Cooks Coffee Company Limited (NZX:CCC; AQUIS:COOK), the international coffee focused café chain, has announced its unaudited preliminary results for the financial year ended 31 March 2026.
Financial Highlights
| · | Full year Group store sales in the UK and Ireland increased 22.8% to NZ$95.8m (£43.1m)(FY25: NZ$78.0m, £33.9m) |
| · | EBITDA increased to NZ$1.3m (£565k) (FY25: NZ$1.21m, £529K) |
| · | Group revenue increased 84% to NZ$12.4m (£5.4m) (FY25: NZ$6.7m, £2.9m) |
| · | Royalty revenue from franchised stores (excluding Dairygold managed store sales) increased 22.6% to NZ$7.0m (£3.0m) |
| · | Dairygold managed store revenue of NZ$5.3m (£2.3m) (FY25: NZ$1.0m, £435k) |
| · | Group debt reduced from NZ$4.3m (£1.8m) to NZ$2.5m (£1.1m) |
| · | Debt to total assets reduced from 11.8% to 7.15% |
| · | Total Group sites increased 18% from to 105 across the UK and Ireland (FY25:89) |
Operational Highlights
United Kingdom
| · | UK store numbers increased to 82 at 31 March 2026 |
| · | 21 new stores opened during FY26, with 9 closures |
| · | Like-for-like sales increased 1.8% |
| · | Average store sales increased 4.9% to NZ$848,850 (£368,894) |
| · | Southeast England delivered particularly strong performance, with Regional Developer-led store sales growth of 39% |
Ireland
| · | Continuing store sales increased 29% to NZ$30.5m (£13.3m) |
| · | Irish store numbers increased 35% to 23 |
| · | Like-for-like store sales increased 4.9% |
| · | Franchise stores represented 80% of total Irish sales |
Tesco Ireland Partnership
During the year, the Group formed a new partnership with Tesco Ireland, with Esquires now operating five stores within Tesco outlets at Tullamore, Clonmel (Powerstown), Youghal, Waterford and Wexford.
The Board believes this partnership provides a significant long-term growth opportunity within the Irish market.
Dairygold Managed Stores
The Group’s four Dairygold company-managed stores generated NZ$5.3m (£2.3m) in store sales during FY26 (all of which is recorded as Group revenue) and contributed 17.6% of total systemwide sales for the year. Operating profit from the Dairygold stores before depreciation and IFRS related finance costs increased to NZ$138,000 (£60,000) compared with NZ$24,000 (£10,800) in FY25.
International Expansion
International systemwide sales reached NZ$9.4m (£4.1m) across four countries.
During FY26:
| · | One new store was opened in Karachi, Pakistan |
| · | A Master Franchise Agreement was signed for expansion into India |
| · | A further Master Franchise Agreement was signed for expansion into the UAE |
The Group believes these developments position the Group well to capitalise on growth opportunities in large and rapidly developing international markets.
ESG and Sustainability
Cooks Coffee continues to prioritise sustainability, ethical sourcing and community engagement across its operations.
Key initiatives and achievements include:
| · | Esquires Coffee Ireland was awarded Franchisor of the Year – Expanding (Food and Non-Food) at the Irish Franchise Association awards |
| · | Long term franchisees Mani and Stuti Basu received Franchisee of the Year – Food and Beverage, reflecting the strength of the Esquires franchise model and Tesco Ireland partnership |
| · | Organic coffee sourced through carbon-neutral roasting partners |
| · | Recyclable and compostable packaging across the business |
| · | Continued community focused initiatives supporting mental health, dementia support groups and parent networking events |
Outlook
Trading in FY27 has started positively, with two new stores opened in the UK and two in Ireland since the financial year end, alongside additional committed openings in new international markets.
The Board remains encouraged by the Group’s trading momentum, the resilience of the Esquires Coffee brand and the continued demand from franchise partners across both the UK and Ireland. The Group continues to focus on disciplined network expansion, supporting franchisee profitability and performance and maintaining strong brand standards through differentiated food and beverages offerings delivered in welcoming store environments by committed local franchisees and their teams.
The Company continues to target more than 300 stores across the UK and Ireland by FY34.
Aiden Keegan, CEO of Cooks Coffee, said: “Growth for the Esquires brand continues to significantly exceed reported industry growth in both core markets. The Board would like to acknowledge the dedication and commitment of all those involved across the Group who continue to support our growth strategy while delivering excellent customers experiences every day. Our expansion strategy, combined with positive like-for-like sales growth, demonstrates the resili
