Following better-than-expected sales last year, the Romanian coffee chain is targeting 33% outlet and turnover growth by the end of 2023
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5 to go opened 140 stores last year, predominantly across Romania, to reach a total of 451 | Photo credit: 5 to go
Romania’s 5 to go has reported doubling its turnover at group level in 2022 following significant outlet growth across the country.
The value-focused coffee chain reported turnover of €30m ($32m) last year, bettering its forecast of €24m ($25.8m) earlier in the year.
5 to go opened 140 stores last year, predominantly across Romania, to reach a total of 451.
Having reached a milestone of 400 outlets in its native market in October 2022, 5 to go is growing its market share in Romania, which World Coffee Portal research reported as 49% at the start of last year.
The company also operates stores in Belgium, France, Hungary and the UK.
5 to go anticipates opening 150 stores in the next 12 months, launching in a further 30 new cities and increasing its market share of the Romanian branded coffee shop market to 55%.
If achieved, the coffee chain forecasts turnover reaching €40m ($43m) at group level in 2023.
Alongside store expansion, 5 to go also credited its enhanced retail segment as boosting sales.
The company has added ready-to-drink (RTD) coffee-based products to its retail range, which also includes traditional IBRIK coffee and Nespresso-compatible 5 to go coffee capsules.
“2023 is the year of maturation for us, because 5 to go makes the transition to a multi-channel brand, crossed the HoReCa border and earns its place on retail shelves. Moreover, 5 to go products are becoming known outside the country, where we already have a presence in four countries and we have proposed to enter the fifth one this year. We have big targets and records to overcome, and for that we will continue to stay connected to the market, attentive to consumers and trends, flexible and ready to make quick decisions regarding the portfolio,” said Radu Savopol, Co-founder, 5 to go.
5 to go is by far the largest branded coffee chain in Romania ahead of Starbucks, which operates around 60 stores, and McCafé's circa 40 outlets.
The Romanian branded coffee shop market is forecast to exceed 940 outlets by 2027.