Starbucks (NASDAQ:SBUX), founded in 1971 in Seattle, Washington, is a premier roaster, marketer and retailer of specialty coffee. The company began as a single store selling whole-bean coffee, tea and spices, and has since grown into a globally recognized brand. Headquartered in Seattle, Starbucks combines its heritage in coffee craftsmanship with a commitment to innovation in product development and customer experience.
Starbucks’s core business activities encompass the sourcing, roasting and retailing of high-quality Arabica coffee, along with a diverse portfolio of handcrafted beverages. In addition to coffee, the company offers an assortment of premium teas, fresh food items, ready-to-drink beverages, and packaged goods for home consumption. Starbucks also operates consumer packaged goods, distributing branded products such as coffee beans, K-cup pods and single-serve capsules through grocery and wholesale channels.
With a presence in more than 80 markets worldwide, Starbucks serves customers through company-operated and licensed stores. The company has developed a robust digital ecosystem, featuring the Starbucks mobile app and loyalty program, Starbucks Rewards, which drives customer engagement and repeat purchases. Through partnerships and licensing agreements, Starbucks-branded cafés can be found in airports, universities, grocery stores and various retail locations, extending its reach beyond traditional stand-alone cafés.
Leadership at Starbucks includes CEO Laxman Narasimhan, who assumed the role in April 2023, and Chairwoman Mellody Hobson, who oversees corporate governance and strategic direction. Over its five-decade history, the company has pursued sustainable sourcing practices, ethical coffee procurement and community-focused initiatives, reinforcing its position as a leader in the specialty coffee industry. As Starbucks continues to expand its global footprint and diversify its offerings, it remains committed to its mission of inspiring and nurturing the human spirit—one person, one cup and one neighborhood at a time.
