A Starbucks coffee shop in Riyadh on Jan. 16.
Photographer: Tasneem Alsultan/Bloomberg
Starbucks, Coke Boycotts Over Gaza War Are Boosting Middle East Rivals
Many consumers are shunning foreign brands as the Israel-Hamas conflict’s repercussions spread.
Since the Israel-Hamas war began in October, Nayera Ahmed, a 19-year-old mass communications student in Cairo, has stopped hanging out at her local Starbucks. The American coffee chain has appeared on several consumer boycott lists being circulated on Egyptian social media.
“Me and my friends, we used to go to Starbucks all the time, now it’s a shame if you’re seen at one of those,” Ahmed said. “It’s the least we can do. Why would I buy from these Western companies?”