China’s fast-growing coffee chain is opening its UK network to franchise partners, targeting nationwide expansion as it builds on seven London outlets and prepares its regional debut in Birmingham.
Chinese coffee chain Cotti Coffee has launched its UK franchise programme, inviting local investors and business operators to join its expansion as the brand looks to build a nationwide presence beyond London. The company is offering franchise partners a zero franchise fee as it steps up its push into the competitive British coffee market.
The franchise launch follows Cotti’s UK debut in February 2026, with the brand establishing seven outlets across London, including locations at Liverpool Street, Middlesex Street, Camden High Street, Gresham Street, Cheapside, Holborn and Russell Square. Birmingham is next on its expansion map, with the company preparing to open a site on New Street, marking its first move beyond the capital.
Announcing the franchise opportunity, Cotti Coffee said it was looking for partners to grow the business across the UK, highlighting its zero franchise fee, established operating model and international brand support. The programme is designed to bring local operators into its expansion strategy as it seeks to increase its footprint through franchise partnerships.
Founded in August 2022 by former Luckin Coffee executives Lu Zhengyao and Qian Zhiya, Cotti Coffee has pursued rapid international growth through an expansion model combining company-operated and franchised outlets. The chain has built a global network of more than 18,000 locations, establishing itself as one of the largest coffee businesses to emerge from China in recent years.
Internationally, Cotti has expanded into several European markets, including France, Germany and Spain, with outlets in cities such as Paris, Hamburg, Cologne, Düsseldorf, Barcelona and Madrid. Its UK franchise programme represents another step in the company’s strategy of using local partners to accelerate market penetration.
While the zero franchise fee lowers one element of the entry cost for prospective partners, Cotti has not yet disclosed the complete UK franchise investment requirements, including store development costs, equipment expenses, ongoing royalties, marketing contributions or minimum development commitments.
The UK launch comes as competition intensifies in the coffee sector, with international chains and emerging value-focused operators competing for market share. For Cotti, building a franchise network could provide a route to faster geographical expansion while bringing local investment and operational expertise into its UK business.
