Posted 5:38 PM by Luigi
A trade success story for Pacific agriculture?

http://seattle.dbusinessnews.com/shownews.php?type_news=latest&newsid=13759

SEATTLE -- Today, Starbucks Coffee Company introduces Kigabah Estate coffee, from the Western Highlands of Papua New Guinea. Starbucks also today announces the addition of an award component to the coffees of the Black Apron Exclusives (TM) lineup.

'There isn't a single coffee that travels a farther distance to us than these beans from Papua New Guinea, and no coffee is more respected than that of the Kigabah Estate,' says Dub Hay, Starbucks senior vice president of Coffee. 'With high standards for production and those who produce it, the Kigabah Estate exemplifies what Starbucks looks for in a coffee supplier.'

At 5,500 feet above sea level, in what was once a swamp, coffee is nourished by abundant rainfall and rich nutrients found in the thick, black topsoil. These fertile conditions give Kigabah Estate coffee a juicy acidity, round body and herbal notes reminiscent of black tea tannins. The Kigabah Estate is progressive in its farming practices and environmental practices, and contributes ten percent of its profits to the farming community.

'I am also extremely proud to announce that for each Black Apron Exclusives (TM) coffee, Starbucks will award $15,000 for a project that will improve the lives of the farmers in the community,' continues Hay. 'Through this program, we've had the opportunity to enjoy some extraordinary coffees. Now, to thank these dedicated farmers and give back to their communities, we will provide funds to help improve things such as education, transportation, coffee-processing facilities and the environment.'

The award for Kigabah Estate coffee will be used for school funding for residents throughout the Waghi Valley, whose ancestors have been farming land in the Western Highlands for more than 9,000 years and are believed to be among the world's first farmers.

In addition to awarding $15,000 for Kigabah Estate coffee, Starbucks has applied the award retroactively to all previous Black Apron Exclusives (TM) offerings. For its 100% Kona coffee (introduced April 23, 2004), Starbucks, through the farms that provided the coffee, donated $15,000 to the Start Now foundation, a non-profit organization that supports alcohol and drug education and prevention programs for Kona community children in grades 6-10. The award for Ethiopia Harrar (introduced June 30, 2004) coffee was donated to the Dil Chora Hospital in Dire Dawa and the funds will be used to buy equipment and support current medical, dental and vision services. The award for El Salvador Estate Pacamara coffee (introduced Sept. 30, 2004) was invested directly into the infrastructure of the Montecarlos Estate, helping to improve coffee quality and to increase the standard of living for the farming community.

The Black Apron Exclusives (TM) line of coffee is named for Starbucks most knowledgeable buyers, roasters, tasters and Starbucks Coffee Masters, who wear a black apron in the tasting rooms and in the Company's coffeehouses. Since Black Apron Exclusives (TM) coffees hail from very distinct and scarce crops -- making any prediction of availability nearly impossible -- subsequent introductions will be announced shortly before their arrival in select retail stores. Four rare and exclusives coffees will follow Kigabah Estate coffee this year, with the next selection expected to be available May 2, 2005.

Starbucks Kigabah Estate coffee is available in Company-operated stores throughout North America starting March 7, 2005 (1/2 lb price: US $11, CAN $15), and will be available while supplies last.

Starbucks (R) whole bean coffee assortment includes more than 20 single-origin offerings and blends from around the world, including many worldwide exclusive coffees. The 'Coffee of the Week' program links brewed coffee to whole bean coffee, providing customers with the opportunity to bring a daily taste home for the weekend. Starbucks Coffee Masters are available in stores to answer coffee questions and help customers navigate the world of coffee.

Starbucks Corporation is the leading retailer, roaster and brand of specialty coffee in the world, with more than 9,000 retail locations in North America, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East and the Pacific Rim. The Company is committed to offering the highest quality coffee and the Starbucks Experience while conducting its business in ways that produce social, environmental and economic benefits for communities in which it does business. In addition to its retail operations, the Company produces and sells bottled Frappuccino (R) coffee drinks, Starbucks DoubleShot(TM) coffee drink, and a line of superpremium ice creams through its joint venture partnerships. The Company's brand portfolio provides a wide variety of consumer products. Tazo Tea's line of innovative premium teas and Hear Music's exceptional compact discs enhance the Starbucks Experience through best-of-class products.