The Greek coffee market, having honed its craft in a highly demanding domestic environment, is aggressively exporting its culture and expertise abroad.
Over the last decade, the sector has recorded impressive growth, with major players transitioning from local favourites to international contenders. By capitalising on the Greek coffee culture and investing heavily in quality and innovation, these chains are claiming market share in mature and competitive global markets.
Leading the charge are seven major chains—Coffee Island, Coffee Berry, Coffee Lab, Flocafe, Gregory’s, Mikel Coffee, and Carpo—all employing flexible franchise models to expand across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and North America.
Originating in Patras 27 years ago, Coffee Island has evolved into a global leader in specialty coffee. The chain currently operates a massive network of over 420 stores across 50 prefectures and 92 cities in Greece, alongside more than 60 international locations spanning four continents. Its global footprint includes Cyprus, the UK (London), Switzerland, Romania, Spain, Canada, Egypt, Dubai, Bulgaria, Iraq, France, and India.
Recent expansion has been rapid. In late 2025, the company expanded into three strategic markets: Egypt, Iraq, and India. Most recently, it made its debut in Paris with a new store in Montmartre. To support this network, Coffee Island processes 1,900 tonnes of coffee annually at its own facilities via direct trade partnerships. It established a roasting and processing unit in Egypt to serve local demand. The chain employs 206 full-time staff, collaborates with over 390 franchisees, and supports over 4,600 jobs throughout its network, while sustaining 1,200 Greek supplier companies.
Mikel Coffee, which began its journey in Larissa in 2008, has become one of the fastest-growing coffee stores. From its first international step in London in 2015, the chain has grown to operate over 400 stores in more than 20 countries. Key markets include Turkey, Cyprus, Albania, Germany, and Saudi Arabia, with new stores opening towards Asia. Mikel operates via a master franchise model where the parent company provides the brand and training while local partners handle investment and operations.
With a history dating back to 1972, Gregory’s is a staple of the Greek market that is also strengthening its position abroad. The chain numbers over 360 stores in Greece and internationally, with presence in Cyprus, Romania, and Germany. The brand is executing an ambitious expansion plan in Cyprus. Three new stores have recently opened in Nicosia and two in Larnaca, bringing the Cypriot total to 11. The momentum continues with four additional stores scheduled to open in Paphos, Nicosia, and Larnaca in the first half of 2026.
Founded in 2003, Coffee Berry has grown to more than 220 stores across Greece and abroad. By the end of 2025, the company had established a presence in six countries across three continents: Greece, Cyprus, Egypt, Germany, Morocco, and Hungary.
A significant milestone was reached in December 2025 with the inauguration of a store at Budapest Airport, a hub serving over 17.5 million visitors annually. To oversee its international strategy, the company has created an Advisory Board of distinguished executives to guide its expansion into new territories.
Starting from Chalkida in 2009 and launching its franchise model in 2015, Coffee Lab was the first Greek chain to embrace the 3rd wave coffee concept which treats the drink more as a craft beverage. The chain now boasts over 170 stores in Greece and international markets including England, Germany, Egypt, Cyprus, and Bulgaria.
Egypt has become a major focus for Coffee Lab, where it currently operates 17 stores. In November 2025, the company announced the installation of a new production unit in Egypt to supply its growing network in North Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, reinforcing its B2B and B2C capabilities in the region.
Flocafe, the oldest coffee store chain in the sector (established 1994), has rebranded itself as the FLOCAFE Espresso Room. With over 100 stores, it maintains a strong presence in Greece and abroad, including the UK, Egypt, Cyprus, Kuwait, Bulgaria, Hungary, Qatar, and the Netherlands.
A member of the Vivartia group, Flocafe specialises in enclosed markets and transit hubs, holding a leading position in malls, ships, airports, hospitals, and highway service stations.
Founded in 1991 as a nut and dried fruit trader, Carpo expanded into retail in 2011, combining coffee, chocolate, and nuts. Its international breakthrough came in London in 2013, followed by high-profile openings in the Dubai Mall and Abu Dhabi’s Marina Mall.
Carpo is now poised for massive expansion in the Middle East through an exclusive franchise agreement with Americana Restaurants International Plc. The partnership targets Kuwait and Qatar, with plans for Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, and the first stores under this agreement are expected to open in early 2026.
