International Expansion Strategy with 20 Stores in India and Investment in New Concept Stores

Achilleas Lazarou, Senior Business Development Manager at Coffee Island, speaks to Liberal about the Patras-based company’s international expansion.

Investing in the development of new beverages, following both market trends and consumers’ taste preferences, remains a priority for Coffee Island, which aims to satisfy even the most demanding coffee consumers. At the same time, the company is launching concept stores in Greece that combine specialty coffee with the logic of modern convenience retail. This is a fresh business proposition designed to meet the needs of today’s urban consumer by offering “everything in one stop.” The next phase of investments will focus on continuing technological upgrades and expanding the company’s production capabilities, while by the end of 2025 the company will operate 20 stores in India.

Coffee Island started in Patras and today has a presence across four continents. What was the biggest challenge in this transition from local to international?

The story of Coffee Island is a journey that began in Patras with a vision of making its mark on the global coffee industry. Today, Coffee Island is a global community of people dedicated not only to coffee but also to every idea that makes everyday life more enjoyable, sustainable, and of higher quality.

The greatest challenge in transitioning from a Greek company to a multinational brand was finding the right balance between preserving our corporate identity and adapting to local markets. We started in Patras with deep knowledge and expertise in specialty coffee, but when you expand beyond national borders, you must reintroduce your brand and communicate with consumers again—this time in their own language and with respect for local culture.

Our goal is to deliver the Coffee Island experience while enriching it with elements that make our brand familiar and relevant in every market. This requires exceptional collaboration with our local partners, a profound understanding of local consumer habits, and constant vigilance to maintain the highest quality standards.

We achieved this through consistency in Greece and Cyprus, as well as through a methodical approach in our international markets. Every new country is a new project that requires study and preparation from the ground up—and ultimately, that is what inspires us.

Your strategy in India involved “building from scratch.” What did you learn from this process?

Our entry into India was both a demanding and exciting undertaking in Coffee Island’s journey. We found ourselves facing a new market and a wealth of diverse cultures. India is a unique and multifaceted country, home to numerous cultural identities, varied consumer behaviors, and enormous growth potential.

True success lies in balancing a global perspective with authentic local expression. We do not simply export a concept; we adapt it with respect for the needs of the Indian consumer, combining global coffee trends with the expectations of a country that also cultivates coffee. At the same time, our success in India is built upon the trust-based relationship we have established with our local partner, united by a shared vision and an uncompromising commitment to consistency and quality. Together, we learn from one another, exchange knowledge, and continuously evolve.

Our team from Greece travels regularly to India, closely monitoring every new development. From store design and construction to staff training, our team works side by side with the local project team, providing continuous support, seamless coordination, and meaningful collaboration at every stage.

India has taught us how to grow with maturity. We started with four stores and are planning to reach twenty by the end of 2025. It is a strategic expansion into a market that has offered us not only business growth but also meaningful cultural exchange.