Highlights

  • UK nine-month system sales reached NZD 49.4 million, up 28.6%.
  • Ireland nine-month system sales rose to NZD 9.9 million, up 27.7%.
  • The Group expanded to 81 stores in the UK and 21 stores in Ireland by year end.

Cooks Coffee Company Limited (NZX:CCC) (AQUIS: COOK) has reported trading results showing growth across its UK and Ireland operations for the three and nine months ended 31 December 2025. The café group, which operates the Esquires Coffee brand, recorded increases in system sales, like-for-like sales and store numbers during the period. The update indicates performance ahead of broader branded coffee shop market growth rates in both regions.

Nine-Month Sales Climb in Core Markets

For the nine months to 31 December 2025, Esquires Coffee UK generated total system sales of NZD 49.4 million, representing growth of 28.6%, alongside like-for-like sales growth of 5.1%.

In Ireland, total system sales increased 27.7% to NZD 9.9 million, with like-for-like sales growth of 6.3% over the same period.

Quarterly Momentum Continues

The December quarter maintained the upward trajectory. In the UK, total sales increased 18.3%, while like-for-like sales grew 2.0% during Q4.

Ireland recorded total sales growth of 26.8%, with like-for-like sales rising 3.4% in the same quarter.

According to Allegra World Coffee Portal data, the UK branded coffee shop market recorded outlet growth of 3.5% and sales value growth of 5.5% during 2025. Against that backdrop, Esquires Coffee reported calendar year 2025 store sales of NZD 64.6 million in the UK and NZD 28.9 million in Ireland.

Network Expansion Across the UK and Ireland

Store rollout continued across both markets during the reporting period.

In the UK, 18 new stores opened while 7 closed, resulting in a net increase of 11 stores. The total number of trading UK stores reached 81, compared with 70 a year earlier.

In Ireland, four new stores opened with no closures, bringing the total to 21 stores, up from 17 in 2024. Of these, 17 are franchised locations and four are company-managed outlets.

The expansion strategy remains focused on measured growth while maintaining operational oversight across franchise and company-operated sites.

UAE Master Franchise Agreement Signed

Following the reporting period, the Group announced a 10-year Master Franchise Agreement for the United Arab Emirates. The agreement includes plans to open a minimum of 50 Esquires Coffee outlets in the UAE over the term, with renewal rights in place. The appointed partners currently operate multiple hospitality venues in the southeast of England.

The UAE is identified as a growing specialty coffee market, providing an additional geography for brand development beyond the UK and Ireland.

Outlook

The Board stated that trading momentum has continued across both core markets, supported by franchise demand and network expansion. The Company remains focused on expanding its store base in a structured manner, maintaining brand standards and supporting franchise partner performance.

Cooks Coffee’s latest trading update highlights rising system sales, positive like-for-like growth and continued store expansion across the UK and Ireland. With nine-month system sales reaching NZD 49.4 million in the UK and NZD 9.9 million in Ireland, alongside further international development through the UAE agreement, the Group enters the remainder of the financial year with an expanded footprint and ongoing growth initiatives.

FAQ

Q1: How did Cooks Coffee perform in the UK during the nine-month period?
Esquires Coffee UK reported system sales of NZD 49.4 million, representing growth of 28.6%, with like-for-like sales up 5.1%.

Q2: How many stores does Cooks Coffee operate in Ireland?
As at 31 December 2025, the Group operated 21 stores in Ireland, including 17 franchised and four company-managed locations.

Q3: What is included in the UAE Master Franchise Agreement?
The 10-year agreement provides for the opening of at least 50 Esquires Coffee outlets in the UAE, with renewal rights included.