Starbucks: Brewing Innovation, Nurturing Human Connection

In its early days, Starbucks offered a simple menu featuring café lattes, macchiatos, and espressos. It was during this period that Starbucks became a "third place" where people could relax, enjoy music, and engage in conversations. This experience resonated with customers and started a growth trajectory that surpassed all expectations. However, Starbucks' success isn't just about coffee; it's also about fostering sustainability of the entire coffee supply chain, from seed to cup. More than 25 years ago, Starbucks introduced the Coffee and Farmer Equity (C.A.F.E.) Practices, a verification program emphasizing economic transparency, social responsibility, environmental leadership, and coffee quality. C.A.F.E. Practices have uplifted farmers' lives and promoted responsible coffee cultivation. At Starbucks, innovation isn't limited to store products but extends to enhancing the retail partners’ ability to create magical connections in 36,000 stores worldwide. The Tryer Center, an innovation incubator based inside Starbucks headquarters, brings together designers, scientists, engineers, and baristas from area stores to identify problems and create solutions. This collaborative approach, which includes ideation, prototyping, and refining, ultimately leads to better customer experiences.
*Originally aired on CBS News as part of the Innovators and Disruptors series. Can also be found on GlobalThoughtLeaders.org