Is Starbucks on the Boycott List?
In recent times, Starbucks has come across many challenges which have increased pressure from diverse groups calling for a boycott yet the nuance lies in which lists the entity actually finds itself on.
Not on the official BDS boycott list
In contrast to some claims, Starbucks is not listed by the Palestinian-led Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) organisation.
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BDS’s actual formal list scrutinises entities which are directly complicit in Israel’s occupation, such as Siemens, Puma & Ahava but not Starbucks.
Starbucks Middle East States:
“Is it true that Starbucks or Howard Schultz provides financial support to Israel?
No. This is absolutely untrue. Rumors that Starbucks or Howard provides financial support to the Israeli government and/or the Israeli Army are unequivocally false. Starbucks is a publicly held company and as such, is required to disclose any corporate giving each year through a proxy statement.
Has Starbucks ever sent any of its profits to the Israeli government and/or Israeli army?
No. This is absolutely untrue.”
Why pro‑Palestine activists target Starbucks
The push for a boycott increased in velocity following Starbucks’ legal action taken against the Starbucks Workers United (SWU) union over a pro‑Palestine social media tweet.
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Though Starbucks said it remains “politically neutral,” some have argued the lawsuit appears retaliatory, prompting solidarity-driven boycotts.
Some commentators state, Starbucks’ ubiquity & the cultural resonance of coffee in Muslim and Arab societies have amplified the boycott’s symbolic force.
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Allegations of indirect financial links
Some consumers allege that profits taken by Starbucks may indirectly support Israel mainly via major investors like Vanguard and BlackRock, or through former CEO Howard Schultz’s personal investments though the entity denies any direct financial ties to the Israeli government.
Financial impact and response
Starbucks itself acknowledges an economic hit to revenue which has been linked to boycott activity. CEO Brian Niccol recently called the global backlash “unfortunate,” acknowledging losses in sales as well as market value, particularly in Middle Eastern markets.
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In the UK, a 4 % sales decline for the 2023–24 fiscal year was linked, in part, to inflation & boycott related consumer sentiment.
Verdict
While Starbucks isn’t on the official BDS “boycott list,” it has nonetheless become a focal point for boycott movements pushed by symbolic acts, labour disputes & perceived indirect policy alignments.
Whether to participate in the boycott is ultimately the choice of individual customers based on their own ethical frameworks & beliefs.
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References
The Guardian & The Times: UK sales and tax impacts, Apr 2025
CJPME Factsheet on Starbucks boycott, May 2024
“Starbucks isn’t actually on the BDS list…” by Sonia Ahmad, Nov 2023
NDTV: Why Starbucks Is Facing Global Boycott Calls, Aug 2024
Time Magazine: What to Know About the Global Boycott Movement Against Israel, Feb 2024
Wikipedia: Criticism of Starbucks & Starbucks boycott in Gaza, updated recently
Siasat.com: CEO speaks on boycott’s impact, Feb 2025
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