BOGOTÁ, Colombia – Alsea, S.A.B. de C.V., a leading operator of Fast Food, Coffee Shops, Casual Dining and Full-Service Restaurants in Latin America and Europe, and the Starbucks operator in Colombia, celebrated the brand’s 10th market anniversary with an event revealing plans to open 30 new Starbucks stores over the next three years, backed by a $12 million investment.
The event also reinforced the company’s commitment to Colombian coffee and highlighted the brand’s growth strategy and future investment plans.
Since entering the market in 2014, Starbucks has created a unique coffeehouse experience across 71 stores in six cities – Bogotá, Medellín, Cali, Barranquilla, Cartagena, and most recently, Bucaramanga. As the company’s presence has grown in Colombia, Starbucks is deeply committed to contributing positively to the local community and creating employment opportunities for over 680 partners (employees).
As Starbucks expands across the market, the company plans to enter new cities, introduce new store formats, and build more sustainable stores. In addition to its first drive-thru store, opened in Cali in 2022, the company will unveil its first university store at University Los Andes this September, which will be certified under Starbucks Greener Store program.
Currently, there are 25 Starbucks Stores that hold the Greener Store certification in Colombia, which aims to cut the company’s global carbon emissions, water usage, and waste sent to landfills by 50% by 2030.
Armando Torrado, CEO of Alsea, said, “Over these 10 years, we have transformed our passion for coffee into a success story thanks to innovation, dedication, and commitment to providing exceptional experiences to our customers; we thank those who have been part of this journey. With the same excitement and passion that has defined us from the beginning, we look to the future determined to continue fulfilling our purpose of delivering happiness and flavorful experiences.”
Currently, Alsea operates more than 1,800 Starbucks stores in twelve markets in Latin America and Europe.
“Colombian coffees have been the cornerstone of many of Starbucks most popular coffee roasts around the world. As we celebrate 10 years of coffee and human connection in Colombia, we extend our deepest gratitude to the local coffee farmers who grow our beans, our green apron partners who serve their communities with pride, and our loyal customers who have embraced the Starbucks Experience,” added Brady Brewer, ceo, Starbucks International. “Our future is bright in Colombia, where our partners will continue to deliver exceptional coffee with the passion and expertise that only Starbucks can offer.”
