Since its inception in 1971, Starbucks Corporation has been one of the leading roaster and retailer of specialty coffee in the world. Based in Carlsbad, Calif., the firm produces a wide range of branded consumer products globally, such as ready-to-drink beverages, packaged coffees and premium ice creams. Its brand portfolio features Starbucks Coffee, Tazo Tea, Seattle s Best Coffee and Torrefazione Italia Coffee. The firm operates a total of 16,635 stores of which 7,803 are licensed stores functioning throughout 50 countries.