Cooks Coffee Company (NZX:CCC; AQUIS:COOK), the international coffee focused café chain, has provided a trading update on the systemwide performance of its Esquires (The Organic Coffee Company) branded franchised stores in the UK and Ireland for the six months ended 30 September 2026 (H1 FY27).
Highlights
- Group systemwide store sales in the UK and Ireland increased 14.3% in the six months to 30 September 2026 (H1 FY27), compared with the same period last year
- UK systemwide store sales increased 15.5%, with like-for-like (“LFL”) sales up 1.3%
- Ireland systemwide store sales increased 11.6%, with LFL sales up 3.4%
- Rolling 12-month Group systemwide store sales increased 16.5%, with UK sales up 16.6% and Ireland sales up 16.3%
- New store openings contributed to growth, with stores opened in the last 12 months contributing 18% of UK sales and 14% of Ireland sales
- Store network reached 128 locations at 30 September 2026, comprising 89 in the UK, 29 in Ireland and 10 in other international markets.
- International expansion progressing, with the first stores in India and the UAE under construction and expected to open before the end of the financial year
- Management and regional development capabilities strengthened, with senior appointments across marketing and operations, and a new Regional Developer appointed for Southwest England and South Wales
Trading performance
The Group has continued to deliver positive trading across both the UK and Ireland during the first half of FY27, supported by a combination of positive LFL sales growth and the contribution from new store openings.
For H1 FY27, Group systemwide store sales increased 14.3% compared with the same period last year, with growth of 15.5% in the UK and 11.6% in Ireland. In the second quarter, the three months to 30 September 2026, Group systemwide store sales increased 14.6% compared with the same period last year.
LFL sales increased 1.3% in the UK and 3.4% in Ireland. Across the Group, growth was driven by both higher customer numbers and higher average transaction values.
The Group’s ongoing store development programme continued to contribute to overall sales growth. Stores opened in the last 12 months accounted for 18% of UK sales and 14% of Ireland sales.
For the UK and Ireland combined, systemwide store sales increased 16.5% in the twelve months to 30 September 2026 compared with the previous twelve months. UK systemwide store sales increased 16.6% and Ireland systemwide store sales increased 16.3% over the same period
Strengthened leadership and regional development
The Group has made a number of appointments to support its next phase of growth.
In October 2026, Gareth Piper and his business partner, Jason McGrenra, were jointly appointed to the Regional Developer role for Southwest England and South Wales, supporting the continued roll-out of stores across the region. Gareth was previously Head of Operations for the Group’s UK business and brings detailed knowledge of the brand and its operations to the role.
The Group has also strengthened its central team. A UK Marketing Manager joined in July 2026, a Group Marketing Director joined in September 2026, and a new Head of Operations has joined in November 2026. These appointments bring additional marketing and operational expertise to support the Group’s growth in the UK and Ireland and in new international markets.
International expansion
The Group’s first stores in India and the UAE are now under construction and are expected to open before the end of FY27. This marks an important milestone in the Group’s international growth strategy.
Outlook
The Board is encouraged by the Group’s performance in H1 FY27, with growth across both core markets supported by positive LFL trading and continued store development.
The Group remains focused on expanding its franchise network, supporting the performance of existing stores and developing its international presence.
With further store openings planned and additional resources in place, the Board remains confident in the Group’s prospects for the remainder of the financial year.
Keith Jackson, Executive Chairman of Cooks Coffee, commented:
“We have delivered a positive first half, with systemwide sales up more than 14% and like-for-like growth in both the UK and Ireland. Our new store programme continues to perform well, which shows the quality of our sites and the strength of our franchise partners.
“We have also bolstered our management team and regional development capabilities to support the continued expansion of the Esquires Coffee brand.
“Looking ahead, the anticipated opening of our first stores in India and the UAE will mark another exciting step in our international development. With this momentum, we are well placed for the second half and beyond.”
Unless otherwise stated, systemwide store sales refer to aggregate sales generated across the Group’s Esquires-branded stores in the UK and Ireland. Like-for-like sales compare sales from stores that traded throughout both the relevant current and prior-year periods.
