Australia’s largest and fastest growing coffee shop chain, The Coffee Club, is announcing significant expansion plans on the back of excellent growth levels in 2011. The company is aiming to open a new store every fortnight for the next five years and is targeting 500 stores by 2020.

The Coffee Club 2011 growth:
• The Coffee Club Group achieved 18.5% growth in 2011.
• The Coffee Club Australia achieved 8.1% like for like growth in 2011.
• The retail industry average for Australia was 3.1%.
• The Coffee Club Australia achieved TOTAL growth in sales of 14.2% in 2011 (Organic Growth).
2011 turnover was $AUD344 million.

Following on the achievements of 2011, the focus this year in Australia will be on new sites in Vic and NSW, with an expected 25 new cafés. Internationally, the business will enter Egypt and Papua New Guinea for the first time, while extending its existing footprint in China, New Caledonia and Thailand. China has been cited as a particularly important market for the company, with plans for 30 new stores in the next three years.

The Coffee Club’s Australian success follows the streamlining of its business operations over the past 24 months and the continuing strong demand from coffee lovers looking for a reliable, high-quality café experience. 2011 saw an increased focus on fresh, seasonally-available produce in a wider range of health-conscious meals.

Emmanuel Drivas, Founder Director of The Coffee Club, said: “Sales and growth continue on the back of discerning Australian and global consumers looking for excellent coffee and better restaurant experiences at great value.”