EFTHYMIS BOKIAS SPEAKS TO MACEDONIAN NEWS
Coffee Island strengthens its footprint in Northern Greece – Thessaloniki as a key development hub
Coffee Island is solidifying its presence in Northern Greece, one of the most dynamic Greek companies in the coffee service sector, with Thessaloniki serving as a key point in its growth.
With 76 stores in Thessaloniki and a presence in more than 30 cities and towns across Northern Greece, the company operates the largest franchise store network in the sector, strengthening local entrepreneurship and creating new job positions.
Coffee Island made its first move in Thessaloniki in 2010, when it opened its first store in Vasilika. Despite the fact that the area was not a commercial center, the company chose to test its potential there before moving forward with the rapid growth that followed.
From 2014 to 2016, the store network in Thessaloniki expanded significantly, reaching today a stage of maturity and strategic reinforcement of its existing locations.
In statements to Macedonian News, Efthymis Bokias, Senior Supervisor Business Development of the company, noted:
“From the moment the first store opened in Thessaloniki, the city was placed high on the company’s development agenda, as it is a business center and has coffee consumption embedded in its culture, so there was market share and growth potential for the company.”
Overall, in Northern Greece, the company has managed to achieve broad geographical distribution, reaching as far as Orestiada, where its most remote store is located. In fact, the share of its store network in the northern region reaches 30%.
Nevertheless, there are still cities such as Florina and Kilkis where there is no active presence, although collaborations existed in the past and were completed. The management is considering the possibility of future expansion into these areas.
Development strategy
Coffee Island has built a strong brand based on resilience, innovation, and continuous evolution.
Despite business challenges, the company maintained a marginally positive result in 2024, focusing on safeguarding the stability of its network.
Franchising remains the main pillar of growth, both in Greece and abroad.
According to Mr. Bokias, the company also places emphasis on expanding its presence in organized retail, integrating some of its products into major retail chains. This channel contributes to increasing brand awareness while simultaneously strengthening the momentum of Coffee Island’s physical stores.
International footprint
Coffee Island has also managed to establish its presence abroad, with its first store outside Greece opening in London in 2016.
Today, the company operates in 13 countries, including India, one of the latest markets into which it expanded.
Cyprus stands out as the company’s second most important market after Greece, with 39 stores.
Recently, Coffee Island invested in Egypt, establishing a factory there that will serve as a base for further growth in the Middle East.
It is noted that the company currently has four stores and one under construction on Egyptian soil.
At the same time, it is in the process of studying and evaluating new markets, with two countries at the center of the next wave of international expansion.
ESG and sustainable development
It is worth noting that Coffee Island is the first company in the sector to publish its first ESG report, confirming its commitment to sustainable development.
“With strategies focused on reducing environmental footprint and responsible entrepreneurship, the company seeks to strengthen the sustainability of both its stores and the products it offers,” Mr. Bokias explained to Macedonian News.
The next day
The business environment in Greece remains demanding, as Mr. Bokias pointed out, with businesses facing challenges such as increasing competition and economic fluctuations.
Coffee Island, having already established a strong network, is now focusing on maintaining and strengthening its existing stores.
In Northern Greece, where it holds a significant market share, the company intends to continue its investments by strengthening its network and improving the quality of its services.
This strategy includes both upgrading its stores and expanding its partnerships into new distribution channels.
With 25 years of successful presence, Coffee Island remains a dynamic player in the Greek coffee market, maintaining its leading position and paving new paths for growth, both in Greece and internationally.
