Η ΣΥΝΕΝΤΕΥΞΗ ΤΟΥ ΚΩΝΣΤΑΝΤΙΝΟΥ ΚΩΝΣΤΑΝΤΙΝΟΠΟΥΛΟΥ ΣΤΟ WORLD COFFEE PORTAL

You joined Coffee Island in 2010 after studying Mechanical Engineering & Aeronautics. What led you to embark upon a career in coffee?

My journey into the world of coffee wasn’t a straightforward one. Ιt was a path shaped by curiosity, passion, and a deep appreciation for creating something meaningful. My background in Mechanical Engineering & Aeronautics gave me a structured way of thinking, a problem-solving mindset, and an eye for detail. But what truly inspired me to take a different path was the realization that coffee is so much more than a product; it’s a craft, a culture, and most importantly, a way to connect people.

Joining Coffee Island in 2010 wasn’t just about a career change, it was about embracing a vision. I saw a company not just serving coffee but shaping experiences, investing in quality, and redefining what specialty coffee could mean for consumers. I was drawn to the challenge of building something from the ground up, applying my engineering mindset to a completely different field, and contributing to a brand that values authenticity, innovation, and sustainability.

Today, coffee is not just my work, it’s my passion. It’s a journey of discovery, which continues to inspire me every day.

You were appointed Coffee Island CEO in 2013. How has the Greek branded coffee shop market evolved over the last 12 years and what have been your greatest achievements with Coffee Island to date?

Coffee has always been an integral part of Greek culture, but consumer expectations have evolved significantly over the past 12 years. Quality, personalization, and sustainability now play a defining role in shaping preferences. People are no longer just looking for a cup of coffee—they seek an experience that aligns with their values, lifestyle, and evolving needs.

When I stepped into the role of CEO in 2013, we had a vision: to make specialty coffee accessible to everyone while staying true to our roots. We focused on elevating the coffee experience, investing in innovation, and strengthening our direct relationships with coffee producers. One of our proudest achievements has been building a strong, sustainable supply chain that ensures quality and fairness at every stage—from bean to cup.

We also embraced digital transformation, introducing a robust loyalty app and pioneering new ways for customers to engage with our brand. At the same time, we expanded beyond Greece, bringing the Coffee Island experience to international markets, always staying committed to authenticity and excellence.

Above all, what makes me most proud is our ability to adapt and grow while staying true to who we are. Coffee Island is more than a brand—it’s a community, a culture, and a promise to deliver the best coffee experience with passion and responsibility. And as we look to the future, our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and quality remains stronger than ever.

Greece has a strong coffee heritage and is one of the top 20 coffee-consuming countries in the world. What trends are shaping Greek café culture in 2025?

As I previously stated, Greek coffee culture remains deeply rooted in tradition, but it is also evolving to meet the expectations of a new generation of consumers.

Coffee has always been an essential part of our daily lives—more than just a beverage, it’s a social ritual that brings people together. This is why the café experience continues to thrive, adapting to changing lifestyles while maintaining its central role in Greek society.

Today, cafés are more than just places to grab a coffee; they have become dynamic social hubs where entertainment, relaxation, and personal expression intersect. At Coffee Island, we understand that consumers want variety, flexibility, and experiences that align with their lifestyle—so we continue to innovate, ensuring that every visit to a Coffee Island store is unique, enjoyable, and tailored to modern expectations as health-conscious choices are becoming more prevalent, with growing interest in low-sugar options, protein-enriched beverages, and organic ingredients.

Therefore, our stores have expanded their range to cater to different needs during different moments of the day, from specialty coffee in the morning to signature beverages, Bobastic pearls and cocktails later in the day.

Greek café culture in 2025 is a blend of tradition and modernity, where heritage meets innovation, and consumers embrace new trends without compromising on enjoyment.

 What are Coffee Island’s bestselling beverages? Do they differ across international markets?

Coffee Island’s bestselling beverages reflect our deep passion for specialty coffee, which remains at the heart of everything we do. Our Freddo Espresso with Master Blend has established us in the minds of consumers as a trusted and unparalleled choice. At our specially built research laboratory we’re able to create unique beverages from the scratch. Our customers love our signature beverages and the seasonal options we offer. At the same time, our Single Estate coffees, known for their purity of taste and distinctive flavour and aroma profiles, are gaining increasing attention—especially among more educated coffee drinkers who seek unique, single-estate experiences.

Our expansion into new markets inspires us to continually innovate, introducing beverages that resonate with local cultures and preferences. Engaging with diverse consumers fuels our creativity, driving us to develop new product ranges tailored to the tastes of each region.

However, what remains constant is our unwavering commitment to sourcing exceptional coffee. Through Direct Trade partnerships with 26 farms across 12 countries, we ensure fair pricing, support local producers and secure high-quality beans that allow us to craft outstanding coffee experiences. While our specialty coffee foundation remains strong, we are always exploring new ways to enhance our menu and deliver innovative flavors to our growing global community.

Coffee Island currently has a presence across 10 countries globally. Which international markets are currently Coffee Island’s strongest performing, and which do you see as having the most growth potential

Coffee Island is currently present in 13 countries: Greece, Cyprus, the UK (London), Switzerland, Romania, Spain, Canada, Egypt, Dubai, Bulgaria, Hong Kong, France, and India.

The strongest-performing markets for Coffee Island are Greece and Cyprus, where the brand has established a dominant presence and a loyal customer base. These markets continue to drive significant revenue and brand recognition, benefiting from a well-developed network and strong consumer preference for specialty coffee.

In terms of growth potential, India and France stand out as key opportunities. India’s vibrant coffee culture and rapidly growing specialty coffee segment present an exciting opportunity for expansion, while the recent master franchise agreement in France marks a strategic move into a mature European market with high coffee consumption.

In January 2025, Coffee Island opened its first store in India – becoming one of the first coffee chains from Continental Europe to do so. How will Coffee Island offer a distinctive European coffee experience to Indian consumers and how has working with ‘Asia’s first Coffee lady’ Sunalini Menon influenced your approach to the market?

The launch of our first Coffee Island store in India marks an exciting milestone, filled with promise and new opportunities. As we celebrate 25 years of growth and innovation, expanding into such a dynamic market fills us with both pride and a deep sense of responsibility. Our commitment remains steadfast—to deliver exceptional coffee experiences while bringing our ever-growing global community even closer, now across four continents.

India’s rich coffee heritage and deep appreciation for quality and authenticity align perfectly with our values. This expansion is not just about introducing our specialty coffee expertise but also about embracing a new culture, fostering connections, and sharing knowledge.

Our collaboration with Mrs. Sunalini Menon has been invaluable. Her expertise in the Indian coffee market has guided us in refining our offerings to resonate with local consumers while honouring the country’s deep-rooted coffee traditions. By blending these insights with our European heritage, we aim to create a unique and meaningful coffee experience for our customers in India.

In November 2024, Coffee Island published its first ESG Report. Can you tell us more about the company’s circular economy and energy reduction initiatives?

At Coffee Island, specialty coffee is more than a product—it’s a responsibility. With passion and dedication, we serve coffee as a fair and sustainable economic activity, ensuring that every step of our supply chain reflects our vision for a better, more sustainable tomorrow.

Recognizing our role in addressing climate change, we are committed to reducing our environmental footprint through innovative circular economy practices. A key milestone in this journey is our collaboration with Coffeeco Upcycle, which led to the creation of the first industrial unit in Southern Europe dedicated to processing and repurposing espresso coffee waste. This groundbreaking initiative transforms coffee residues into sustainable products such as cosmetics and bioplastics, extending the life cycle of coffee far beyond the cup.

In its first year of operation, Coffeeco processed 50 tons of coffee waste from Coffee Island stores, preventing the equivalent of 9 tons of CO₂ emissions. This is just the beginning—our ESG strategy is built on continuous improvement, ensuring that our impact grows stronger with time.

Energy reduction is another priority for Coffee Island. Our factory in Patras, which underwent a major upgrade as part of our long-term investment plan, now incorporates state-of-the-art energy-efficient equipment and optimized production processes to minimize environmental impact. At the same time, we are increasing the use of renewable energy sources in our operations and enhancing store energy efficiency through smart technologies and sustainable design choices.

For us, coffee is an endless source of inspiration—a way to create real, measurable change, not only for our business but for the communities and environments we are part of.

Coffee prices reached record highs in 2024 and have continued to rise in 2025. How has this impacted Coffee Island’s coffee sourcing programme?

– How is Coffee Island adapting to record high coffee prices with its beverage and retail pricing strategy? Do you see the C price for arabica beans remaining at current levels?

Coffee prices have been on a steep rise since 2024, driven by a combination of climate challenges, disruptions in the supply chain, and broader economic and geopolitical instability. Inflationary pressures and soaring energy costs have further intensified the situation, making it even more expensive to operate at every stage of the coffee journey, from bean to cup.

At Coffee Island, we’ve always believed that great coffee starts with strong relationships. That’s why we work directly with farmers through our Direct Trade program, ensuring they receive fair prices while maintaining a consistent supply of high-quality specialty coffee. However, specialty coffee—positioned as a premium product—naturally carries a higher price point, making it crucial to strike a balance between affordability and quality.

To navigate the rising costs, we continuously optimize our operations and leverage economies of scale, allowing us to work with larger coffee volumes without compromising quality. Additionally, we make strategic investments in quality control, ensuring that we maintain the high standards our customers expect. While price adjustments are sometimes necessary, our focus remains on offering accessible specialty coffee experiences to a broad audience.

As for the future of arabica coffee prices, market trends remain unpredictable. Given the ongoing challenges in supply and production, C prices are likely to remain elevated in the near term. However, by staying true to our values, supporting our farmers, and focusing on what we do best, we’ll continue to navigate these challenges while offering exceptional coffee to our customers.

What can we expect to see from Coffee Island over the next 12 months?

Coffee Island’s journey continues with the goal of bringing uniqueness and quality to every cup we offer.  Currently, we are expanding our network in existing markets, always with respect for local communities and a strong focus on the consumer experience. We closely follow emerging trends and continue to evolve while staying true to the quality and values that set us apart.

On the global front, beyond our recent entry into India, another key milestone for our company is a strategic master franchise agreement for the French market—an important step in our ongoing international development.

Finally, sustainability is a way of life for us. Through our Sustainable Development Strategy, we invest in a future where every cup of coffee is not only enjoyable but also responsible.As we look ahead to 2025, we move forward with optimism, constantly seeking new ways to make specialty coffee an experience worth sharing.