Starbucks Coffee Japan Continues its Dedication to Japan’s Relief and Recovery Efforts

As part of its long-term dedication to the relief and recovery efforts following the devastating earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan on March 11, Starbucks Coffee Japan today announced the establishment of the Starbucks CUP Fund (Caring Unites Partners). Affected partners (employees) in Japan will be eligible to receive cash grants based on their needs and situation. Established with the help of a personal donation of US$1 million by Howard and Sheri Schultz, the CUP Fund will continue on and provide support for partners in the future as well.

The CUP Fund, which currently operates in the U.S., Canada and China, was inspired and created by a group of partners in 1999. The program empowers partners to help other partners experiencing significant hardship due to catastrophic circumstances beyond their control, including natural disasters. All partners are eligible to apply for assistance. This program is funded solely by partner contributions and fundraising activities.

Howard Schultz, chairman, president and ceo, Starbucks Coffee Company, joined Starbucks Coffee Japan leaders today in Sendai, the area most impacted by the earthquake and tsunami. Schultz met with partners from 52 stores in the area to announce the formation of the CUP Fund in Japan.

"Our partners remain at the heart of our business,” said Schultz. "Initiatives like the CUP Fund are part of our core values as a company. As we celebrate our 15^th anniversary in Japan, I’m proud to continue our tradition of bringing together people in communities where we do business.”

"This type of fund has never existed in Japan before and we are proud to be a part of it,” said Mr. Tokukawa, director, Starbucks CUP Fund Japan. "The grants generated will be allocated to impacted partners starting in December, which will be most helpful during the holiday season. Partners will be able to directly aid their fellow partners in rebuilding their lives after the disaster.”

The Starbucks Foundation and Starbucks Coffee Japan contributed ¥100 million (US$1.2 million) to the Red Cross for relief efforts in Japan. As a company, Starbucks has used its store footprint around the world to help customers support donations to the Red Cross and other relief organizations. To date, Red Cross donations through stores in the U.S. and Canada have generated more than US$280,000.

About Starbucks Coffee Company

Since 1971, Starbucks Coffee Company has been committed to ethically sourcing and roasting the highest quality arabica coffee in the world. Today, with stores around the globe, the company is the premier roaster and retailer of specialty coffee in the world. Through our unwavering commitment to excellence and our guiding principles, we bring the unique Starbucks Experience to life for every customer through every cup. To share in the experience, please visit us in our stores or online at www.starbucks.com.