We’ve been serving 100% Fairtrade certified espresso in the UK and Ireland for the last six months. In fact, during Fairtrade Fortnight we celebrated the 40 millionth cup of Fairtrade certified espresso being sold in the UK.

We were pleased to host two coffee producers from Costa Rica and Tanzania at an exclusive Open Forum, where our partners (employees) gathered to learn more about our work with coffee farmers, our relationship with Fairtrade, and the impact working with Starbucks and Fairtrade has had on the farmers’ lives.

We are proud to support Fairtrade and you can learn more at www.starbucks.com/proudtosupportfairtrade

Jess S., coffee master and store manager, London

As a true Starbucks fan, I am always excited to try anything that Starbucks creates. I am thrilled that Starbucks UK will launch Starbucks VIA™ Ready Brew, an amazingly innovative coffee that is going to make having a quality cup as easy as tear, tip and tap! To have the ability to offer customers great coffee when they cannot see us in store is fantastic. The Taste Challenge weekend (12-15th March) is a great chance for customers to try VIA™ for themselves and talk to their barista about having great coffee, anywhere.

Having sampled VIA™ with over 150 partners (employees) in the last week, I am certain that it is going to be another great coffee in our lives. Each person had the chance to pick their favourite and many reflected on how it would create additional coffee moments in their day, and the days of their friends and family. My personal favourite is the Bold Italian Roast with its rich flavour with a hint of sweetness. I guarantee you can find a sachet of VIA™ in every bag I own. (For those times when I need a Starbucks fix on the go!)

Can’t wait to see you in stores for the Taste Challenge next weekend!