To increase my chances of getting answers to my questions, I sent the Starbucks’ customer service department an email through their website. I also sent a comment card to Seattle’s Best Coffee (owned by Starbucks) asking how often they brewed their fair trade blends.

This is the email I got back:
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Dear Mr./Ms. Siel

In regards to your inquiry, we would like the opportunity to gather a bit more information in order to best assist you. Please call our customer relations department at 1-800-23-LATTE. Upon calling, please have reference #2274881 available. Our representatives are happy to help you with any questions or concerns you might have.

On behalf of Starbucks, I appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts with us and look forward to hearing from you soon.
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I got the same email for Seattle’s Best, except my reference number for that one was 2295382.

Being the Pollyanna that I am, I called. I asked what the percentage of Starbucks’ coffee met C.A.F.E. standards.

Kelly (Starbucks rep that answered the phone): That’s how we’ve always purchased our coffee.

Me: So what percentage…

Kelly: I assume it’s a hundred percent.

Me: Ok, I know that’s not true.

Kelly: Um, hold on. Let me find out.

11 minutes later, Kelly came back on line, to give me some pound figures (no percentages) that didn’t match up with what Starbucks has on their CSR brochures.

And about Seattle’s Best? According to Kelly, they’ll be brewing fair trade certified coffee “once in a while.”

Filed in: starbuckschallenge coffee csr fair-trade fairtrade starbucks

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