Italian café group Il Caffe della Terra hopes to open its first UK site before the end of the year as part of plans to grow an estate of c.100 stores, M&C has learnt
The group, which is working with an international brand developer Gruppo BPC, has multiple site formats including high street sites and concession stands within shops.
Antonio Borella, head of international development for Il Caffe della Terra, told M&C the company is in discussion with a number of parties interested in holding the master franchise rights for the whole of the UK.
International franchising has been set up primarily to attract master franchise holders but also for single site franchisees to operate at a sub-level.
Borella said all potential master franchise holders have expressed an interest to open at least 10 shores directly before seeking sub-franchisees.
“We believe in the long run, we can match at least the opening of 100 stores in the UK. This depends on the master franchise strategy, meaning the number could be higher thanks to our ‘corner’ or ‘shop in shop’ format,” Borella said.
It currently has five stores in Italy and is looking for partners in the UK to launch the retail brand as coffee shops and distribute coffee.
Il Caffe della Terra roasts and blends its own coffee for use in its own shops and restaurants, high end catering companies and hotels.
The company has an international presence as a third party producer for more than 200 Italian coffee brands.
