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Consumers’ chances of finding their “double tall skinny vanilla latte”, (or any of Starbucks’ claimed 55,000 beverage varieties and combinations), are increasing as Starbucks continues its worldwide expansion. There are already 10,500 Starbucks locations spread across 37 countries, and each day sees another five being inaugurated. Despite the fact that “There’s an awful lot of coffee in Brazil”, the company has its sights set on major growth there, as well as in Russia and India. With 200 outlets already operating in China, Starbucks say the People’s Republic is on track to being its biggest market outside the USA. This would be impressive, considering that the plan is to double the number of American Starbucks locations to 15,000. Howard Schultz, Starbucks’ chairman and “chief global strategist” is determined that your local coffee house will be “a third place between home and work”. Just make sure you have at least $4 – probably more like $6 – to pay for your coffee before you park your parka on the Starbucks sofa. (Source: The Economist)