Since its inception in 1971, Starbucks Corporation has been one of the leading roaster and retailer of specialty coffee in the world. Based in Tempe, Ariz., the firm produces a range of branded consumer products globally, such as ready-to-drink beverages, packaged coffees and premium ice creams. Its brand portfolio features Starbucks Coffee, Tazo Tea, Seattle's Best Coffee and Torrefazione Italia Coffee. The firm operates 16,635 stores of which 7,803 are licensed stores functioning throughout 50 countries.