality raw materials. I don't have any industry fact sheets, but I have heard that other coffee bean buyers actually get upset with them since they hoard much of the top quality product. I've also heard that their coffee is, on average, stronger than other brands. I could be wrong, but it doesn't make sense that they would buy lower quality coffee beans.

[ohmwrecker]

Flavored coffee and syrups are fucking gross. I drink it straight. Medium to dark roast, fine grind. Espresso whenever possible. This is the only way coffee should be consumed. Pumpkin Spice?! Fuck that noise!

[tlongII]

I think seattle's best and starbucks is the same, not entirely, but their marketing and setup and merchandise almost matches Starbucks.

Seattle's Best is a sub-brand of Starbucks.

[dbreiden83080]

:lol at Starbucks stating they care about the quality of their drinks when they use one of the lowest quality coffee bean brands available in the US. Friggin McDonald's brews a higher quality of coffee than Starbucks.

Then why is it so fuckin expensive and why would it be so popular if the product is cheap and shit??

[Cry Havoc]

Your comparisons are invalid. Starbucks positions itself as a premium coffee retailer. It only makes sense that they would buy top quality raw materials. I don't have any industry fact sheets, but I have heard that other coffee bean buyers actually get upset with them since they hoard much of the top quality product. I've also heard that their coffee is, on average, stronger than other brands. I could be wrong, but it doesn't make sense that they would buy lower quality coffee beans.

And Bose positions themselves as a premium headphone retailer, when in reality a pair of $100 headphones from several companies blow away the best headphones they make ($400).

It doesn't make any sense for them to buy top quality raw materials. 90% (est) of the people that go into Starbucks don't get a coffee. They get a chai, a frap, an expresso, a latte, or some other variation that involves large amounts of cream and sugar. Now why would they pay more as a company for top shelf coffee beans when the first thing most of their customers do is coat them with flavored ingredients?

Please explain to me why spending more money than necessary would make sense as a workable business model? Of course they are going to say they're a premium blend. That's exactly how they dupe people like you into thinking you're paying a good price for a product with a 1000% markup in their stores.


Then why is it so fuckin expensive and why would it be so popular if the product is cheap and shit??

So your reasoning is that the popularity means it's good? In that case, Britney Spears is one of the greatest singers of all-time, Justin Bieber is well on his way there, the Ford F-150 is the greatest vehicle ever made by the hands of man, Transfomers 2 is one of the greatest movies ever made, and Dancing with the Stars is currently the best show on TV. That would make McDonald's the best food on the planet, by the way.

The reason it's expensive is three-fold: One, it takes a lot of money to keep a store open when your average consumer purchase is in the $6 range. Two, they like to maximize their profit margin without losing customers due to high price, and their research likely concluded that this was the maximum amount of money that they can charge people without losing a significant number of customers. Thirdly, and perhaps most importantly, is simply a case of marketing 101: Make a product more expensive, and the perception will be that said product is superior in quality to cheaper brands. This is the reason you can go to the store and see tiny bottles of perfume that cost $160. Perception of quality goes up with cost.

[Cry Havoc]

I talked with the guy I know, and he stated that there are several major coffee brands in the US superior to Starbucks, notably Inteligensia, Counter Culture (North Carolina), Zoka (Seattle), and Stumptown (Oregon). Wrecking Ball coffee is a new company and they supposedly have some of the best coffee around as well.

Think about it objectively: Starbucks has 17,000+ locations worldwide. Consider that according to Starbucks, they purchased 2,180 metric tons (4.8 million pounds) of Certified Fair Trade coffee in fiscal year 2004 and 5,220 metric tons (11.5 million pounds) in 2005. How top shelf can the quality control be for an operation like that. You're telling me that they purchased 11.5 million pounds of coffee and threw 10.6 million pounds away? Come on. It's impossible. Starbucks is decent coffee, nothing more, and nothing less. It's still a damned impressive operation, but don't fool yourself into thinking it's the best coffee on the planet.

[tlongII]

I still don't agree with Cry Havoc. I would like to see some independent research supporting his claims. Of course I haven't provided any either. Until one of us does we will have to agree to disagree.

[MannyIsGod]

Then why is it so fuckin expensive and why would it be so popular if the product is cheap and shit??

Nike Jordans cost a tiny amount to make yet retail for what, 200 bucks? How expensive something doesn't mean its expensive to make.

[Cry Havoc]

Yeah well I talked with a guy I know who says that the guy you know is full of shit. I know cuz the guy I know is a super secret insider, for real!


I still don't agree with Cry Havoc. I would like to see some independent research supporting his claims. Of course I haven't provided any either. Until one of us does we will have to agree to disagree.

Do you guys want to explain how they can purchase 11.7 million pounds of coffee per year while only allowing the top 7% of it to be brewed in their stores? I have given ample evidence to suggest that Starbucks is middle-tier coffee, at best. I have named brands that are better, and provided reasons why Starbucks doesn't need to waste money on the top quality beans. So unless you think they like throwing money away for no reason, I'd like to know why you think they buy only premium coffee beans.

I'm not just spouting warmed-over hearsay. This is a good friend of mine who personally owned and operated his own coffee house, and did months of research about coffee quality and price. I know almost nothing about coffee personally, but I did glean something from him about quality and standards, and how Starbucks has found a way to dupe people into paying $5 for a 20 cent cup of coffee. It's genius and it's marvelous, and the fact that so many people buy into the thought (and even feel they aren't overpaying!) is a testament to how excellent their marketing department is.

[dbreiden83080]

Nike Jordans cost a tiny amount to make yet retail for what, 200 bucks? How expensive something doesn't mean its expensive to make.

As cheap as the Jordan's are to make other brands are still way cheaper to make and are total shit. If Star-bucks was horrible coffee quality it would not be this mega-brand. Buger-King didn't make billions serving horrible Burgers..

They're fattening as all fuck but good..

[MannyIsGod]

Sorry but our definitions of quality must be different because Burger King is garbage. I guess what you meant was "good enough". Companies become hugely successful for a lot of reasons - marketing being one - but its not always quality.

[AmericanWoman]

Sorry but our definitions of quality must be different because Burger King is garbage. I guess what you meant was "good enough". Companies become hugely successful for a lot of reasons - marketing being one - but its not always quality.

Marketing hype is the key and having some celebrity wear it, drink it or use it helps even if it is a terrible product.

[Shelly]

I only get Starbucks if I'm out and about and want a cappuccino.

I like Breakfast Blends for home and Newman's Own is one of the best!

[easjer]

Whether or not Seattle's Best is owned by Starbucks is irrelevant to the fact that there is a difference in how green tea latte's with the same additives taste. Even the coloring is different. I know Starbucks uses a green tea powder - theirs often tastes more bitter (and requires more sweetening to be palatable) and is quite a mint chocolate chip sort of green color, whereas Seattle's Best is the color of actual green tea and not so bitter.

It's a relatively small sample size - but it's at least 4 different shops for each in three cities, so it's not like a Starbucks barista at my local is just shit. Random, I know. But there it is.

Is this in any important? No, but I'm stubborn. And suddenly craving a green tea latte, which I haven't had in forever.

[easjer]

only faggots and hipsters buy starbucks.

Yes, yes, I know you're trying to show what a badass you are, but it's been clearly proven in this thread that your assertion is false.

If nothing else, I am not a faggot - being a heterosexual woman. And the idea of me as hipster is enormously entertaining for anyone who actually knows me.

Really, now, is that the best you've got to add to the discussion?

[tlongII]

Here's a little bit of information I found. Not conclusive evidence, but certainly suggestive that Starbucks is of superior quality...

http://www.awf.org/content/solution/detail/3372


Is African coffee strong enough to make it in the global marketplace? Just ask Starbucks. Arguably, the best quality Arabica coffee on earth grows in east Africa’s volcanic soils – coffee so good, it is often blended with lesser beans to boost their favor. So when a new law propositioned that Kenya’s coffee growers sell their coffee beans directly to the market, AWF jumped on the opportunity. A couple of years later, AWF is helping local growers produce coffee for Starbucks.

A Boon for People and Wildlife

For the people of the Kilimanjaro and Samburu Heartlands, growing and marketing coffee in an international marketplace is a chance to secure a better livelihood for farmers, slow the destruction of the Mount Kenya and Mount Kilimanjaro forests, secure critical watersheds, protect elephant corridors and reduce human-wildlife conflict.

A Growing Partnership


AWF has been developing a partnership with Starbucks since 2002, after seeing the work the company has done in Latin America - with the C.A.F.E. Practices (Coffee And Farmer Equity) methodology for sustainable coffee production - and recognizing their strict quality standards that are sensitive to both human beings and the environment.

Since 2002, AWF has identified project sites throughout northern Kenya, adapted C.A.F.E. Practices for the region, and trained thousands of farmers to grow coffee sustainably – and to meet Starbuck’s high quality standards.

The advantage of Starbucks’ C.A.F.E. Practices is that it establishes verifiable standards for growing and milling coffee in ways that are sensitive to both people and the environment. The higher growers and producers score, the more stable their relationship with Starbucks and wildlife can become. Eventually, farmers hope to enjoy premium pricing that is shielded from market fluctuations as well as credit extensions that will be invaluable in helping small growers develop into prosperous farmers.


A Cup of Conservation

Growing and selling coffee not only helps farmers, it fosters conservation and reduces conflicts between humans and wildlife – particularly the elephants that roam the Heartlands. Elephants don’t like java, so the coffee plants create a valuable buffer zone between movement corridors and food crops. And, because specialty coffee needs shade, growers are motivated to replant forests that have been cleared for other uses.

A Unique African Blend

Elephants may not like coffee beans, but they will undoubtedly appreciate the benefits that coffee-growing brings for the wildlife and the people alike. The potential of the Starbucks partnership means that African coffee isn’t just strong – it’s powerful. So the next time you drop by Starbucks, ask for an African blend – and enjoy a taste of Africa’s economic future.

[tlongII]

From Wikipedia...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Starbuck%27s


Beyond Fair Trade Certification, Starbucks argues that it pays above market prices for all of its coffee. According to the company, in 2004 it paid on average $1.42 per pound ($2.64 kg) for high-quality coffee beans.[99] This is in comparison to commodity prices which were as low as $0.50–$0.60 in 2003–2004.

[jag]

I talked with the guy I know, and he stated that there are several major coffee brands in the US superior to Starbucks, notably Inteligensia, Counter Culture (North Carolina), Zoka (Seattle), and Stumptown (Oregon). Wrecking Ball coffee is a new company and they supposedly have some of the best coffee around as well.



Where's McDonald's on that list?

[silverblk mystix]

Real men don't eat quiche.

Real men don't wear that little phone earpiece while walking around.

Real men don't drink flavored coffees and certainly don't drink anything with the words-chai, spice or latte in them.

If you are guilty of this--and you know who you are....

Turn in your man card.

[tlongII]

Non-fat latte's with honey for me. I'm not turning in my man card either.

[Pero]

What is a "barista"?

[Cry Havoc]

Real men don't eat quiche.

Real men don't wear that little phone earpiece while walking around.

Real men don't drink flavored coffees and certainly don't drink anything with the words-chai, spice or latte in them.

If you are guilty of this--and you know who you are....

Turn in your man card.

Real men text and use a computer while driving. :tu

[ChuckD]

I think seattle's best and starbucks is the same, not entirely, but their marketing and setup and merchandise almost matches Starbucks.
Starbucks bought them a few years ago.

[silverblk mystix]

Real men text and use a computer while driving. :tu

Struck a nerve there,huh?

Turn it in...c'mon now...

turn

in


your


card.

[ChuckD]

If I'm out and about, I stop at McD's for an Iced Latte. If I'm at home, it's a triple shot latte made with coffee beans from Costco.

I haven't been a SB regular in years. It makes no financial sense for someone paying down debt.

[easjer]

stop wasting your husband's hard earned money on overpriced coffee

The really, really funny thing here? I earn ~ 60% of our income and both my husband and I would agree that I work harder for that money. Hmmmm.

[MannyIsGod]

Struck a nerve there,huh?

Turn it in...c'mon now...

turn

in


your


card.

Real men don't need a card.

[MannyIsGod]

The really, really funny thing here? I earn ~ 60% of our income and both my husband and I would agree that I work harder for that money. Hmmmm.

why are you arguing with a troll?

[easjer]

Because I'm bored and taking a break from working for a bit and he annoys me.

Perhaps I'll go use some of our hard earned money on overpriced goods in a bit . . .

[ohmwrecker]

Question:

Why don't you just make coffee at home or leave your house earlier instead of bitching about how long it takes to get served at Starbuck's?

[MannyIsGod]

Who's bitching about how long it takes?

[silverblk mystix]

Real men don't need a card.

Sorry, your card was revoked a few years back...

when you started wearing short tight pants on a


bicycle....:lmao:lmao:lmao:lmao

[MannyIsGod]

hmm, ok.

[ohmwrecker]

Who's bitching about how long it takes?

Thread title, dude.

[MannyIsGod]

Thread title, dude.

Well, fair enough but I don't think a single person bitched after that. Good luck getting an answer from the article though!

[JudynTX]

:lol :lol

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v371/ladyspur/starbucks.jpg