For Immediate Release December 1, 2011

Contact: Rahel Gebreyes (555)-555-5555 gebreyes@usc.edu

STARBUCKS SPREADS HOLIDAY SPIRIT WITH LETS MERRY CAMPAIGN New Line of Seasonal Beverages Announced SEATTLEToday, Starbucks Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Howard Shultz, announced Starbucks new Lets Merry campaign, which gives customers the opportunity to fight HIV/AIDS while sipping a warm holiday beverage. The campaign, which began on World AIDS Day and will run through the end of December, features three new seasonal beverages that customers can enjoy in their signature red holiday cups. Starbucks patrons can choose from the Gingerbread Latte, the Caramel Brule Latte or the Peppermint Mocha, which is also available in a lighter version with just 110 calories for a Tall (12oz.) beverage. The Lets Merry campaign brings in the holiday season with a variety of tasty seasonal drinks said Schultz. Our hand-crafted beverages are made with real ingredients like gingerbread and peppermint to evoke the spirit and, more importantly, the taste of the holiday season. As part of the campaign and Starbucks partnership with (RED) , Starbucks will make a five cent donation to The Global Fund to Fight AIDS for each holiday beverage sold. Since launching its partnership with (RED) in December 2008, Starbucks has contributed nearly $10 million to the Global Fund to help those living with HIV/AIDS in Africa. We hope to continue this tradition with our holiday campaign, said Schultz. With each delicious seasonal drink sold, Starbucks will take another step towards eradicating HIV/AIDS from the globe. About Starbucks Coffee Company Since 1971, Starbucks Coffee Company has been committed to ethically sourcing and roasting the highest quality arabica coffee in the world. Today,

with stores around the globe, the company is the premier roaster and retailer of specialty coffee in the world. Through our unwavering commitment to excellence and our guiding principles, we bring the unique Starbucks Experience to life for every customer through every cup. Find out more at www.starbucks.com. About (RED)and (PRODUCT)RED (RED) engages business and consumer power in the fight against AIDS. To date, (RED) partners and events have generated over $180 million for The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. This money has supported HIV/AIDS programs that have reached more than 7.5 million people affected by AIDS in Africa. Current (PRODUCT)RED Proud Partners include: American Express (UK only), Apple, Beats by Dr. Dre, Belvedere, Bugaboo, Converse, Dell, Gap, Nike, Penfolds and Starbucks and Special Edition partners include: FEED, Girl Skateboards, Mophie, Nanda Home, Shazam and Solange Azagury-Partridge. Companies whose products take on the (PRODUCT)RED mark contribute a significant percentage of the sales or portion of the profits from that product to the Global Fund. On World AIDS Day 2010, (RED) launched "The AIDS Free Generation is Due in 2015" campaign. (RED) is joining the global health community in raising funds and awareness to help eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV by 2015 and helping to realize the first AIDS-free generation in nearly thirty years. Learn more at www.joinred.com. ###