(Ian Ritter is national online editor for GlobeSt.com/RETAIL.)

SEATTLE-Starbucks is increasing its international expansion plans from a target of 15,000 units to 20,000 due to expected growth in various new markets. By the end of the 2007 calendar year, the coffee giant plans to open its first stores in Brazil, Russia, India and Egypt, giving it a presence in 40 countries.

The news comes after executives revealed last month that they were increasing this year's opening target from 1,800 coffeehouses to 2,000. Next year 2,400 new units are projected. Starbucks currently operates 12,000 stores worldwide.

The first units in Cairo, Egypt; and Sao Paulo, Brazil; could open as early as the end of this year. The locally-based company's joint-venture partner in Egypt M.H. Alshaya, and it is partnering with a firm called Starbucks Brasil Comercio de Cafes in Brazil.