Which company did Starbucks acquire in 2003 to expand its coffee business?

Starbucks acquired Seattle Coffee Company in 2003 to expand its coffee business.

Seattle Coffee Company was a South African coffee company, not the similarly named UK business that Starbucks used for its British expansion. Starbucks’ 2003 acquisition strengthened its position in South Africa and added an established local café operation.

The name causes frequent confusion because Starbucks also acquired the UK-based Seattle Coffee Company in 1998 and converted its stores to the Starbucks brand. These were separate businesses in different markets.

The 2003 transaction therefore belongs to Starbucks’ African expansion history. It should not be mixed up with the earlier UK deal, despite the shared company name.