Addis Ababa, February 17, 2007 Starbucks, an American coffee retailing company, yesterday announces that it is strengthening its relationship with Ethiopia but insisted not accept the country’s claim of trade mark to its fine coffee.
In a press conference held at Sheraton Addis yesterday, Company Vice President Alian Poncelet told journalists that his company has agreed with the government of Ethiopia: “Only to work together in future relationships”.
“The recent agreement is work together. This is the agreement we have agreed,” he said.
“We have also talked about o the execution of recent pledges made by Starbucks to the benefit of African coffee growers.
Asked whether the two parties have signed an agreement on patent right, the Vice President said: “We didn’t sign any agreement on Ethiopian coffee trade marks.”
Citing, the company’s recent pledge to increase its coffee purchase in Eastern Africa two –fold over two years, Poncelet said,: “We are not taking about price but quality.
Also yesterday, the company announced plan in which it believes help African coffee farmers.
Meanwhile Government official told journalists that Ethiopia wants to see the practicality of Starbucks’ plan and its impact on Ethiopian farmers.
Source: Walta Information Center