There is a new wave of international restaurant and café chains entering the Greek market driven by the dynamic domestic growth in coffee and snack consumption with the Greek restaurant sector showing a 9.6% increase in revenues compared to 2022, along with optimism that tourist influx will maintain high growth rates.
Indicative of this trend is the research by the World Coffee Portal, which predicts that the total Greek market for branded coffee will exceed 2,500 outlets by 2028.
First on the list of renowned café chains is the Cova brand. For the past two and a half months, the renovated Astir Marina, located in the Vouliagmeni peninsula, has been hosting the first Cova establishment on Greek soil. Cova is a famous Milanese pasticceria, founded in 1817 known for its high-quality products and unparalleled style. Today, Cova has stores in Monte Carlo, Paris, Kuwait, Riyadh, Doha, Beijing, Shanghai, Taiwan, and more.
Another historic chain, also originating from Italy, has made its appearance in the Greek market. This is Café Barbera, which opened its first store on Ermou Street the shopping hub of central Athens, and aims to expand throughout Athens over the next three years. The development plan is to set up mini stores in central commercial streets, metro stations, airports, within universities, and office spaces.
The British chain Pret A Manger, known for its organic coffee and fresh food available all day, opened its first store at Thessaloniki Airport, with three more to follow at the airports of Mykonos, Kos, and Zakynthos. Expansion in Greece is in collaboration with the food and beverage group SSP and Fraport Greece.
12oz, the on-the-go coffee chain based in Milan, opened its first store outside of Italy in Athens. The Italian coffee chain signed a franchise agreement with the Foodrinco group with the goal of reaching 50 locations by 2028, prioritizing Athens, major urban centers in the provinces, and the islands.
“Le Pain Quotidien,” the Belgian chain of café-bakeries recently made its debut in Greece, offering its famous ‘daily bread’. Created by Belgian chef Alain Coumont, it has now spread to 19 countries worldwide, with Greece being its 19th market.
