11.02.2006 - 04:40pm ET

(CSRwire) SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 2, 2006--Over the last several weeks, Oxfam has accused Starbucks of not supporting the Ethiopian coffee farmer. Oxfam's Campaign against Starbucks Coffee Company (Nasdaq: SBUX) is misleading, does not help the coffee farmer and the campaign needs to stop.

We share the goal of benefiting the Ethiopian coffee farmer, however, Oxfam's position deflects focus away from the farmer.

While we respect Oxfam and its mission, we believe they are wrong on this issue. Signing a trademark agreement as Oxfam suggests will not help coffee farmers. In fact, it may hurt them if roasters stop purchasing Ethiopian coffees.

In direct discussions with Oxfam and the Ethiopian government, we offered alternative solutions and expressed that we want to collaborate with them to find a solution that will benefit the coffee farmer.

For more detailed information about Starbucks relationship with Ethiopian coffee farmers, Oxfam and the Ethiopia Government, please visit www.starbucks.com/aboutus/pressdesc.asp?id=713.



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