Coffee and Starbucks

Starbucks Coffee International is established. In August, Starbucks opens its first Starbucks store outside of North America in Tokyo, Japan through a jointventure agreement with Sazaby Inc. In December, Starbucks opens its first store in Singapore through a licensing agreement with Bonstar, Pte Ltd. 1997 In December, Starbucks opens its first store in Makati City, Philippines through a licensing agreement with Rustan Corporation. In July, Starbucks opens its first store in Bangkok, Thailand through a licensing agreement with Central Pattana, Plc. Coffee Partners (Thailand).

In October, Starbucks opens its first store in Auckland, New Zealand through a licensing agreement with Restaurant Brands, Ltd. In December, Starbucks opens its first store in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia through a licensing agreement with Berjaya Group Berhad. 1999 In July, Starbucks opens its first store in Seoul, South Korea through a licensing agreement with Shinsegae Department Stores Co. , Ltd. In June, Starbucks Coffee International acquires 100 percent equity of Coffee Partners (Thailand), forming Starbucks Coffee (Thailand) Ltd.

In July, Starbucks opens its first store in Sydney, Australia through a joint-venture agreement with a local Australian entrepreneur. In December, Starbucks Coffee International acquires 50 percent equity of South Korean operations from Shinsegae Department Stores Co. , Ltd. , creating a joint-venture partnership in South Korea. Starbucks opens its 100th Japanese store, in Akasaka. Starbucks is named “Number One Restaurant Chain” by Japan’s Nikkei Restaurant Magazine and “Best Product of the Year” by South Korea’s Joongang Daily Newspaper. 2001 2002 Starbucks Coffee Japan, Ltd. begins offering stock options for part- and full-time partners.

In February, Starbucks Coffee International acquires 100 percent equity of its operations in Australia, forming Starbucks Coffee Company (Australia) Pty. Ltd. In May, Starbucks opens its first store in Jakarta, Indonesia through a licensing agreement with PT Mitra Adiperkasa. The first Starbucks Coffee Ambassador Cup is held in the Philippines. Starbucks Coffee Company (Australia) Pty. Ltd. inaugurates the Bandaged Bear Day Appeal. Starbucks receives the “Nikkei Superior Products and Service Award” in Japan. 2003 Starbucks launches the first Asian Commitment to Origins™ coffee, Muan Jai Blend™, sourced from the hills of Northern Thailand.