Starbucks Secures the Beans

Starbucks To Install Cargo Security Devices

March 15, 2006

By KOMO Staff & News Services

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Starbucks Corp. announced Wednesday it will install high-tech sensors to detect tampering with its cargo containers filled with coffee beans shipped from Guatemala to Europe or the United States.

Starbucks, the world's leading coffee retailer, had participated in an ongoing study by the Homeland Security Department that warned such containers can be opened secretly during shipment to add or remove items without alerting authorities.

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Starbucks said Wednesday it will install "CommerceGuard" sensors from General Electric Co. on shipments of green coffee beans from Guatemala to detect whether anyone opened cargo containers during shipment. The sensors attach magnetically to the inside of containers and record any opening of the doors.

"We are taking a proactive approach in securing our supply chain to ensure the safety of our customers, partners, employees, communities and countries of origins," said Dorothy Kim, executive vice president of Starbucks' supply chain operations.

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