Starbucks Launches Coffee Plant Donation Program

Starbucks México, operated by Alsea, has launched the 11th edition of its coffee sustainability initiative Todos Sembramos Cafe (We All Plant Coffee), aiming to donate 815,000 rust-resistant coffee plants to growers in Chiapas, Veracruz, and Puebla.

The program, which began in 2014 in response to the spread of coffee leaf rust, has since evolved into a long-term support mechanism for coffee producers. Over the past 11 years, it has provided more than 4.8 million coffee plants and expects to surpass 5.6 million donated by the end of 2025.

According to Sarai Jiménez, Director of Reputation and ESG, Starbucks México, the program reflects a shift from emergency response to sustained rural development. “Through this cause, we generate lasting social impact by strengthening rural resilience and improving the productivity of coffee farming families,” she says.

Chiapas, Veracruz, and Puebla account for over 75% of Mexico’s total coffee production. This year’s campaign will run from June 23 to Aug. 4. For every bag of whole-bean coffee purchased in stores or online, Starbucks México will donate one coffee plant. Customers can also contribute by adding a MX$10 (US$0.53) voluntary donation at checkout or via the Starbucks Rewards app.

The initiative includes collaboration with Starbucks’ Farmer Support Center in Chiapas, which has introduced regenerative agricultural practices, installed meteorological stations for better crop planning, and distributed eco-mills that reduce water usage by up to 90% during the wet milling process.

Partners such as Fundación Alsea and Universidad Autonoma Chapingo have supported the program through soil analysis, technical training, and health services for female coffee farmers and their families.

Coffee varieties included in the campaign are Starbucks Chiapas, Espresso Roast, Verona, Sumatra, Pike Place, Kenya, and Colombia, all made with ethically sourced arabica beans.