May 14/Seattle/Business Wire -- Starbucks Coffee Company reaffirmed its commitment to supporting coffee farmers, communities and the environment with the launch of its Fiscal 2007 Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Annual Report. Starbucks seventh CSR report, which is now online at Starbucks.com/csr, openly shares Starbucks progress in several areas important to the growth of the business and to its unwavering commitment to ethical coffee sourcing, environmental responsibility, community involvement and workplace practices.

In his letter to stakeholders in the report, Starbucks chairman, president and ceo Howard Schultz said, "Even during this time of change for our company, one thing that will never change is our long-standing commitment to conducting business in a responsible and ethical manner. Going forward, we will only deepen our approach by continuing to integrate social and environmental responsibility into every aspect of our business."

The report highlights key strategic CSR initiatives and tracks Starbucks progress in several areas including:

Leading in Ethical Sourcing
The report notes Starbucks continues to be a leader in the ethical sourcing of coffee. Accomplishments include: Sustainable coffee: Purchasing 65% of its coffee in fiscal 2007 through Coffee and Farmer Equity (C.A.F.E.) Practices, Starbucks program for sustainable coffee, with a goal of purchasing 80% of coffee from C.A.F.E. Practices-approved suppliers by fiscal 2013. Paying higher prices: Purchasing only high-quality arabica coffee beans and paying higher prices that premium quality commands. Starbucks paid an average price of $1.43 per pound ($3.16 per kilogram) in fiscal 2007. Fair Trade Certified coffee: Continuing to be the largest purchaser, roaster and distributor of Fair Trade Certified coffee in North America and amongst the largest worldwide, purchasing 20 million pounds (9 million kilograms) in fiscal 2007. Conservation International (CI) collaboration: Announcing a five-year commitment to CI to address climate change by supporting farmers and communities who are preserving forests in coffee regions.

Being a leader in environmental responsibility
Starbucks outlined a bold global environmental strategy that will help achieve a meaningful reduction in the company's environmental footprint. Starbucks is working to accomplish the following goals by 2010:
Renewable energy: Aspiring to have 50% of store energy come from certified renewable sources.
Green building: Incorporating green building standards into all new building construction.
Less waste: Reestablishing ceramic serveware as the global standard for customers who enjoy their beverages in Starbucks stores.

Making Each Starbucks Store the Heart of the Local Neighborhood
Starbucks works to build lasting, personal relationships with customers and neighbors. The CSR Annual Report includes information and data about the ongoing efforts in the communities in which the company does business:
Starbucks economic footprint in local communities: A study commissioned by Starbucks found that Starbucks stores contribute to local economic growth, create new jobs and add to local tax revenues. For every dollar spent at a Starbucks store, on average, $2.23 is put back into the local economy through employee wages and benefits, taxes, and payments to local vendors that provide some of its goods and services.
Customer attitudes: 86% of customers surveyed responded that they were extremely or very likely to recommend Starbucks to a friend or family.
Community investments: Starbucks contributions to local communities in the U.S. and around the world, through in-kind and cash donations, including partner volunteerism and company-matched gifts, were valued at $18 million in fiscal 2007.

From the May 27, 2008, Prepared Foods e-Flash