Starbucks Coffee Company has officially entered its 25th market in Latin America and the Caribbean with the grand opening of its first store in Ecuador. Partnering with Delonorte S.A., a subsidiary of Delosi, the coffee chain opened its 1,700th store in the region at Scala Mall in Quito’s Cumbayá neighborhood. This marks the beginning of a strategic expansion, with four more stores expected across the capital by 2025.
This move is significant not only because it marks Starbucks’ entry into Ecuador, a country with a rich coffee culture and history, but also because it underscores the company’s commitment to growth and job creation in Latin America. The south american country has been a crucial part of Starbucks’s supply chain for over a decade, providing high-quality Arabica coffee. Now, with the physical presence of its cafés, Starbucks aims to deepen its connection with Ecuadorian consumers.
A Strategic Expansion in Latin America
Starbucks’ expansion into Ecuador is part of a broader strategy to solidify its footprint in Latin America, a region where the coffeehouse culture has deep roots and continues to flourish. With over 1,700 stores already operating across the region, including in neighboring countries like Peru and Bolivia, Starbucks has demonstrated a keen understanding of the local markets and consumer preferences. The choice of Quito as the launch city is strategic, given its status as a cultural and economic hub with a burgeoning middle class that aligns well with Starbucks’ target demographic.
Ricardo Arias-Nath, SVP and President of Starbucks Latin America and the Caribbean, highlighted the significance of this milestone: “Starbucks has been sourcing high-quality Arabica coffee from Ecuador for over a decade, and with our first store opening in the market, we look forward to creating moments of connection over coffee for Ecuadorian customers and continuing the rich coffee traditions inherent to the region.”
A Coffee that Celebrates Local Culture
The new Starbucks store in Scala Mall is more than just a place to enjoy a cup of coffee. It is designed as a celebration of Ecuador’s rich cultural heritage and its deep connection to coffee. The café features a striking mural by renowned Ecuadorian artist Apitatán, which reflects the country’s biodiversity and coffee heritage. This artistic touch is complemented by a design that blends modern elements with local aesthetics, making it a welcoming “Third Place” for the community—a concept central to Starbucks’ brand identity.
In addition to its cultural significance, the store is also a testament to Starbucks’ commitment to sustainability. The Scala Mall store is certified as a Greener Store, part of the company’s global initiative to reduce its environmental footprint by 50% by 2030. This certification means the store adheres to strict standards in energy efficiency, water stewardship, and waste reduction.
Job Creation and Community Impact
Starbucks’ entry into Ecuador is expected to have a positive impact on the local economy, with more than 50 jobs to be created across the five stores planned by the end of 2025. The company’s commitment to the local community is further demonstrated by its partnership with Fundación Forge Ecuador, which will receive a 10 thousand dollars grant from The Starbucks Foundation. This grant will support the economic and social development of Ecuadorian youth through skills training and job placement initiatives.
Moreover, Starbucks has invested in training its Ecuadorian partners extensively, with baristas undergoing months of preparation in Peru to ensure they are well-equipped to deliver the Starbucks Experience. This level of investment in human capital reflects the company’s long-term commitment to the Ecuadorian market and its people.
Looking Ahead
The opening of Starbucks’ first store in Ecuador is not just a business expansion; it’s a strategic move that aligns with the company’s global growth objectives while staying true to its core values of community, sustainability, and cultural appreciation. As the company continues to expand across Quito, it will undoubtedly play a significant role in shaping the city’s coffee culture, offering Ecuadorians a new place to connect, relax, and enjoy high-quality coffee in a thoughtfully designed environment.
With the support of local partners like Delonorte S.A., Starbucks is poised to make a lasting impact in Ecuador, both as a business and as a community member. The upcoming store openings in Condado Mall, Centro Comercial Iñaquito, and other locations will further cement Starbucks’ presence in the country, offering more opportunities for Ecuadorians to experience the brand’s unique blend of coffee and culture.