Starbucks Coffee Thailand is proud to receive today its best coffee of the year with Starbucks^® Special Reserve Harvest 2004, global annual coffee competition in its fourth annual event, since 2001. 

“It is an honor and a pleasure to make this finest of finest coffees available to our coffee gourmets in Thailand” said Andrew Nathan, Managing Director of Starbucks Coffee Thailand with true coffee passion.  “What is more, the farmers of winning coffees will receive the Special Reserve award to fund health, environmental and education initiatives in their home regions.”

Five coffee-growing regions will benefit from the $50,000 Special Reserve award.  Starbucks Corporation will fund special community projects that address the needs of coffee farmers in each of the growing regions. The refined and complex flavors of Guatemala Antigua Pulcal coffee distinguished it as one of five Starbucks^® Special Reserve competition winners. This distinctive coffee, produced on a small family farm in Guatemala, is exclusive to selected international markets as supply is extremely limited.  

“The quality of Starbucks^® Special Reserve coffees is simply outstanding,” announced Dub Hay, senior vice president of Coffee for Starbucks Coffee Company.   “These coffees are evaluated not only on quality, the Special Reserve coffees must be grown and harvested using sustainable coffee farming practices as outlined in Starbucks coffee buying guidelines. The annual Starbucks^® Special Reserve competition truly showcases Starbucks collaborative relationship with coffee farmers.”

Starbucks^® Special Reserve Harvest 2004 is available starting today while supplies last at Starbucks retail locations in Thailand.   A single-origin estate grown coffee, it is truly the best of the best.  This exceptional coffee from Guatemala is outstanding for its refined acidity.  Its floral and complex flavors wrap themselves around elegant body and refined cocoa tones.  The coffee pairs beautifully with dark chocolate, caramel, nuts and pears.