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Cooks Coffee Company is preparing to enter the Indian café market, with its Esquires Coffee brand expected to open its first outlets in the country before the end of 2026. The development comes as the international coffee chain reported a 14.3 percent increase in systemwide store sales during the first half of its 2027 financial year, reflecting continued network expansion across its established markets.
According to the company's trading update released on November 10, 2026, its first stores in India and the UAE are under construction and expected to open before the end of FY27. The company has also strengthened its management and regional development teams to support its international expansion.
Cooks Coffee had signed a Master Franchise Agreement for India in May 2025 with Sterling Coffee House Limited, a special purpose vehicle responsible for establishing and operating the business in the country. Under the agreement, Cooks Coffee will provide operational systems, processes and brand support for the Esquires Coffee rollout.
The company had previously confirmed in June 2026 that one Indian outlet was planned, alongside two stores in Dubai, with the locations expected to open within three months.
Commenting on the latest performance, Keith Jackson, Executive Chairman of Cooks Coffee, said, "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."
During the first half, UK systemwide sales increased 15.5 percent, while Ireland recorded 11.6 percent growth. The company's rolling 12-month systemwide sales rose 16.5 percent. Its network reached 128 stores as of September 30, 2026, comprising 89 outlets in the UK, 29 in Ireland and 10 across other international markets.
India's entry marks another step in the company's overseas franchise strategy, with the performance and pace of its first outlets likely to shape its subsequent development in the market.
Source: L'Express Franchise
