“We see the Netherlands as an important gateway within Europe” – Espressolab Chief Marketing Officer, Ersin Kefeli

Backed by one of the largest roasteries in Europe, Istanbul-based Espressolab is seeking to more than double its global store network and enter 10 new markets over the coming years. Espressolab Chief Marketing Officer Ersin Kefeli, tells World Coffee Portal how it will be done

One of Turkey’s largest coffee chains, Istanbul-based Espressolab has bold ambitions to become an international powerhouse. Backed by one of the largest roasteries in Europe, the premium coffee chain is seeking to more than double its global store network and enter 10 new markets over the coming years. Espressolab Chief Marketing Officer Ersin Kefeli tells World Coffee Portal how it will be done

Founded in 2014, Espressolab operates nearly 300 stores in Turkey alongside over 100 international outlets across 20 markets – all supplied from a 64,500sq ft roasting facility in Istanbul and a 12-acre dairy farm in Kırklareli-Vize.

Opened in October 2022, Espressolab’s roastery also serves as one of Europe’s largest coffee experience centres – bringing coffee shop, roasting, workshop and bakery operations together under one roof.

Istanbul-based Espressolab has a strong pipeline of new stores in Turkey, but it is prioritising international expansion as part of a strategy to reach 1,000 stores and 30 markets globally by the end of 2027.

World Coffee Portal research shows that the Turkish branded coffee shop market has more than doubled in size since 2014. How has the market evolved since opening your first store?