New Zealand-listed Cooks Coffee Company, the franchisor behind the Esquires Coffee brand, has reported a strong set of FY2026 results, driven by rapid franchise expansion, higher store sales and an expanding international footprint that now includes new master franchise agreements for India and the United Arab Emirates.
For the financial year ended 31 March 2026, group revenue surged 84% year-on-year to NZ$12.4 million (£5.4 million), while total systemwide store sales across the UK and Ireland climbed 22.8% to NZ$95.8 million (£43.1 million). The company also expanded its network from 89 to 105 stores, reinforcing Esquires’ position as one of the faster-growing branded café chains in its core markets.
The growth has continued into the new financial year, with seven additional stores opened across the UK and Ireland, alongside confirmed international openings in Dubai and India, underscoring the company’s strategy of scaling through franchising and master franchise partnerships.
Franchise Network Continues to Grow
Expansion remained firmly franchise-led across Cooks Coffee’s core markets.
In the UK, Esquires increased its estate to 82 stores, opening 21 new cafés while closing nine during the year. Like-for-like sales grew 1.8%, while average store sales increased 4.9%.
In Ireland, the brand expanded to 23 stores, representing 35% annual growth, supported by continued franchise development and the company’s partnership with Tesco Ireland.
The company also opened a new Esquires Coffee café in Karachi, Pakistan, while accelerating its international expansion strategy through master franchise agreements in India and the UAE.
India Expansion Through Sterling Coffee House Limited
One of the company’s most significant international developments was the signing of a Master Franchise Agreement with Sterling Coffee House Limited, which will develop and operate the Esquires Coffee brand across India.
Sterling Coffee House Limited was established as the master franchise vehicle for India and will oversee the rollout of Esquires Coffee while receiving operational support, systems and brand expertise from Cooks Coffee. The Indian coffee retail market was valued at US$18.83 billion in the year to March 2025 and is expected to continue growing as urbanisation, rising disposable incomes and coffee consumption increase.
Commenting on the agreement, Aiden Keegan, Chief Executive Officer of Cooks Coffee, said: “We are thrilled to announce the signing of the Master Franchise Agreement for India, marking an important milestone in our international expansion strategy. India represents a dynamic and growing market, and we are confident that Sterling Coffee House Limited will be a great partner in bringing the Esquires brand to new customers across the country.”
Cooks Coffee subsequently disclosed that Jaspreet Singh, owner of Sterling Coffee House Limited, also became a shareholder in the company following an equity investment completed in August 2025, aligning the interests of both businesses.
UAE Deal Targets At Least 50 Cafés
Alongside India, Cooks Coffee has entered the UAE through a 10-year Master Franchise Agreement that commits to opening at least 50 Esquires Coffee outlets across the country.
The company has not publicly identified the UAE master franchisee, describing the partner only as experienced multi-site operators already running several businesses in southeast England.
Commenting on the FY2026 results, Aiden Keegan 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 customer experiences every day.”
Cooks Coffee said trading momentum has continued into FY2027, with additional store openings already completed following the year-end and further international expansion planned through its franchise model.
The company reiterated its long-term ambition to operate more than 300 Esquires Coffee stores across the UK and Ireland by FY2034, while using master franchise partnerships to expand into high-growth international markets, including India and the UAE.
