KINGSTON, Jamaica – Starbucks Coffee Company today announced that it has entered a licensing agreement giving Caribbean Coffee Traders Limited (CCTL) the exclusive rights to own and operate Starbucks stores in Jamaica.

CCTL is a consortium led by Margaritaville Caribbean Group, a leading restaurant management and franchise operator in the Caribbean.According to the company’s website, Jamaica will be Starbucks’ 17th market in the Latin America and Caribbean region, with the first store slated to open in Montego Bay.“Jamaica is a country blessed with a rich culture and heritage, particularly with its locally-grown and world renowned Blue Mountain coffee, which Starbucks has sourced as a specialty offering for over 40 years,” said Ricardo Rico, Starbucks general manager and vice president for Latin America operations.“We are delighted to build on this legacy and continue our expansion into the Caribbean by introducing the Starbucks Experience in Jamaica for the first time. As we position the brand for continued growth, we are proud to add Caribbean Coffee Traders to our strong network of licensing partners and leverage their proven market capabilities to reach new customers.”CCTL is a joint venture between Ian Dear, Chief Executive Officer of Margaritaville Caribbean Group and Adam Stewart, Deputy Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Sandals Resorts International.