Threats
• Relies on international trade for its coffee beans (Arabia, South America, etc.)
• Must comply with international governments for production and distribution
• Very competitive environment with leaders in the restaurant/food business
• Cultural values and routines may interfere/not adapt with the “coffee house”
experience
• Has become a luxury brand; thus, it is a brand that can be consumed by every
consumer on a daily basis
• Issues of negative publicity against the brand due to fair trade conflict with coffee
bean farmers in Africa
• A younger domestic market is being alienated from the Starbucks brand due to
cost
• Recession or downturn in the economy affects consumer spending
• Several activist groups maintain websites criticizing the company’s fair trade
policies, labor relations and environmental impact.4
Starbucks Brand/Product Informat