Starbucks Coffee Company Opens First Two Stores in Ankara; Building on Strong Brand Recognition Achieved in Istanbul, Starbucks Optimistic About Growth Opportunities in Turkey

Business Wire, August 21, 2004

ANKARA, Turkey -- Starbucks Coffee International, a wholly owned subsidiary of Starbucks Coffee Company (Nasdaq:SBUX), and its Turkish licensee, Shaya Kahve Sanayi Ve Ticaret A.S., today celebrated the opening of the first two Starbucks retail locations in Ankara.

The Starbucks stores are located at Arjantin Street and in Armada Shopping Mall, two of the most popular meeting places in the historic city of Ankara.

"Ankara holds a unique place in the history of civilization as well as the heart of modern-day Turkey," said Isik Kececi Asur, general manager, Shaya Kahve Sanayi Ve Ticaret A.S. "We are very proud to bring the Starbucks Experience to our customers in Ankara, which is a natural home for Starbucks. With its existing vibrant coffee culture, I am confident the Starbucks Experience will be an immediate hit with the local coffee community.

"Since opening our first Starbucks store in Istanbul last year, we believe that the Starbucks brand has gained considerable recognition among Turkish consumers," said Asur. "While we are still in the infancy of Starbucks growth in Turkey, we have been pleased by the strong affinity for the brand. We are very enthusiastic about the growth opportunities for Starbucks in Turkey."

Starbucks opened its first store in Turkey on April 19, 2003, in Istanbul. There are now 12 Starbucks retail locations throughout Istanbul.

"The early and rapid acceptance of the Starbucks brand in Istanbul has greatly inspired us," said Howard Schultz, chairman, Starbucks Coffee Company. "Building on the momentum we have achieved in Istanbul, we are very optimistic that our acceptance in Ankara will be no different. We look forward to bringing Starbucks not only to the current base of loyal customers in Istanbul and Ankara, but also to other cities in Turkey where there is a growing demand for the Starbucks Experience."

In recognition of the long-standing coffee drinking culture in Turkey, Starbucks will offer Turkish style coffee in Ankara, as it does in Istanbul. "Starbucks Turkish style coffee is served exclusively in Turkey to celebrate the local coffee culture," said Asur. "Our Turkish customers have been very enthusiastic about our Turkish style coffee as well as the other Starbucks beverage offerings."

As part of Starbucks commitment to contributing positively to local communities, Shaya Kahve Sanayi Ve Ticaret A.S. will be introducing its "Adopted Schools" charitable program to the Starbucks stores in Ankara. Under the "Adopted Schools" program, Starbucks store partners "adopt" a neighborhood school and, together with its customers, volunteer time and resources to support various activities, including the collection of books, toys and school supply. The program was launched by Starbucks store partners in December 2003.

Shaya Kahve Sanayi Ve Ticaret A.S. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Alshaya Group, one of the largest and most successful operators of leading global retail brands in the Middle East. Starbucks Coffee Company and Alshaya Group first entered into a business relationship in 1999 to open Starbucks retail locations in the Middle East.

Starbucks Coffee Company is the leading retailer, roaster and brand of specialty coffee in the world, with more than 8,000 retail locations in North America, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East and the Pacific Rim. The Company is committed to offering the highest quality coffee and the Starbucks Experience while conducting its business in ways that help foster social, environmental and economic benefits for communities in which it does business.