Alshaya Group expands licensed Starbucks footprint into Southern Europe

The Kuwait-based franchise giant is seeking growth opportunities beyond the Middle East

With more than 2,000 stores across 13 markets, Alshaya Group is one of Starbucks’ oldest and largest franchise partners. Having launched the US coffee chain in Turkey in 2003 and orchestrated its expansion to Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan in 2015, the Kuwait-based franchise group has experience operating Starbucks in Eurasia.

Alshaya has developed a sizable presence in the Middle East over the last 25 years. However, outlet growth in key markets, such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Oman, has stalled over the last 18 months, and Alshaya is now looking towards Europe for growth.