These standards were more comprehensive than the "fair trade" standards seen in recent years. Starbucks provided a broader range of protections, because it deeply understood that the coffee plantations were part of its future.
這套採購原則甚至比近年來的「公平貿易」規範更周詳、照顧的範圍更廣，因為星巴克深知咖啡農就是他們的未來。星巴克總部並會對咖啡農進行查核與評分，只要獲得最高評等的，每磅咖啡可提高 10 美分採購價格（2002 年每磅平均價格為 1.2 美元），並有優先供應權。