Starbucks steps aside in coffee row

US coffee chain Starbucks has stepped aside in a trademark row with Ethiopia in what was being pitched as a case of corporate bullying.

Starbucks was heavily criticised for trying to stop Ethiopia trademarking two of its coffees, thereby securing farmers a higher price for their crop.

Ethiopia, the birthplace of coffee wants to trademark its Sidamo and Harar beans.

Starbucks, perhaps mindful over the criticism directed at it over the issue, has now said it will now not stand in the way.

Starbucks Senior Vice President said: "We are perceived as a large and successful target, that may be the reason.

"I know that the Ethiopians themselves do not need someone to speak for them. But they can deal directly with the people who can create the demand for the product and that's us."

But Oxfam spokesman Seth Petchers said the announcement did not go far enough.

"While it is useful that Starbucks has made that commitment, it still falls short of them acknowledging that Ethiopia owns these names," he said.

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