Growth prospects for Starbucks are slowing down.   Growth in footfall is tapering off and the coffee chain has had to raise prices to offset higher dairy, rental and staff costs.  A recent spate of new store openings has resulted  in cannibalisation of existing units and many stores have grown inefficient.  It has become more difficult to recruit skilled baristas as competition within the sector increases, and the chain has become more reliant on international growth.   However, the chain still has plans to treble its global presence and forecasts for earnings growth of 20% next year remain intact.   Financial Times 6/10/07 page 14 (Lex)

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