SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--On December 7th, Starbucks Coffee Company (Nasdaq:SBUX) invited the world to connect in an unprecedented event that united individuals, communities, nations and cultures through the universal language of music. Representatives from 124 countries around the world performed the legendary hit “All You Need Is Love” in celebration of Starbucks one year anniversary in partnership with (RED)^TM.

The live sing-along spanned across multiple countries, languages and time zones, and featured artists playing instruments and singing in styles that are traditional to their homelands. The performances were simultaneously streamed over the Internet to a single location in London, which featured each location’s performance. In the process, Starbucks set a new Guinness World Records^TM record for “Most Nations in an Online Sing Along.” The event is available for viewing at www.StarbucksLoveProject.com.

“We are humbled and thankful to everyone who has come together to participate in this event and make this moment possible,” said Chris Bruzzo, Starbucks vice president of Brand, Content and Online. “Joining people across the globe through music evokes the sentiment of love, a message that is synonymous with this time of the year.”

Everyone with access to a computer and video camera is invited to add their own rendition of “All You Need Is Love” to share with the world. For every video that is submitted, Starbucks will make a contribution, limited to one million submissions, to the Global Fund to continue to build on the achievements through the Starbucks partnership with (RED). By teaming with (PRODUCT) RED™, Starbucks is working together with customers, reaching out to the communities in Africa where its coffee is grown, helping to improve the lives of those living with HIV/AIDS.

STARBUCKS (PRODUCT) RED™ product has generated funds equal to more than 7 million days of medicine to the Global Fund to help fight AIDS in Africa over the past year.

About Starbucks

Since 1971, Starbucks Coffee Company has been committed to ethically sourcing and roasting the highest quality arabica coffee in the world. Today, with stores around the globe, the company is the premier roaster and retailer of specialty coffee in the world. Through our unwavering commitment to excellence and our guiding principles, we bring the unique Starbucks Experience to life for every customer through every cup. To share in the experience, please visit us in our stores or online at www.starbucks.com.

About (RED)™ and (PRODUCT) RED™

(RED)’s primary objective is to engage the private sector in raising awareness and funds for the Global Fund, to help eliminate AIDS in Africa. Companies whose products take on the (PRODUCT) RED mark contribute a significant percentage of the sales or portion of the profits from that product to the Global Fund to finance AIDS programs in Africa, with an emphasis on the health of women and children. Current partners are: American Express (U.K. only), Apple, Bugaboo, Converse, Gap, Emporio Armani, Hallmark, Dell, Starbucks, and Nike. Since its launch in the Spring of 2006, more than $140 million has been generated by (RED) for the Global Fund. (RED) money is at work in Swaziland, Rwanda, Ghana and Lesotho. For more information, visit http://www.joinred.com/.

About The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria

Since its creation in 2002, the Global Fund has become the dominant financer of programs to fight AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria, with approved funding of US $18 billion for programs in 140 countries. The Global Fund supports programs based on agreed performance targets and disburses money in response to proven results. At the end of July 2009, programs supported by the Global Fund have averted more than 4 million deaths by providing AIDS treatment for 2.3 million people, TB treatment for 5.4 million people, and by the distribution of 88 million insecticide-treated bed nets for the prevention of malaria worldwide. For more information visit http://www.theglobalfund.org.

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