5 dynamics challenging the status quo for European coffee chains – exclusive data and analysis

Project Café Europe 2026 is World Coffee Portal’s market-leading report covering 50 distinct branded coffee shop markets. It shows the total market grew 3.9% to reach 57,783 outlets over the last 12 months. While most major national markets achieved outlet growth, many operators are under sustained pressure from higher operational costs and cautious consumer spending. In this competitive landscape, innovative coffee chains are challenging established market norms with menu diversification, regional expansion and cultural cross-pollination

• 41 out of 50 markets featured in Project Café Europe 2026 achieved net outlet growth, with six contracting, including Russia, Belgium and Lithuania
• World Coffee Portal identifies 1,158 distinct branded coffee chains operating in Europe