Onward (44 page)

Starbucks is at its best when we are creating enduring relationships and personal connections. This is the essence of who we are.

Starbucks sources coffee beans from tens of thousands of farmers in almost thirty countries. Most of these are families who work on small farms of only a few acres. The company's effect on the global coffee industry can be measured not just in the nearly 400 million pounds of coffee beans we buy each year, but also by our high ethical-sourcing standards that strive to respect the environment and improve the quality of life for farmers and their communities.

For the nearly 60 million weekly visitors to Starbucks stores in fifty-four countries, we continue to recreate the coffeehouse experience with architectural features, environmentally friendly elements, and regional flavors that reflect local communities as well as balance sustainability with the comfort and essence of the “third place.”