Starbucks is showcasing coffee beans from China's Yunnan province at the second China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE) in Beijing this week.

"Many people don't realize that every cup of our signature Espresso Blend sold in more than 7,600 Starbucks stores across the Chinese mainland now contains premium Yunnan coffee beans," a barista told visitors while describing the company's 25-year presence in China and its ongoing efforts to develop local coffee industry supply chains.

Making its second appearance at CISCE, Starbucks' booth this year features the coffee production process, with the aroma of Yunnan coffee permeating the space.

The spotlight on Yunnan coffee reflects a 12-year partnership between Starbucks and local farmers, working toward their shared goal of "bringing Yunnan coffee to the world," as captured in their slogan "Yunnan in this cup."

According to the introduction at the coffee brand's booth, Yunnan coffee beans' pass rate through Starbucks' stringent quality tests has risen from 20% in 2012 to 80% today. Now not only have Yunnan coffee beans been added to every cup of Espresso Blend coffee in China, but Starbucks stores nationwide also sell Yunnan single-origin coffee beans.

Starbucks opened its first Asia-Pacific farmer support center in Yunnan as early as 2012. Since then, Starbucks agronomists have trained 36,800 Yunnan coffee farmers, helping them produce higher-quality coffee. The company has launched 13 varieties of Yunnan coffee since 2017, elevating local farmers' recognition among industry professionals and Chinese coffee enthusiasts. Starbucks has purchased more than 65,000 tons of high-quality Yunnan coffee over the past 12 years.

Since 2018, Starbucks has launched five phases of social impact projects in Yunnan, investing a total of 45 million yuan ($6 million). The projects cover more than 30 coffee-growing villages in the province and have directly benefited more than 10,000 coffee farmers.

Last October, more than 1,500 coffee farmers attended the Starbucks Yunnan Outstanding Green Bean Supplier Conference. Molly Liu, executive vice president and co-chief executive officer of Starbucks China, told them, "The best way to support Yunnan coffee is to deliver more Yunnan coffee into customers' hands, supporting its journey to the world through actions."

In September 2023, Starbucks launched its China Coffee Innovation Park in Kunshan, Jiangsu province, marking its commitment to advancing China's specialty coffee industry. With a 1.5 billion yuan investment, it stands as the company's largest and most sustainable coffee manufacturing and distribution center outside the United States. The 80,000-square-meter facility features a sustainable coffee roasting plant, a smart integrated distribution center and an immersive experience center, establishing new industry sustainability standards.

The Coffee Innovation Park, a crucial engine for China's coffee industry development, leverages its integrated and large-scale advantages to drive innovation and achieve significant outcomes. The facility has become a showcase for Starbucks partners' innovation, hosting major events including the Starbucks China Barista Championship and creative beverage contests, contributing to talent development in the country's coffee sector.

"Starbucks will continue to develop the coffee industry chain, strengthen sustainable supply chains and share value with the Chinese market while fulfilling its long-term commitment to building a world-class coffee industry in China," said Julia Zhu, vice president of government affairs and social impact at Starbucks China, at the second CISCE in Beijing on Nov. 29.

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