EFTHYMIS BOKIAS, SENIOR SUPERVISOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT, SPEAKS TO MAKEDONIKA NEA.
Coffee Island Strengthens Its Footprint in Northern Greece – Thessaloniki as a Key Growth Hub
Coffee Island, one of the most dynamic Greek companies in the coffee industry, is solidifying its presence in Northern Greece, with Thessaloniki playing a pivotal role in its growth strategy.
With 76 stores in Thessaloniki and a presence in more than 30 cities and towns across Northern Greece, the company boasts the largest franchise network in the sector, supporting local entrepreneurship and creating new jobs.
Coffee Island made its first move in Thessaloniki back in 2010, opening its first store in Vasilika — a non-commercial area at the time. Despite its remote location, the company chose it as a testing ground before embarking on its rapid expansion. Between 2014 and 2016, the store network in Thessaloniki grew significantly, and today it has reached a level of maturity, with a focus on strengthening existing locations.
In an interview with Makedonika Nea, Efthymis Bokias, Senior Supervisor of Business Development, emphasized:
“Since our first store in Thessaloniki, the city has ranked high in our development agenda, being a business hub with a strong coffee culture, offering both opportunity and market share.”
Across Northern Greece, the company has achieved wide geographical coverage, extending as far as Orestiada, where its most remote store operates. In fact, 30% of the company’s total network is located in Northern Greece. However, some areas like Florina and Kilkis currently lack an active presence, despite previous partnerships. The company is exploring future expansion opportunities in these regions.
Growth Strategy
Coffee Island has built a strong brand based on resilience, innovation, and continuous evolution. Despite business challenges, the company closed 2024 with slightly positive results, focusing on network stability.
Franchising remains the company’s primary growth pillar in both Greece and international markets. According to Mr. Bokias, Coffee Island also emphasizes expanding into organized retail by introducing selected products into major retail chains — a move that boosts brand recognition while supporting the physical store network.
International Footprint
Since opening its first international store in London in 2016, Coffee Island has expanded to 13 countries. India is one of its most recent markets, while Cyprus stands out as the second most important market after Greece, with 39 stores.
Recently, Coffee Island invested in Egypt, establishing a factory to serve as a base for expansion across the Middle East. The company currently operates four stores in Egypt, with one more under construction. At the same time, it is evaluating two new countries for the next wave of international growth.
ESG and Sustainable Development
Coffee Island was the first company in its sector to publish an ESG report, confirming its commitment to sustainability.
“With strategies focusing on reducing environmental impact and promoting responsible business practices, the company aims to enhance the sustainability of both its stores and its products,” Mr. Bokias explained to Makedonika Nea.
What’s Next
The business landscape in Greece remains demanding, with challenges such as increasing competition and economic fluctuations. Having already built a strong network, Coffee Island is now focusing on maintaining and strengthening its existing stores.
In Northern Greece — where the company holds a significant market share — it plans to continue investing, improving service quality and expanding its distribution channels. This strategy includes both the upgrade of existing stores and the development of new partnerships.
With 25 years of successful presence, Coffee Island remains a dynamic force in the Greek coffee market, maintaining its leadership while charting new paths for growth in both Greece and abroad.
