2nd Jul 2025 14:34
(Alliance News) - Cooks Coffee Co Ltd on Wednesday said that continued growth in the UK and Ireland was driven by increased demand, as the amount of sites rose.
The Auckland, New Zealand-based coffee chain said systemwide store sales in the two countries were up 28% to GBP10.2 million in the first financial quarter that ended Monday, from GBP8.0 million a year prior.
UK systemwide sales jumped 30%, with like-for-like sales up 2.8%. The company said it opened seven new stores and closed one, which brought the number of UK stores to 77 as at the end of June.
Ireland systemwide store sales were up 23%, with like-for-like sales up 6.6%. Store numbers remained at 18, with one new large store opening in Mallow in County Cork, while one small store is planned to close in Castlecomer, County Kilkenny.
"The new Mallow store, located in Dairygold Co-op Super Store Garden Centre, has performed exceptionally well, becoming the group's top-performing store globally by sales," Cooks Coffee said.
It added that it had a "strong" pipeline of new stores anticipated in the UK, while it actively explores additional geographies.
Chief Executive Officer Aiden Keegan said: "We are pleased to report another strong period of trading across our growing estate. It is encouraging to see the continued demand for our offering and we remain committed to reaching over 100 stores operating in the UK and Ireland by the end of this calendar year. With the anticipated growth of our store network and the strong trading momentum across the group, we are confident about the future prospects."
The total number of sites in the UK and Ireland stood at 95 as at June 30, up 6.7% from 89 at March 31.
In early May, Cooks Coffee had announced a master franchise agreement for India, signed with Sterling Coffee House Ltd, a Mohali, Punjab-based a special purpose vehicle that will manage the venture.
Cooks Coffee said the new partnership represented a "significant" step in expanding its global footprint, while marking the next phase in the international development of the Esquires brand.
Cooks Coffee since 2013 owns the global rights to Esquires Coffee which is a coffee chain focused on community and sustainability.
CEO Keegan said in May: "We are thrilled to announce the signing of the master franchise agreement for India, marking an important milestone in our international expansion strategy. India represents a dynamic and growing market, and we are confident that Sterling Coffee Houses Limited will be a great partner in bringing the Esquires Brand to new customers across the country. This partnership will enable us to extend our brand presence while benefiting from the proven operational support provided by our teams in the UK & Ireland."
Cooks Coffee shares were flat at 8.50 pence each on Wednesday afternoon in London.
By Tom Budszus, Alliance News slot editor
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