Greek coffee culture is known for its strong, aromatic espresso and the iconic freddo espresso, a chilled, frothy version served over ice. Once largely confined to Greece’s bustling streets and seaside cafés, this uniquely Greek coffee tradition is now finding fans abroad, as domestic chains look to international markets for growth.
Leading Greek brands including Coffee Island, Gregory’s, Coffee Berry, and Mikel are investing heavily in expansion, establishing outlets in countries with similar coffee-drinking habits and high growth potential. While still serving Greece, these chains are increasingly competing on the global stage, taking their café concepts to all five continents.
Why Greek Coffee Chains Are Going Global
The domestic Greek market has become saturated, with independent cafés and smaller local chains proliferating in recent years. Rising operational costs and consumers cutting back on discretionary spending have created additional pressures. Many Greeks are reducing how often they buy coffee outside the home or preparing it themselves, leaving chains to explore new markets to sustain growth.
Gregory’s Builds Its Presence in Cyprus and Europe
Gregory’s, one of Greece’s largest coffee chains, is expanding rapidly in Cyprus. Under CEO Vlasis Georgatos, it now operates 11 outlets in Nicosia and Larnaca, with four more scheduled to open in Paphos, Nicosia, and Larnaca by mid-2026.
The chain is also present in Romania and Germany, making it one of Europe’s top 15 coffee brands. In 2024, Gregory’s reported €55.7 million in revenue, a 4.5% increase over the previous year, investing in 24 new stores and renovating 66 existing locations.
Coffee Island’s Global Roasting and Café Network
Coffee Island, based in Patras, opened its first Paris store in Montmartre at the start of 2026. It also operates cafés in India and Egypt and has invested in a coffee roasting and processing facility in Egypt to supply its regional stores.
Founded by Vangelis Liolios and led by CEO Konstantinos Konstantinopoulos, Coffee Island currently runs 454 outlets and is recognized for combining traditional Greek coffee flavors with modern café experiences.
Coffee Berry Expands Across Europe and the Middle East
Founded in 2016, Coffee Berry now operates 129 stores in Greece, 83 in Cyprus, six in Egypt, and smaller outlets in Saudi Arabia, Germany, and Morocco.
The company, led by Harris Gryparis, is preparing to enter Kuwait, the United States, and Romania. Coffee Berry operates a processing facility in Koropi, Greece, producing up to 3,200 tonnes of coffee annually, with a second facility under development, reflecting over €10 million in investment. In 2023, the company reported €18.5 million in revenue, growing to an estimated €19.5 million in 2024.
Mikel Coffee: A Global Footprint
Mikel Coffee, founded in 2008 in Larissa, Greece, began international expansion in 2015 with a subsidiary in London. Today, it operates in the United States, the Balkans, the United Arab Emirates, and Canada, with more than 350 stores worldwide.
The chain adapts its cafés to local tastes while maintaining signature Greek-style coffee drinks. In 2024, Mikel reported net profits of €119,410, with further expansion planned through international commercial agreements.
Source: ot.gr
