Representatives of the Government of the Federal Democratic
Republic of Ethiopia and senior leaders from Starbucks Coffee Company
(Nasdaq:SBUX) today announced that they have concluded an agreement
regarding distribution, marketing and licensing that recognizes the
importance and integrity of Ethiopia's specialty coffee designations.
"Ethiopia salutes Starbucks for its exemplary display of global
corporate citizenship. This alliance highlights the significance of
visionary entrepreneurs in creating space for win-win engagements
between corporations that operate globally and developing countries
such as ours," said Dr. Samuel Assefa, the Ethiopian Ambassador to the
United States.
"Starbucks has reiterated its commitment that it will not oppose
Ethiopia's efforts to obtain trademarks for its specialty coffees.
What we have learned in our dealings with Starbucks over the last
several months is that the company listens to its stakeholders'
concerns and is attentive to the plight of the poor farmers who
produce the finest specialty coffees in the world," continued
Ambassador Samuel Assefa.
The agreement is an important step in the ongoing collaboration
between the Government of Ethiopia and Starbucks to promote Ethiopia's
specialty coffees. It provides a framework for mutual cooperation to
promote the recognition of the Harrar, Sidamo and Yirgacheffe
designations and to strengthen the Ethiopian coffee sector, and
includes the license of certain trademarks. The agreement allows
Starbucks to use and promote these designations in markets both where
trademarks exist for the coffee designations as well as where they may
not, in accordance with agreed terms and conditions.
"Our customers know that some of the highest quality coffees in
the world come from Ethiopia," said Howard Schultz, Starbucks
chairman, "We are extremely pleased that this agreement supports both
the Ethiopian specialty coffee industry and the farmers and their
communities that produce these fine coffees while allowing us to bring
them to our customers around the world."
This agreement will expand on the continuing efforts to promote
and sell Ethiopia's exceptionally high quality coffees.
"This agreement marks an important milestone in our efforts to
promote and protect Ethiopia's specialty coffee designations. Having
the commitment and support of Starbucks will help enhance the quality
of Ethiopian fine coffees and improve the income of farmers and
traders," commented Getachew Mengistie, Ethiopian Intellectual
Property Office Director General, "This agreement provides cause to be
very optimistic about the future of the Ethiopian coffee industry."
The Government of Ethiopia and Starbucks Coffee look forward to
continuing to develop their relationship and collaborate on ways to
help build the Ethiopian coffee sector.