The fast-growing specialty coffee chain is investing heavily in European expansion and currently operates 35 stores across Portugal, France, Spain, Austria and Italy
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Nearly half of The Coffee’s 78 international stores are in Europe | Photo credit: The Coffee
Brazilian specialty coffee group The Coffee has launched in Italy with a store in Milan.
Founded in 2018, Curitiba-based The Coffee currently operates 280 stores across 14 markets globally, with over two-thirds of its sites in its home market. However, the small format coffee chain is significantly investing in European expansion as part of plans to reach 1,500 international outlets by the end of 2028, with nearly half of its 78 international site in Europe.
The fast-growing specialty coffee chain made its international debut in Spain in 2021 before expanding to France and Portugal, where it also operates a roastery to supply its international sites. The Coffee returned to European expansion this year with a debut in Austria in September 2024 and reports having three further European market debuts in the pipeline.
“We are excited about our expansion in Europe, especially in France and Austria, where our stores are performing very well, and soon in the Netherlands, Germany and Switzerland. We are making a sizeable investment to expand in Europe as we see a great product market fit,” The Coffee CEO Carlos Fertonani told World Coffee Portal in October 2024.
Italy’s coffee shop market has historically been led by domestic chains and local independents, with few international branded chains finding success in the birthplace of espresso. However, there has been a shift in recent years, with Starbucks doubling its footprint since 2022 to reach 46 sites and fellow established international brands Costa Coffee, Pret A Manger and Paul entering the market.
CapSur-backed The Coffee expects international stores to generate the majority of revenues by 2028. Its international portfolio also comprises stores in Mexico, Peru, Chile, Malaysia, Thailand, The UAE, Puerto Rico, Guatemala and Armenia. Outside of Europe, The Coffee has sites in development in Canada, Australia and El Salvador.