Starbucks achieves growth in its top 10 global markets: how and how much has it grown? Merca2.0
26 de Mayo, 2026 18:25
Starbucks achieves growth in its top 10 global markets: how and how much has it grown? The international coffee chain confirmed a significant improvement in its performance during the second quarter of fiscal 2026, reporting comparable sales growth in its main international markets for the first time in nine consecutive quarters.
This result is part of a broader recovery context for the company, which reached global revenue of 9.5 billion dollars and year-over-year growth close to 9%, driven by improved demand and more efficient execution of its global strategy.
How much has Starbucks grown globally in 2026?
During the second fiscal quarter, Starbucks reported 6.2% growth in global comparable sales, reflecting a sustained recovery in its main markets. In particular, the international segment recorded a nearly 8% increase in revenue, reaching approximately 2.1 billion dollars.
In addition, international comparable sales grew 2.6%, mainly driven by an increase in transactions, indicating higher customer traffic in its stores.
This growth adds to the performance of North America, where comparable sales increased 7.1%, consolidating a quarter in which Starbucks achieved simultaneous progress in revenue, traffic and average ticket.
Which markets are driving international growth?
One of the most relevant figures in the report is that Starbucks’ 10 most important international markets —including China, Japan, South Korea and Mexico— recorded comparable sales growth, something that had not been seen in the last nine quarters.
In Japan, the company highlighted outstanding performance, driven by an increase in tourism and strong momentum in its product offering. South Korea also showed positive results, with product launches that generated high demand, such as new beverages that exceeded one million units sold in their first week.
For its part, China —one of Starbucks’ key markets— reported growth driven by an increase in transactions, consolidating its position as the leading out-of-home coffee market for consumers in that country.
How is Starbucks achieving this global growth?
Growth in international markets is the result of a combination of strategic factors. Among them is the implementation of the “Back to Starbucks” strategy, which seeks to strengthen the customer experience, improve store operations and accelerate menu innovation.
The company has invested in optimizing processes, improving service times and reinforcing its product offering, which has made it possible to increase both visit frequency and average spending per customer.
Likewise, the strengthening of the Starbucks Rewards program and the expansion of its digital ecosystem have helped increase engagement with consumers in different regions.
What role do expansion and the international business model play?
Starbucks continues to bet on international expansion as one of its main growth engines. The company currently has more than 41,000 stores globally, with a significant presence in markets outside the United States.
In this context, the company is moving toward a model increasingly based on licensing in international markets, allowing it to reduce operating costs and increase efficiency.
One example of this strategy is the reconfiguration of its business in China, where Starbucks has established an alliance with Boyu Capital, transforming its operation toward a hybrid model that combines brand control with local efficiency.
What impact does this growth have on Starbucks’ profitability?
The positive performance in international markets has had a direct impact on Starbucks’ profitability. During the quarter, the operating margin of the international segment rose significantly, surpassing 19%, driven by operational efficiencies and changes in the business structure.
This result contrasts with the margin pressure observed in North America, where rising costs —stemming from inflation, coffee prices and tariffs— have affected profitability.
However, international growth is partially offsetting these challenges, positioning itself as a key pillar for the company’s global financial performance.
Looking ahead to the rest of the fiscal year, Starbucks maintains a moderate but sustained growth outlook. The company projects an increase of at least 5% in global comparable sales, supported by the strength of its international markets.
In addition, store network expansion is expected to continue, with the opening of between 600 and 650 new locations globally, a significant share of them in markets outside the United States.
In an environment marked by macroeconomic uncertainty, Starbucks trusts that its global strategy, its capacity for innovation and the strength of its brand will allow it to maintain the momentum observed in the second quarter.
