23 September 2008 - Starbucks has announced that it will be opening its first coffeehouse in Alfrgide, Portugal on 30 September.
Alvaro Salafranca, General Director of Starbucks Coffee Spain and Starbucks Coffee Portugal, commented: "We are humbled and proud to introduce Starbucks Coffee and the unique Starbucks Experience to customers across the Iberian Peninsula with the opening of our first store in Portugal, a country filled with tradition and a rich coffee culture".
Luis Mello, Operation Director of Starbucks Coffee Portugal, added: "We are thrilled that we will be able to share our passion for high-quality arabica coffee and the Starbucks Experience with the people of Portugal ... Additionally, we are excited to offer some traditional Portuguese favorite food items in innovative ways that are complementary to our high-quality coffees".
Starbucks said that it has been working closely with small specialty Portuguese food companies in order to develop food items that use local ingredients and are exclusive to Portugal. These will include Pastel de Nata (custard tart) and Pastel de Feijao (almonds and sweet bean pastries).