Black Sheep Coffee poised for US and UAE launches as annual sales double

Black Sheep Coffee has grown to 75 UK sites, with a further 25 in development | Photo credit: Moonglow Trading

UK-based Black Sheep Coffee is poised for further global growth and franchise development after doubling turnover in 2022. 
 

The specialty robusta coffee chain posted a 99% rise in turnover for the 12 months ended 31 December 2022 to £21.3m ($27m) according to accounts filed with Companies House. 

However, Black Sheep also reported a pre-tax loss of £5.8m ($7.3m) compared to a £2.8m ($3.6m) loss in 2021, which it said was due to store expansion and costs increasing from £7.6m ($9.6m) to £14.5m ($18.3m). 

‘The group remains focused on growing sales by developing the product offering and customer service, enhancing the operating systems, growing the store network and developing its franchise business,’ the filing said.    

During 2022, Black Sheep Coffee opened 11 net new stores and has since grown to 75 UK sites, with a further 25 in development.  

Black Sheep Coffee’s UK business generated the lion’s share of sales in 2022, with international stores in Paris and a now closed site in Manila contributing just £10,564 ($13,368) to total turnover.  

Having exited the Philippines last year, the specialty coffee chain’s international growth strategy is focused on the US and the Middle East. Black Sheep Coffee plans to launch two stores in Dallas, Texas, this year as well as four outlets in the UAE. 

In May 2023, Black Sheep Coffee signed a 30-year franchise agreement with Al Farran Investment to open 250 stores across the Middle East within 15 years. The partnership will commence with three outlets in Dubai and an Abu Dhabi site in the coming months.