Starbucks To Open in Germany GERMANY - Starbucks Coffee International signed a joint venture agreement with KarstadtQuelle Group to open Starbucks retail locations in Germany, reported the CoffeeNetwork.com web site recently. The first store is scheduled to open in Berlin in early spring 2002. "Germany represents one of the major strategic continental European markets for Starbucks,'' said Peter Maslen, president of Starbucks Coffee International. "We are extremely pleased with this significant development in our expansion plans for the region. Our continued strong performance in continental Europe has been a key influence in driving our plans for Germany.'' In addition to Germany, Starbucks recently announced its plans to open its first store in Vienna, Austria, by the end of this year. Prior to announcing Germany and Austria, Starbucks entered its first continental European market, Switzerland, earlier this year, opening its first store in Zurich in March. As of today, Starbucks has opened a total of six stores in Zurich, Basel and Bern. KarstadtQuelle AG is Europe's largest department store and mail order group. The group's business segments include over-the-counter retail trade, mail order, services and tourism, and real estate. Starbucks Coffee Company is the largest retailer, roaster and brand of specialty coffee in the world, with more than 4,600 retail locations in North America, the U.K., continental Europe, the Middle East and the Pacific Rim.

First Fair Trade Labeling Forum Held GERMANY - The International Fair Trade Labeling Organization (FLO International) held its first bi-annual Fair Trade Forum in Lingen, Germany on September 17 - 21. FLO is governing body for the network of national labeling initiatives of which TransFair USA is a member. Among the participants were representatives from all stakeholder groups of the international Fair Trade network including producers, traders, roasters and NGOs. There were producers of coffee, tea, honey, sugar, cocoa, orange juice and bananas from nearly 20 countries, in addition to industry and NGO presence from throughout Europe and Canada. U.S. representation was reduced in light of the recent tragedies. Luuk Zonneveld, executive director of FLO announced structural improvements to the international system including an expanded board of directors with producer and industry representation in addition to leaders of the national labeling initiatives, pending ISO 65 accreditation for the Fair Trade certification and monitoring systems, and improved support for international market growth of all fair trade products in 17 markets. Kimberly Easson of TransFair USA made a presentation about the US market success over the last two years since Fair Trade Certified coffee was launched in the US. The Forum was a mini “United Nations” of individuals dedicated to supporting the growth and development of the Fair Trade labeling system and improving living conditions and livelihoods for agricultural producers around the world.