"Truth matters. In response to misinformation, we’re sharing the facts on what Starbucks believes and stands for."
At Starbucks, truth and transparency are essential to fulfilling our mission, upholding our promises and living our values. So, when misinformation about our company spreads at lightning speed in an increasingly polarized world, we believe it’s critical to respond with facts and to reiterate our position on key issues.
Due to ongoing false and misleading information being shared about Starbucks, we are consolidating some of the most frequently asked questions about the brand – and responding with facts.
What has Starbucks said about the conflict in Israel and Gaza?
Starbucks is a global company committed to providing a place where everyone feels welcome and a sense of belonging, anywhere in the world. We abhor hate and strongly reject violence against the innocent.
Despite false statements spread through social media, Starbucks has never contributed to any government or military operation in any way.Does Starbucks have a presence in the Middle East?
Yes. Starbucks has stores in more than 80 countries globally and has been in the Middle East for over 20 years. Local business partner Alshaya Group operates nearly 2,000 Starbucks stores across the Middle East and North Africa region. The19,000 Alshaya baristas wearing the green apron throughout the region serve millions of customers each day and aim to provide a place where everyone feels welcome.
Despite false statements spread through social media, Starbucks has never contributed to any government or military operation in any way.Is Starbucks a political organization?
No. Starbucks is a corporation – not a political organization. Despite false statements spread through social media, Starbucks has never contributed to any government or military operation in any way.
What has Starbucks said about misinformation on social media?
Starbucks is a company with a Mission and Promises grounded in humanity and giving. False statements that have been made about who we are and what we stand for are being shared through social media, which has led to isolated acts of violence and vandalism in some stores around the world. We abhor hate and we strongly reject violence.
Why did Starbucks file litigation against Workers United?
In early October, statements about the conflict in the Middle East were posted on social media using our company logo and name, which were then mistakenly attributed to Starbucks instead of Workers United and its affiliates/representatives.
The inaccurate attribution of these statements to Starbucks created confusion, leading to threats to our partners, damage to our stores, and calls for boycott.
Starbucks took legal action to end misuse of Starbucks name and logos and to protect the safety of our partners and retail operations.
To be clear, Starbucks respects others’ right to express their own viewpoints about the conflict in the Middle East and other political and social issues. Starbucks cannot permit the misuse of Starbucks name and logos, especially when those misuses lead to mistaken attribution of others statements to Starbucks.What is happening with Starbucks and labor unions?
Our partners are the core of our business, and we are committed to providing every person who wears the green apron a bridge to a better future.
Starbucks and Workers United announced on Feb. 27, 2024, a commitment to a constructive and mutually respectful path forward in the interests of Starbucks partners. The agreement to begin discussions on a foundational framework is designed to achieve ratified collective bargaining agreements for represented partners, the resolution of litigation and a fair process for organizing.