Starbucks Expands in Europe



    Starbucks (NASDAQ:SBUX) announced today it will increase its
    already strong presence in Europe by opening coffeehouses in Bulgaria
    and Portugal next year as part of its strategy to develop business
    clusters within Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

    Starbucks Coffee EMEA recently extended its joint venture
    agreement with the Marinopoulos Group to open stores in Bulgaria; the
    first will open in the capital city of Sofia in 2008. It also
    broadened its agreement with Spanish joint venture partner Grupo VIPS
    to open stores in Portugal. The first store is expected to open in
    Lisbon sometime next year.

    "Extending the reach of our agreements with established business
    partners gives us the capability to gain leverage," said Cliff
    Burrows, president of Starbucks Europe, Middle East and Africa. "We
    look forward to bringing our high quality coffees and the Starbucks
    Experience to these important emerging consumer markets."

    Starbucks successful five year partnership with Athens-based
    Marinopoulos Group now spans six markets including Greece, Cyprus,
    Romania, Switzerland, Austria and the addition of Bulgaria. Likewise,
    its joint venture relationship of more than five years with
    Madrid-based Grupo VIPS covers three markets including Spain, France
    and now Portugal.

    About Starbucks

    Starbucks Coffee Company provides an uplifting experience that
    enriches people´s lives one moment, one human being, one extraordinary
    cup of coffee at a time. To share in the experience, visit
    www.starbucks.com.