To inspire and nurture the human spirit – one person, one cup and one neighborhood at a time

Supplier Guidance
Global Expectations
Version 1.3
What we stand for. Expectations and aspirations for ourselves, our partners (employees), and our suppliers.
Document located at http://www.starbucks.com/business/suppliers.

January 30, 2020
Starbucks Corporation, P.O. Box 34067, Seattle, Washington 98124‐1067©2020 Starbucks Coffee Company. All rights reserved.

Starbucks Supplier Guidance – Expectations (Version 1.3) January 2020

Table of Contents
1.0 Introduction ............................................................................................................................ 3
2.0 General Expectations ............................................................................................................... 4
2.1 Service Orientation ................................................................................................................................... 4
2.2 Technology................................................................................................................................................ 4
2.3 Business Stability ...................................................................................................................................... 4
2.4 Supplier Security Protocol ........................................................................................................................ 4
2.5 Production Location Security (Factories / Plants) .................................................................................... 5
2.6 Business Continuity Planning .................................................................................................................... 5
2.7 Business Courtesies .................................................................................................................................. 5
2.8 Conflicts of Interest .................................................................................................................................. 5
3.0 Business Processes and Procedures ........................................................................................... 6
3.1 Business Critical Data and Information .................................................................................................... 6
3.2 Specifications and Statements of Work.................................................................................................... 6
3.3 Item Numbers (SKU Numbers) ................................................................................................................. 6
3.4 Samples, Proofs and Prototypes ................................................................................................................72© 2020 Starbucks Coffee Company. All rights reserved. For internal use only.

Starbucks Supplier Guidance – Expectations (Version 1.3) January 2020

1.0 Introduction
Starbucks Supplier Guidance documents were prepared by Starbucks Global Sourcing and Supplier
Relations in accordance with Starbucks business standards, policies and practices. The information
provided in this Global Expectations document is intended to provide guidance to both current andpotential Suppliers by outlining the expectations to which we hold ourselves, our Partners and our Suppliers
accountable. Although not always supported by contract, failure to meet the expectations outlined here
can affect the relationship between Starbucks and Supplier resulting in an eventual termination of therelationship.
As we streamline and enhance the manner in which we purchase and sell our products and services, theStarbucks Supplier Guidance documents will be updated and refined periodically to reflect the most current
information.
Suppliers have 24/7 access to the information at http://www.starbucks.com/business/suppliers. Suppliers ofStarbucks are expected to adhere to the information provided and are responsible for staying informed andup to date as periodic changes are made to the information. Procedural and operational updates areeffective 30 days after they are published.

Copyright © 2020 Starbucks Coffee company. All rights reserved. For internal use only.

3Starbucks Supplier Guidance – Expectations (Version 1.3) January 2020

2.0 General Expectations
2.1 Service Orientation
We continue to grow in all areas of our business and we strive to be on the leading edge of new productsand services. This requires suppliers that not only have the ability to grow with us, but also have the ability
to meet aggressive project and ongoing production schedules. We work closely with our Suppliers todevelop products and services, and expect that the commitments made will be fulfilled by staff at all levelsof the Supplier’s organization.

2.2 Technology
Although Starbucks is the leader in the gourmet coffee industry, we depend on our Suppliers to provide theleading‐edge technology and innovations required to not only remain competitive, but also to set new
standards in all the products and services we offer. We consider research, development and technology
capabilities carefully when selecting Suppliers.

2.3 Business Stability
The financial health of our suppliers is critical to Starbucks. Certain financial data may be requested when aSupplier is initially considered and at various intervals in our relationship to ensure ongoing financial health.
We may also request information about a Supplier’s parent company and expect to be notified promptly if achange in ownership takes place.

2.4 Supplier Security Protocol
Starbucks has established security protocol guidelines for all Starbucks facilities. Starbucks recommends
that all Suppliers implement the following preventative security measures and programs for their facilities:
1. Access Control Program – Controls unauthorized access to facilities 24 hours per day, 7 days per
week (24/7). Facilities include loading docks, distribution and/or manufacturing floors and offices.
The system should include a positive identification program for authorized employees, contractors
and visitors, as well as a process for identifying and challenging unauthorized individuals.
2. Employee Screening Process – This process includes verifying work references, prior addresses,
criminal background and right‐to‐work status. Screening should be completed for all part‐time andfull‐time employees, temporary workers and contractors.
3. Employee Training Program – This program should include detailed safety and security protocols,
including information on how to prevent, detect and respond to product tampering or criminalactivity. The program should enable employees to report and document unusual or suspicious
behavior through confidential and anonymous methods.
4. Restricted Access – This security measure should restrict access to proprietary information, as well
as monitor and restrict access to data systems and facilities that perform technology development.
Additional security information and resources can be found at the following websites:
U.S. Customs: www.cbp.gov
U.S. FDA: www.fda.gov
World Customs Organization: www.wcoomd.org

4© 2020 Starbucks Coffee Company. All rights reserved. For internal use only.

Starbucks Supplier Guidance – Expectations (Version 1.3) January 2020

2.5 Production Location Security (Factories / Plants)
In order to properly inform our cargo management partners and comply with our commitment to theprevention of terrorism, Suppliers shall disclose the legal company name and complete address of eachfacility that will produce goods or provide services for Starbucks and provide written notice prior to moving
production of Starbucks goods to a different location. Starbucks may require inspection and/or audit all
production/service locations as a condition of continued business. Some products and services may be
exempt from these requirements if the products and services are identified in writing by the Starbucks
Authorized Representative.

2.6 Business Continuity PlanningStarbucks recognizes that business continuity planning is an essential part of running an organization.
Starbucks advises its Suppliers to develop and maintain business continuity plans to ensure that services
will be maintained in the event of disruption to operations. Suppliers may be required to share their plans
with Starbucks. The appropriate requirements and documents will be determined on a case by case basis.

2.7 Business Courtesies
Starbucks recognizes that developing and maintaining strong Supplier partnerships occasionally includes
social activities. These activities are normal in the course of business, but there are specific limits on what
an individual Starbucks partner may accept from a Supplier. We define a business courtesy as a present, gift,discount, or favor from persons or firms with which Starbucks has or may have a business relationship.
In general, Starbucks partners may accept a business courtesy, provided the value from the Supplier does
not exceed the equivalent of $75 per year. These courtesies must support and promote successful working
relationships with our Suppliers, conform to the reasonable and ethical practices of the marketplace andnot create an actual or perceived conflict of interest. There are certain situations which may exceed thislimit and still be acceptable (e.g. user group training), but these must be reasonable and customary,infrequent, inexpensive and pre‐ approved by Starbucks. Starbucks partners may not give lavish businesscourtesies to Suppliers.

2.8 Conflicts of Interest
It is critical that all business dealings between Starbucks and its Suppliers are absolutely above reproach orquestion. Starbucks partners are instructed not to engage in any activity that they would not be
comfortable seeing in the public domain. To that end, they are prohibited from entering into anyagreement, relationship or situation that will cause a real or perceived conflict of interest. This includes, but
is not limited to:
1.
2.
3.
4.

Assuming a financial or other outside business relationship with a Supplier;Taking personal advantage of an opportunity that properly belongs to Starbucks;
Initiating business with a family member or relative; andBeing employed in any fashion by a Supplier while working for Starbucks.

If a Supplier becomes aware of a Starbucks partner’s involvement in a real or perceived conflict of interest,
please report it immediately by calling Starbucks Audit Line (see Supplier Guidance – Global Reference).

Copyright © 2020 Starbucks Coffee company. All rights reserved. For internal use only.

5Starbucks Supplier Guidance – Expectations (Version 1.3) January 2020

3.0 Business Processes and Procedures
The following section outlines the guidelines for some of the most common day‐to‐day activities. Prior tocommencement of work, the Authorized Representative shall identify to each Supplier specificcommodities or services that may have special procedures, product development, or intellectual property
requirements.

3.1 Business Critical Data and Information
The data, records and information that Suppliers provide to Starbucks support business critical systems andfunctions. The systems and processes at Starbucks are highly integrated and require that accurate andcomplete data be provided on a timely basis. Examples include, but are not limited to:
1.
2.
3.
4.

Supplier name and locations
Manufacturers and manufacturing locations
Contact information
Item characteristics and attributes (i.e. dimensions, weight, country of origin)

Item characteristics and attributes must be aligned to the prevailing GS1 standards, www.gs1.org. Suppliers
are required to maintain and update Starbucks when item characteristics and attributes change either fromthe product specifications or GS1 standards changes. Suppliers are also required to inform Starbucks whenknown item characteristics and/or attributes do not comply with GS1 standards. All non‐compliance to GS1standards must be approved by an Authorized Starbucks representative.
Suppliers are required to provide complete and accurate information upon request in a timely manner andanytime the information changes. Updated information about products, services, and/or the supply chain
network must be communicated to Starbucks well in advance of the change occurring.

3.2 Specifications and Statements of Work
Product specifications, requirements and/or statements of work will be developed by Starbucks and theSupplier as needed prior to the issuance of any commitment to buy. Starbucks partners who have expertisein various areas may take part in the development of these specifications, but final approval and acceptanceshall occur between the Supplier and the Authorized Representative. Supplier‐generated cut sheets, shop
drawings and/or specifications may be used with Authorized Representative approval depending on theproduct.
When an item number must be set up, the timely receipt of accurate and complete product specifications
via an Item Data Sheet (IDS) is required prior to the commencement of any purchase involving products oritems. Incomplete or inaccurate data will significantly impact both systems and processes, ultimately
leading to delays in the Starbucks supply chain and impacting our customers.

3.3 Item Numbers (SKU Numbers)
The item number (SKU number) is a discrete identifier used to support many business-critical processes
and is the key data element used in all supply chain systems. The Starbucks item number provided to theSupplier must appear on all cases, packing lists, invoices, and as part of the graphics included on all printed

6© 2020 Starbucks Coffee Company. All rights reserved. For internal use only.

Starbucks Supplier Guidance – Expectations (Version 1.3) January 2020

materials. Items intended for re‐sale require an item label (specifications are defined in Supplier Guidance –Global Requirement Section 3.1, Operational Requirements).
When an item number must be set up, the Authorized Representative will provide an IDS to the Supplier tofacilitate the communication of critical item related information. The Supplier must complete and return
an accurate ID as part of the process used to create an item in the Starbucks systems.
Items that do not require a Starbucks item number may still need an identifier, usually in the form of a
Supplier stock number or manufacturer part number. The Authorized Representative will provide thespecific guidelines as necessary.

3.4 Samples, Proofs and Prototypes
In addition to specifications, shop drawings and other written descriptions of a product, certain samples,proofs and/or prototypes may be required prior to production. If samples, proofs, or prototypes arenecessary, guidelines will be provided by the Authorized Representative. The need for press checks, firstarticle inspections and other approvals will also be determined by the Authorized Representative andspecified in the purchasing document.

Revision History
DateVersions

February 2014

Starbucks Supplier Guidance ‐ Expectations, Version 1.0

June 2015

Starbucks Supplier Guidance ‐ Expectations, Version 1.1

October 24, 2016

Starbucks Supplier Guidance ‐ Expectations, Version 1.2

January 30, 2020

Starbucks Supplier Guidance ‐ Expectations, Version 1.3

Copyright © 2020 Starbucks Coffee company. All rights reserved. For internal use only.

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