Summer is looking brighter, bolder and more fair-trade chic for coffee lovers! All Across Africa is partnering with Starbucks to bring a colorful collection of eye-catching handwoven gift items and home goods to Reserve™ Roastery locations in the U.S. and Italy. 

Among the array of artisan African products to be offered later this month at Starbucks Reserve™ locations in Seattle, Chicago, New York and Milan are intricately weaved coffee tumblers, soulful storage baskets of all sizes and shapes, and one-of-a-kind wall statements that enhance any room and evoke the luxurious spirit of indoor/outdoor living – all inspired by Starbucks’ new Rwanda Hingakawa Reserve® coffee.

As always, items in All Across Africa’s collection for Starbucks Reserve™ use responsibly sourced natural materials and are handcrafted by Rwandan women in rural villages, providing them the opportunity to learn microbusiness practices and earn much-needed income – as well as celebrate and share their African culture.

In addition to retail sales of these high-end home goods and decorative gift items in Starbucks Reserve™ locations, the interior décor of Starbucks’ new flagship Reserve store in Milan will feature elegant and timeless furnishing accessories that showcase All Across Africa’s Rwandan weavers and complement the many blends of African coffees Starbucks serves.

“We’re so proud to partner with Starbucks on this beautiful collection. The artistry and craftsmanship of our Rwandan artisans is incredible,” said Alicia Wallace, chief operating officer of All Across Africa. “Starbucks’ commitment to community, sustainability and women in leadership shines bright with this partnership, creating sustainable wages for more than 500 women in Rwanda.”

{{images-3}}

Each product is made with all-natural fibers, two hands and a sewing needle out of an artisan’s home, allowing women in rural African communities to take care of their families while also having a career that pays a living wage – while encouraging socially conscious U.S. consumers to better understand the cultural and economic conditions of Eastern African nations and “purchase with purpose.”

With our shared goals of helping alleviate poverty and uplifting communities in sub-Saharan Africa, the All Across Africa and Starbucks partnership makes “good business and social-impact sense,” Wallace added. 

“We love that Starbucks is giving its customers an opportunity to connect with a community of artisans who are working to create a better life for themselves and their families,” Wallace said. “Each product comes with a note from the woman who create it and is another way Starbucks is investing in the success of Rwandan communities and helping its customers connect with the people and places that grow its coffee.”

Another highlight of the partnership with All Across Africa is that this will be the first time the globally recognized Nest Seal will appear in any Starbucks. The Nest Seal designation is a widely respected symbol of assurance that the items being sold have been ethically handcrafted in a home or small workshop, fair wages are paid, and children are not employed.

“Coffee lovers in the U.S. and Italy can now sip their Starbucks cappuccino and purchase an authentic, artisan woven creation knowing that they’re part of this incredible global effort to help rural African women find meaningful work and make dignified contributions to their communities,” said Wallace.