As we head into a new decade, Starbucks takes a look back at some highlights from 2019 across Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA).
1. Introduced the Starbucks Degree Achievement Plan
Starbucks UK announced a programme that sees 100% tuition coverage for online university degree programmes with Arizona State University (ASU) for eligible partners (employees).
2. Starbucks Delivers Arrived in EMEA
Starbucks customers can now get their coffee orders delivered direct to their office or front door in seven countries across the region.
3. First Ever Airport Reusable Cup trial at Gatwick Airport in London
4. Saudi Arabia’s first Female Coffee Master and National Barista Champion
When asked what it takes to become a champion, Najeeba, from Saudi Arabia, stated: “you need passion first, your heart, your team and — practice, practice, practice. Passion can make miracles.”
5, 35 Million Paper Cups will be recycled through the UK Cup Fund
6. 12 Winners of the NextGen Cup Challenge Announced
Half the winning innovators from countries in EMEA. The NextGen Cup Challenge is an open-sourced, global innovation challenge to redesign the fiber to-go cup and create a widely recyclable and/or compostable cup.
7. Malta welcomed their first customers
The island nation became Starbucks 80th global market, opening a stunning first store on Malta’s historic Valleta Waterfront.
8. EMEA Barista Championship 2019
South Africa’s Teddy Nzama was named the 2019 Starbucks Barista Champion in EMEA – beating out 30,000 of his global peers to claim top honours.
9. Starbucks Celebrated World Refugee Day
“It doesn’t matter where you come from, what your background is or who you are, you’re always welcome here.”
10. 5 Cent Cup Charge Launched in Germany
Committed to reducing our environmental impact, Germany launched a 5 cent cup charge in Hamburg and Berlin, following the success of the programme in the UK.
11. Spain became the fifth country to launch Action Against Hunger Food Waste Initiative
During the last hour of trading, Starbucks stores in Spain are offering any fresh food nearing expiry at half price.
12. EMEA Went Wild for the Scarily Good Phantom Frappuccino