Starbucks Set to Rock Italy's Cafe Culture

L O N D O N, April 30 -- It's L.A. Story meets Europe — a scene reminiscent of Steve Martin's musings on excessive, ridiculous coffee preferences from his satirical 1991 film.

Imagine the French, for example, consuming triple-shot soy milk lattes, the Italians downing almond mocha espressos, or perhaps the Swiss insisting upon half-caf skimmed macciattos?

It seems unlikely to some, but it may become a real possibility. That's because European nations — including Italy, which introduced the coffeehouse to the world more than 400 years ago — now face an American challenge to this treasured, and once unique, institution.

Going Softly, Softly into Europe

The Seattle-based coffee powerhouse, Starbucks, has announced plans to expand its 4,000-strong empire with some 650 branches planned for continental Europe.

Starbucks is currently opening new branches worldwide at a rate of three per day. "We're taking a softly, softly approach when it comes to Europe," explained a spokeswoman for Starbucks Europe. "We expect to open shops in the big four countries — Italy, Germany, France and Spain — in the next 24 to 36 months."

The company has had branches for some time outside of the United States, in places as far and wide as Thailand, Dubai, and Saudi Arabia. In many of these countries, Starbucks coffee struck its customers as exotic, enticing, and addictive. The Japanese are particularly addicted to the American import, with over 200 outlets serving customers throughout the country.

But now, Starbucks is attempting to encroach upon what Europe considers its own pride and joy, not to be challenged by outside imitators.

Italians Protect Coffee Culture

In Italy — where one city has already formed an association to protect historic cafés — a battle lies ahead.

For Italians, drinking their coffee is as routine as breathing — a recent survey found that 70 million cups of espresso are drunk in Italy each year. That's 600 shots per person, consumed in any of Italy's 110,000 coffee bars. Milan, nexus of the fashion world, has some 600 cafés alone.