Why Jack Ma Supports Starbucks Even Though He Doesn’t Drink Coffee

When Alibaba founder Jack Ma walked into a packed Starbuckses employee gathering in Chengdu on January 12, 2016, few expected the billionaire tech mogul—known for building one of the world’s largest ecommerce empires—to show up just to cheer on a coffee chain. But Ma wasn’t there as a customer. He came to publicly praise a company he deeply admired, even though he doesn’t drink coffee himself.

Yes, Jack Ma does not drink coffee—but he loves seeing others enjoy it in Starbucks, just as he appreciates people shopping online or debating football, even if he doesn’t do those things himself.

Jack Ma’s Unexpected Visit to Starbucks in Chengdu

Ma’s appearance at the Starbucks event wasn’t random. He and then-CEO Howard Schultz had known each other since 2009, built on mutual respect. When invited, Ma made a special trip from Hangzhou to Chengdu to speak to employees. He called Starbucks “a very great, unbelievable company,” citing the genuine smiles of baristas that seemed innate, not trained—a detail he’d carefully observed during visits to U.S. stores.

What Jack Ma Learned From Starbucks’ Culture

Ma highlighted how Starbucks created more than a coffee shop—it built a community. He admired that people visited Starbucks not just for caffeine but for connection, comfort, and a sense of lifestyle. In China especially, he noted, Starbucks became a space for people who value quality of life to meet, talk, and share experiences. For Ma, that made Starbucks more than a business; it became a symbol of modern social interaction.

He also reflected on Starbucks’ resilience and long-term vision. Despite China having no deep-rooted coffee-drinking tradition, Starbucks operated nearly 2,000 stores there—a feat Ma found remarkable. He credited Schultz’s storytelling, including a tale about a London cheese shop passed down through generations, as a lesson in commitment and passion over quick profits.

Alibaba’s Own Lessons and Parallels to Starbucks

Ma drew direct comparisons between his own company and Starbucks. He spoke about Alibaba’s formative years, including the 2003 SARS crisis when the company was quarantined, leading to the creation of Taobao and the founding of Alibaba’s “Ali Day” on May 10. That day honored employees and families, celebrated marriage ceremonies for workers, and became a symbol of gratitude and resilience. Ma stressed that just as Starbucks cared deeply for its employees and their families, so did Alibaba—and that care was central to both companies’ successes.

He also emphasized that neither Alibaba nor Starbucks were ever just about transactions: “We are not a company that sells goods. We sell trust, we sell experience.” He pointed out that people don’t spend hours chatting in grocery stores or drinking wine at parties without buying anything—yet they linger for hours in Starbucks or on Alibaba platforms. That, to him, was the power of human connection over mere commerce.

The Role of Young People, Women, and Company Culture

Ma noted with admiration the youth and diversity of Starbucks’ workforce in China, particularly its strong representation of women, including female store leaders and a female regional president. He pointed out that women often make better service professionals due to their natural inclination to care for others—a trait he said was vital in industries focused on experience. He also stressed the value of young employees, calling youth “the most precious wealth.”

For Ma, a great workplace isn’t defined by its leader alone but by employees who understand their role, contributions, and sense of partnership. He urged young workers to find good companies and great bosses, claiming that a good boss matters more than a good company—and the ideal is finding both.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did Jack Ma really say he doesn’t drink coffee?

Yes, in his 2016 speech at a Starbucks employee event in Chengdu, Jack Ma explicitly stated, “I myself don’t drink coffee, but that doesn’t mean I don’t appreciate and like seeing others drink coffee.” He specifically mentioned enjoying watching people drink coffee in Starbucks.

Why did Jack Ma visit the Starbucks event in Chengdu?

Jack Ma attended because of his long-standing respect for Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz. The two had known each other since 2009, and Ma was invited to speak. Despite being based in Hangzhou, Ma made a special trip to Chengdu to deliver a keynote address praising Starbucks’ culture and business philosophy.

What did Jack Ma admire most about Starbucks?

Ma admired Starbucks for creating a genuine customer experience, not just selling coffee. He was impressed by the authentic warmth of its staff, the sense of community it fostered, and its ability to thrive in China despite the lack of a strong coffee-drinking culture. He also respected the company’s long-term vision and employee care.

How did Ma compare Starbucks to Alibaba?

Ma drew multiple parallels, emphasizing that both companies focus on trust, relationships, and community rather than purely transactional goals. He compared Starbucks’ employee care to Alibaba’s own family-centric values, including the creation of Ali Day and mass wedding ceremonies for employees, highlighting shared beliefs in people-first leadership.

What lessons did Ma say he learned from Howard Schultz?

One key story Ma recounted was Schultz’s anecdote about a multigenerational cheese shop in a high-rent area of London. The shop’s owner stayed in business not for profit alone, but out of love for the craft and community. Ma used this to illustrate the power of passion, commitment, and staying true to one’s values over time.

What does Ma believe is the future of successful businesses?

Ma argued that successful companies must focus on people, purpose, and shared values. He believed technology alone doesn’t change the world—dreams and ideals do. For businesses to last, they must uphold transparency, responsibility, and a commitment to letting others succeed, all while staying true to their original mission.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Coffee Shop Culture

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