Cooks Coffee Company Limited (NZX: CCC; AQUIS: COOK), the international franchised café group operating the Esquires Coffee brand, has reported a 14.3% increase in group systemwide store sales across the UK and Ireland for the six months ended 30 September 2026. Growth was driven by a combination of new store openings and positive like-for-like sales in both core markets. The update also confirms that the group's first stores in India and the UAE are under construction, with openings expected before the end of the current financial year, marking a significant step in Cooks Coffee's international expansion strategy.

Key Points

  • Cooks Coffee Company Limited (NZX: CCC; AQUIS: COOK)
  • Group systemwide store sales in the UK and Ireland rose 14.3% in H1 FY27 compared with the same period last year
  • Store network reached 128 locations at 30 September 2026; rolling 12-month group systemwide sales up 16.5%
  • Investors will be watching the anticipated first store openings in India and the UAE before the end of FY27

UK Sales Up 15.5% and Ireland Up 11.6% as Like-for-Like Trading Remains Positive Across Both Markets

For H1 FY27, UK systemwide store sales increased 15.5%, supported by like-for-like growth of 1.3%. In Ireland, systemwide store sales rose 11.6%, with like-for-like sales up 3.4%. The announcement states that growth across the group was driven by both higher customer numbers and higher average transaction values. In the second quarter alone — the three months to 30 September 2026 — group systemwide store sales increased 14.6% year-on-year. On a rolling 12-month basis, group systemwide store sales rose 16.5%, with the UK contributing 16.6% growth and Ireland contributing 16.3%.

New Esquires Store Openings Account for 18% of UK Sales and 14% of Ireland Sales in the Past 12 Months

New store development played a meaningful role in the group's H1 FY27 performance. The store network reached 128 locations at 30 September 2026, comprising 89 in the UK, 29 in Ireland, and 10 in other international markets. Stores opened in the last 12 months accounted for 18% of UK systemwide sales and 14% of Ireland systemwide sales, demonstrating the contribution of the ongoing franchise roll-out programme. A new Regional Developer covering Southwest England and South Wales — Gareth Piper and business partner Jason McGrenra — was appointed in October 2026 to support continued regional expansion.

Cooks Coffee Strengthens Central Management Team with Marketing and Operations Appointments

Alongside its regional development appointments, Cooks Coffee has expanded its central leadership team. A UK Marketing Manager joined in July 2026, a Group Marketing Director joined in September 2026, and a new Head of Operations joined in November 2026. The announcement states these appointments are intended to bring additional marketing and operational expertise to support growth in the UK, Ireland, and new international markets. Executive Chairman Keith Jackson stated the group has bolstered management and regional development capabilities to support continued expansion of the Esquires Coffee brand.

First Stores in India and UAE Under Construction Ahead of Planned FY27 Opening

Cooks Coffee confirmed that its first stores in both India and the UAE are currently under construction, with openings expected before the end of FY27. The announcement describes this as an important milestone in the group's international growth strategy. The Board stated it remains confident in the group's prospects for the remainder of the financial year, citing further planned store openings and additional resources now in place. Investors may be watching closely to see whether the India and UAE openings are delivered within the stated timeframe, as international execution represents a key variable for the franchise model's scalability.