I am in the Entebbe, Uganda airport on our first stop of the journey back home. We miss Rwanda already. They were seven intense days that gave Starbucks the best Rwanda has to offer; coffee producers full of pride in what they do yet humble of what they accomplish. Looking not for help but for a valued business partner. I am very privileged to continue to be able to experience the best of human spirit and to live the results of what Starbucks can achieve; one cup, one bean, one connection at a time
We have no false illusions. We have been charged by our leaders and the farmers to work even harder to resolve issues related to financing, reducing cost of production, consistency of high quality sustainable coffee. The good news is this; we have learned a great number of lessons from farmers in other regions that will help us work together to come up with solutions.
Originally posted Jun 29, 2009