In November 2008, Starbucks announced that 100% of the espresso coffee sold – both wholebean and espresso-based beverages – in Starbucks stores in the UK and Ireland will become both Starbucks™ Shared Planet™ and Fairtrade Certified by the end of 2009.

Starbucks will also double its global purchases of Fairtrade Certified Coffee to 40 million pounds (volume) in 2009 making it the largest buyer of Fairtrade Certified Coffee in the world. This industry-leading support for small-scale coffee farmers forms part of Starbucks larger, integrated approach to sustainable coffee sourcing under Starbucks™ Shared Planet™; a commitment to doing business responsibly.