I think it's aimed at consumers, trying to patch up their public relations. Taken at face value (and overlooking the comments), it does sound vaguely comforting

I think it's aimed at consumers, trying to patch up their public relations. Taken at face value (and overlooking the comments), it does sound vaguely comforting - they quote a big number for taxes paid, protest that they're not making much money, and talk about the local things they source (so caring of them, not to fly sandwiches in from China!). If you were unsure, but kind of liked going to Starbucks, I imagine you could well go away thinking that maybe the allegations were overblown.