Siskinds LLP and Actis Law Group Inc. have commenced a proposed consumer class action lawsuit in the Supreme Court of British Columbia against Starbucks Coffee Canada, Inc. and Starbucks Corporation (“Starbucks”).
Misleading representations regarding ethical sourcing and “100% Arabica” coffee.
The class action lawsuit alleges that Canadian consumers may have paid a premium for Starbucks coffee products based on misleading representations regarding ethical sourcing and product composition.
Starbucks claims to be “Committed to 100% Ethical Coffee Sourcing” through its Coffee and Farmer Equity (“C.A.F.E.”) Practices program. However, investigations by journalists, human-rights organizations, and governmental bodies have documented repeated and ongoing labour and human rights violations within Starbucks’ coffee supply chain, including on farms participating in its C.A.F.E. Practices program.
In addition, the claim alleges that Starbucks markets its Decaf Coffee Products as consisting of “100% Arabica coffee”, conveying to reasonable consumers that such products are pure coffee, free from extraneous chemical substances. Contrary to these representations, it is alleged that Starbucks Decaf Coffee Products contain volatile organic compounds (“VOCs”) that are not approved for human consumption, specifically benzene and toluene.
Who is included in the Starbucks class action?
The class action is brought on behalf of all persons residing in Canada (excluding the province of Quebec) who purchased Coffee Products*.
* “Coffee Products” means all coffee bean products manufactured by Starbucks and sold with “Committed to 100% Ethical Coffee Sourcing” on its label, either by Starbucks and/or via third party retailers. This term also includes both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee beans sold in whole bean, ground, or via Keurig K-Cup formats.
A similar class action was commenced in Quebec by Actis Law Group Inc., for all persons in Quebec. For inquiries in French, please visit the Quebec class action web page.
Join the Starbucks class action today
If you would like to be updated on developments in the action, please complete the below form. Your information will be maintained in accordance with our privacy policy. By completing the form, you are not retaining Siskinds LLP, nor do you incur any obligations in connection with the action.
Have questions?
For inquiries about the Starbucks lawsuit, please email us at [email protected] or contact us by phone at 519.672.2121 or toll free at 1.800.461.6166.
By emailing Siskinds, I agree that I have read and accept the Privacy Notice and Terms of Use, and I understand that my personal information will be collected, used, and/or disclosed (“processed”) to respond to my inquiry.
FAQs
What should I do to protect my rights?
To protect your rights, you should:
- Keep any documents evidencing your purchase of Starbucks Coffee Products
- While the class action is pending, notices will be disseminated to the class members advising that they should take certain steps by specific deadlines in order to preserve their rights. This information will also be made available on Siskinds’ website. These deadlines will usually be fixed by the courts, and will need to be adhered with in order to protect your rights.
- Register to receive updates on this class action by filling out the form below.
I still have questions. Who should I contact?
For answers to common questions about class actions in Canada, such as timelines, eligibility, and settlement information, please visit our Class Action Lawsuit FAQ page.
Email us at [email protected] or contact us by phone at 519.672.2121 or toll free at 1.800.461.6166.
By emailing Siskinds, I agree that I have read and accept the Privacy Notice and Terms of Use, and I understand that my personal information will be collected, used, and/or disclosed (“processed”) to respond to my inquiry.