Starbucks Corp to support business in Ethiopia's capital

Starbucks Corp to support business in Ethiopia's capital

Starbucks Corp. will open a farmer support center in Ethiopia's capital next year to help growers improve the quality of their coffees and boost production using sustainable practices.

The world's largest specialty coffee retailer has a similar center in Costa Rica and says the one in Addis Ababa will be the first of its kind in Africa.

Earlier this year, Starbucks and the Ethiopian government agreed to work together to promote three of the African nation's prized specialty coffees.

The licensing, distribution and marketing deal signed in June supports the country's bid to win trademarks for the coffee names Yirgacheffe, Harar and Sidamo, which officials believe will benefit farmers.