Starbucks announced on Tuesday that Chipotle CEO Brian Niccol would become its new CEO, just a year after Laxman Narasimhan took over. Under Mr. Narasimhan’s leadership, Starbucks suffered a decline in sales, due in part to widespread consumer opposition to the corporation’s alleged ties to Israel. This in turn led to calls for boycotts of American coffeehouses in the Middle East and South Asia.
Why is Starbucks being boycotted?
Starbucks has been criticised for its alleged ties to Israel. Calls for a boycott have grown, especially since Israel’s ongoing war in Gaza has killed nearly 40,000 Palestinians and injured nearly 100,000.
The controversy started with a fake letter claiming that Starbucks was funding the Israeli army. This caused outrage, especially in areas sympathetic to the Palestinian cause. The boycott gained momentum especially on social media platforms like TikTok and X, where the hashtag #boycottstarbucks was viewed millions of times. Many people are still saying that Starbucks is either directly or indirectly supporting Israel.
But there is more to it. Starbucks is an American company, and the US has been a staunch ally of Israel, providing substantial military aid and diplomatic support for their 10-month-long military campaign in Gaza. Since October 7, in what Israel has described as a “retaliatory” action, nearly all schools and hospitals have been targeted and dozens of tent camps have been bombed, killing thousands of people – most of them children and women. Some 360 square kilometers of Gaza has been reduced to rubble. At least 1.9 million people have been internally displaced, many of whom have had to move nine to ten times during this war.
Progressive groups in the US and abroad have become increasingly vocal in their opposition to Israeli policies, prompting boycotts of US companies seen as pro-Israel.
Starbucks’ Stance on the Israeli Holocaust
Starbucks has strongly denied claims that it supports Israel or any other government or military operation in the Middle East. In a statement, the coffee giant said they “condemn violence” and emphasized their commitment to providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for all customers around the world.
“Starbucks is a global company committed to providing a place where everyone, wherever they live in the world, feels welcome and a sense of belonging. Our hearts are broken for everyone affected by the violence and conflict in the Middle East. We have always condemned violence against innocent people,” he wrote.
The company reiterated that it had “never contributed to any government or military operation,” but the damage was done, and the brand still faces criticism, especially in the Middle East. In response to declining sales, Starbucks’ Middle East franchisees had to lay off 2,000 employees in March.
Call for boycott on other brands too
Starbucks is not the only company facing these challenges. Other global brands have also been boycotted due to their perceived or actual ties to Israel.
Fast food giant McDonald’s was boycotted for its support of Israel. The controversy began when Omri Padan, CEO of McDonald’s Israeli franchise, offered free meals to the Israeli army. The move was seen as support for the Israeli military, leading to calls for a boycott. The boycott also gained momentum in other countries such as Kuwait, Malaysia and Pakistan, where consumers accused McDonald’s of taking a pro-Israel stance.
Disney+ has faced boycotts due to its perceived support of Israel, with activists calling for a boycott of the platform. Clothing brand Zara was boycotted after its marketing campaign featured rubble and body bags, leading to protests outside stores in several countries. Critics called the campaign “voiceless”, forcing the clothing brand to remove it from all platforms.
Puma has faced a boycott for sponsoring the Israeli Football Association.
Other fast-food chains have also faced boycotts in the Middle East due to their alleged support of Israel. Domino’s, Pizza Hut and KFC have faced challenges in the region, while Burger King has faced a boycott in Turkey due to its alleged support of Israel. Coca-Cola has also faced similar boycotts in Turkey and parts of South Asia.
