Starbucks to sell organic coffee - Company News - Starbucks Organic Shade Grown Mexico coffee to be sold in the UK - Brief Article

Eurofood, August 15, 2002

Starbucks Coffee Company, the UK subsidiary of US giant Starbucks, has announced the introduction of Starbucks Organic Shade Grown Mexico coffee in Starbucks stores in the UK.

Certified as organic by the Soil Association, Starbucks Organic Shade Grown Mexico coffee is a result of a partnership begun in 1998 between Starbucks and Conservation International (CI). The partnership provides economic incentives to farmers who use environmentally sound agricultural methods to preserve tropical biodiversity.

"The new organic coffee from Starbucks is great news for lovers of good coffee," said Martin Cottingham, marketing director, Soil Association. "Three quarters of households are now buying organic products so there is a lot of interest in new lines. We are delighted that Starbucks is taking the initiative in launching Organic Shade Grown Mexico and that they have opted to team up with the Soil Association for organic certification consumers really trust."

Conservation International, a non-profit organisation, believes that the earth's natural heritage must be maintained if future generations are to thrive spiritually, culturally and economically.