Founded in 2014 with a single 190sq ft store at Istanbul Bilgi University, Espressolab has become Türkiye’s leading specialty coffee brand and one of the fastest-growing names in the global coffee industry. Today, the company operates 390 stores across 17 countries, including Germany, Portugal, Morocco and the UAE, and is aiming to reach 1,000 stores across 28 countries soon
A vision rooted in quality and innovation
Espressolab’s mission is to merge Türkiye’s coffee culture with global standards. By working directly with farmers in Ethiopia, Brazil, Guatemala, Kenya and beyond, the brand guarantees fair sourcing, transparency, and consistent quality.
Another key differentiator is its farm-to-cup approach. Espressolab is the first coffee chain in the world to produce its own milk, sourced from its farm in Kırklareli. Delivered fresh each day in glass bottles, this initiative ensures quality while underscoring the brand’s commitment to innovation and sustainability.
Europe’s largest coffee experience centre
In 2022, Espressolab opened the Espressolab Roastery in Istanbul’s Merter district — a 64,500sq ft facility recognised as Europe’s largest coffee experience centre. Far beyond a roasting hub, the Roastery welcomes more than 10,000 visitors daily, offering coffee roasting and packaging operations, workshops ranging from cold brew techniques to pilates, painting and ceramics, as well as concerts, theatre performances and film screenings.
Each year, the Roastery also hosts the Espressolab Barista Latte Art Championship, where baristas showcase their skills — a highlight event celebrating creativity and craftsmanship.
Inside the Espressolab Roastery, promoted as Europe's largest coffee experience centre | Photo credits: Espressolab
Innovation on the menu
Espressolab enriches its menu through collaborations with world-renowned chefs such as Antonio Bachour and Bernardo Constantino, introducing exclusive pastries that elevate the coffee experience. Recently, the brand also launched the Ube Latte and Matcha Ube Latte, featuring purple sweet potato in its most exciting new form — a colourful, modern twist embraced by consumers.
Espressolab also brings people together digitally. Through the new Eslab Finder feature integrated into the Espressolab mobile app, users can connect and share experiences around coffee — turning the brand’s digital ecosystem into a social hub as well as a coffee destination.
Recognition and awards
Espressolab’s innovation has earned strong recognition. It was named ‘Most Reputable Café Brand’ in 2022, ranked among the Top 10 fastest-growing coffee brands in Europe in 2023, and received the 2024 ALFA ‘Consumer Brand of the Year’ award. Its Cape Town store was also ranked 11th on The World’s 100 Best Coffee Shops list.
Shaping the future of coffee
Espressolab is tackling climate change challenges through its Future Generation of Coffee programme, supporting farmers with regenerative agriculture and waste reduction. At the same time, circular economy projects repurpose coffee sacks and grounds into eco-friendly products, creating jobs for women.
From its modest beginnings in Istanbul to becoming a fast-growing international brand, Espressolab reflects Türkiye’s vision for innovation and global presence. With Europe’s largest coffee experience centre, pioneering initiatives, and a strong sustainability agenda, the brand continues to grow — shaping the future of coffee culture worldwide.
