That Once-Counterfeited Starbucks Logo Has Appeared Here...
The Rise of "Starbucks" Lookalikes: From Venezuela to American Universities
In late December 2021, a "Starbucks Coffee" in Caracas, the capital of Venezuela, drew considerable attention from online communities. Now, the same logo has appeared not only in Venezuela but has also made its way into American universities. For those who were impressed by the counterfeit "Starbucks," this development might raise some eyebrows.
According to local media reports in Glenville, West Virginia, a coffee shop named "We Proudly Serve Starbucks" recently opened in a corner of the Glenville State University campus. The coffee shop officially opened to the public on August 15th local time, and students and faculty on campus had already tasted its offerings.
From the images provided in the report, it's visible that the logo printed on the paper sleeves at the coffee shop features an additional line reading "WE PROUDLY SERVE" above the familiar Starbucks logo. This design bears a striking resemblance to the logo of the Venezuelan counterfeit "Starbucks Coffee" that was previously reported by Coffee Workshop.
Previously, on-site media visits revealed that the Venezuelan "We Proudly Serve" coffee shop displayed the green mermaid logo on its windows. Employees wore short-sleeved shirts and green aprons printed with the counterfeit Starbucks logo. Additionally, the drink prices were significantly lower—by more than half—compared to authentic Starbucks products.
Since Venezuela was once a wealthy country, its economy began to decline starting in 2014. Water shortages, power outages, and empty store shelves became common occurrences. However, the Venezuelan people still yearn for the "high-quality" life they once enjoyed. Therefore, despite knowing it was a counterfeit "Starbucks," locals still took photos and posted them on social media to show off.
Official Response and Clarifications
Of course, when a brand is openly copied, Starbucks Corporation quickly issued an official clarification: they have not opened any stores in Venezuela.
Regarding the "We Proudly Serve" logo, according to official information from Nestlé, it actually represents "Starbucks Coffee Service." The "Starbucks Coffee Service" program is based on the global partnership between Starbucks and Nestlé. It's a coffee beverage solution implemented by Nestlé and its directly authorized distributors in channels outside of Starbucks stores.
The difference between Starbucks Coffee Service and Starbucks Coffee is that the former is a service launched by Nestlé leveraging Starbucks' brand influence, not an actual store, while the latter refers to Starbucks' own directly operated stores.
The American University Connection
According to the Glenville State University's official website, the "We Proudly Serve" coffee shop on campus has no connection to the Venezuelan counterfeit "Starbucks." This service was established in August of the previous year through an agreement with partners.
Faculty and staff at the university stated in media interviews that the arrival of the coffee shop provides a convenient place for teachers and students to socialize and enjoy coffee, improving the campus's learning environment.
The Venezuelan Counterfeit's Fate
As for the Venezuelan counterfeit "Starbucks," media reports in mid-January this year indicated that just one day after Nestlé issued a statement, the accused coffee shop covered up its brand logo and closed its business premises. The head of Venezuela's National Commerce and Services Commission issued a stern statement regarding the country's counterfeit "Starbucks." Venezuelan legal experts have stated that Venezuelan businessmen imitating well-known international brands is not legal.
Image source: Internet
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