Know Your Joe: Where is Your Starbucks Coming From?

Camille Colpoys '23 ~ April 2022

Hot, iced, shaken, or poured? Whether a daily staple or occasional treat, the coffee industry has evolved into a world of its own fit with trends and evolving lingo.

Arguably the most notable force in the industry is Starbucks, with their constant influx of new creations from flavored cold foams to the ever-popular Frappuccino. Their trademark cup is synonymous with an accessory, as a smiling mermaid offers the finishing touch to outfits and aesthetics on social media platforms. According to Starbucks, their fourth fourteen-week 2021 quarter consolidated nearly $8 billion. It is not hard to believe, with dozens of drinks gracing the halls of Nardin Academy in various hues and sizes.

But where exactly do these beloved beverages come from?

Coffee actually comes from a fruit: coffee cherries. These cherries are harvested once or twice annually, with the beans being separated from the fruit, fermented, and dried. Exported from countries such as Brazil and Columbia, brewers roast and grind the beans to create the perfect cup of coffee. Starbucks sources its coffee from over thirty countries in the Coffee Belt, including Ethiopia, Papua New Guinea, and Costa Rica. Following the standards of C.A.F.E. (Coffee and Farmer Equity), the brand makes an active effort to ensure ethical economic, social, and environmental practices that respect coffee farmers worldwide.

Similarly, Starbucks also strives to maintain integrity in sourcing tea for popular drinks such as Refreshers and chai lattes. The brand buys from a select few countries to ensure quality and ethics. Derived from third-party certified farms, Starbucks is a member of the Ethical Tea Partnership and Tea Association of the USA, donating grants to organizations for supporting women and children in tea-growing communities.

With their recyclable sippy-cup lids to reduce plastic straw usage, their ethics in deriving tea and coffee, and overall quality of goods, Starbucks demonstrates an integrity of business and service. Spanning worldwide, their beverages can refresh, comfort, or satisfy a wide variety of tastes. With their transparency and progressive business model, Starbucks ensures a measure of honesty in each sip.

Title Photo: Elizabeth Dodman