The Everyday Diversity series aims to highlight the diversity in the world around us, specifically in the leadership of the companies we support. In this article, we’re looking at top companies that bottle and market coffee products.
For comparative reasons, please keep in mind that the United States population is 40% people of color and 60% white. Additionally, the United States population is 51% women and 49% men.
Your tasty seasonal Starbucks drink might contain ethically sourced coffee, but are the decision-makers of your favorite coffee establishment representative of their consumer demographic?
With over 15,000 coffeehouses in the United States and an additional 35,000 worldwide, Starbucks has the second-largest quick-service restaurant brand value as of 2020. Despite this, only 21% of their leadership team are people of color. The company’s gender breakdown is relatively equal, with approximately half of the Starbucks leadership team being women.
If Starbucks is a little overpriced for your everyday liking, you might find yourself in the McDonald’s drive-thru. The fast food corporation has about equal POC representation in comparison to Starbucks, with 22% of their decision-makers being people of color.
The fast food brand is a household name, yet it has approximately 7% less women and 18% less POC in decision-making positions when compared to the United States population. Still, in comparison to the iconic red tin coffee brand Folgers, McDonald’s and Starbucks show much more representation in their leadership positions.
For those who like to brew at home, Folgers is the largest-selling ground coffee brand in the United States and has been since the 1990s. Currently, Folgers is owned by the J.M. Smucker Company – a company with nearly 96% of its leadership being white despite the coffee being produced in places in Asia and Mexico.
Thanks to the leadership in its parent company, Folgers has one of the lowest diversity representations out of major coffee brands – approximately 36% less POC compared to the United States’ population. J.M. Smucker’s gender breakdown is also less representative than other brands, with approximately 40% of their leadership team being women.
Sourced from balance, these statistics show us that roughly 78-96% of leadership in top coffee brands are white people, and roughly 52-56% are men.
Very balanced article. Good statistical analysis done for each is the Coffee companies. Interesting facts and setting up a mood for a Cup of Coffee.