Starbucks Mexico blends coffee, culture, and sustainability

Playa del Carmen, Mexico — Amid the tourism boom in the Mexican Caribbean, Starbucks Mexico is strengthening its presence in key southeastern destinations such as Cancún, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum with stores that go beyond the traditional coffee experience, transforming into spaces for community connection, regional identity, and environmental responsibility. Operated by Alsea, the chain aims to surpass 200 stores in high-tourism states by 2025 as part of a strategy prioritizing sustainability, regional economic development, and social inclusion.

“The southeast of Mexico inspires us with its natural, cultural, and human richness,” said Francisco Tosso, general director of Alsea Starbucks. “Each store is an opportunity to generate a positive impact.”

Playa del Carmen: Design That Inspires, Art with Identity

Starbucks Anah, located in one of the fastest-growing areas of Quinta Avenida, represents the brand’s shift toward an immersive and purpose-driven experience. This store reflects the spirit of the Riviera Maya with contemporary design embracing local culture, generating employment, and promoting responsible consumption.

Another flagship store on the same avenue stands out for its sustainable architecture and focus on local talent. Over 90% of its furniture was produced in Mexico, and its main visual attraction is an installation by Cancún-based artist Elena Caltz, who blends art, nature, and spirituality using native materials and organic forms.

Cancún: Coffee on Wheels with a Social Focus

Since 2024, the Drive-Thru store at Plaza Village in Cancún has operated with a two-level design combining functionality and warmth. It incorporates materials like chukum and Mayan crafts while maintaining a social focus by employing seniors and ensuring over 70% of its staff are women, aligning with its equity and inclusion policies.

Tulum: Architecture in Harmony with the Jungle

In Ahau Tulum, Starbucks built a space that respectfully integrates with nature. Using limestone, certified bamboo, and native vegetation, this store exemplifies ecological design while promoting local employment, environmental education, and practices like recycling and composting.

Beyond Coffee: Social Impact and Sustainability Goals

In 2024, Starbucks avoided the use of over five million disposable cups in Mexico. Additionally, in collaboration with NGOs, it developed nearly 20 social projects in southeastern communities, including beach cleanups, garden restoration, and hospital donations.

Sarai Jiménez, director of Construction and Brand Reputation, summarized this vision: “Every store can be a catalyst for positive impact. We want our experiences to leave a mark on people, their communities, and the environment we share.”