Starbucks franchise operators across the Middle East and Southeast Asia are losing significant business amid boycotts linked to the Israel-Hamas war, and at least one has started laying off employees. “I think all those who are boycotting Starbucks Malaysia should know that it is a Malaysia-owned company,” he said. A similar post was published on the site for Starbucks in the Middle East. In January, Starbucks cut its global annual sales forecast as the Israel-Hamas war hurt the business of its licensees in the Middle East. Starbucks said it would continue to grow its business in the Middle East, including working with Alshaya Group in developing plans for the region.

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Persons: Vincent Tan, ”, Laxman Narasimhan, Howard Schultz Organizations: Starbucks, Alshaya, Hamas, Food Berhad, Starbucks Malaysia, Alshaya Group Locations: East, Southeast Asia, Israel, Kuwait, North Africa, United States, Malaysia