Business 13 April 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Starbucks' Ethical Coffee Claims Hide Profit Shifts Away from Farmers
Starbucks boasts that 99 percent of its coffee beans come from ethical sources, but the real profits largely bypass farmers and suppliers. A closer look reveals how the coffee giant channels gains to its corporate core. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/business/prosper/who-really-profits-from-your-starbucks-coffee--5421572
Starbucks proudly states that 99 percent of its coffee beans are ethically sourced. However, this claim masks a key reality: the bulk of profits from your daily cup do not reach the farmers or suppliers at the source.
Instead, the company’s business model funnels earnings upward to its headquarters and shareholders. This dynamic raises questions about true benefits for coffee-growing communities, especially in regions like Uganda where beans originate.
Critics point out that while ethical sourcing promises fair practices, the profit distribution tells a different story. Farmers often receive minimal shares despite producing the core product.
For full details, see the original reporting from Daily Monitor (Uganda).