How Costa Coffee Became a Global Chain

Ever wondered how Costa Coffee grew from a small Italian coffee bean business into one of the UK’s biggest coffee chains—and eventually a global player? This isn’t just a story about coffee shops, but about a specific roast style, a signature blend, and strategic expansion that changed the landscape of branded coffee retail.

Costa Coffee was founded in 1971 by Italian brothers Sergio and Bruno Costa. Their big breakthrough? A proprietary 6:1 Arabica-to-Robusta espresso blend, slow-roasted for a richer, less bitter cup. By 2010, Costa had more UK locations than Starbucks and operated over 400 stores worldwide.

The Costa Brothers’ Coffee Origins

In 1971, Sergio and Bruno Costa launched a coffee bean wholesale business in the UK, supplying roasted beans to restaurants and Italian-style coffee shops. Sergio, who trained in Parma, Italy, applied his skills in coffee blending and roasting to develop a distinct style. They pioneered a slow, low-temperature roast that enhanced aroma without excessive bitterness. Their signature move was a precise 6:1 blend of Arabica and Robusta beans, creating a bold espresso called Mocha Italia. This roast method and blend remain central to Costa’s identity today.

Expanding Across the UK and Europe

Costa quickly spread across the UK, appearing in high-traffic spots like Ottakers and Waterstones bookstores, WHSmith, Homebase, Marriott hotels, and public transit hubs. By 2010, Costa was opening a new store in the UK every four days. That year, it surpassed Starbucks to become the country’s largest and most dominant coffee chain, with 1,069 UK outlets. Its rapid expansion reflected a strategy of embedding coffee shops in both everyday and premium environments.

Global Growth and Strategic Holdings

Beyond the UK, Costa expanded into 29 other countries including Bahrain, China, Croatia, Cyprus, Egypt, Greece, India, Ireland, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Portugal, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Turkey, and the UAE. Its largest store, in Dubai, seats 320 people. Notably, Costa avoided entering the North American market during this growth phase. By 2010, the chain had 442 international outlets. The brand’s international push started with China, serving as its gateway to Asia.

Ownership by Whitbread

In 1995, after 17 years as an independent brand, Costa was acquired by Whitbread plc, a FTSE 100 company. Whitbread, founded in 1742, is a major British hospitality conglomerate with brands including Marriott Hotels, TGI Friday’s, and Pizza Hut, plus over 60,000 employees and £1.789 billion in turnover by 2003. Costa remains one of Whitbread’s key international brands within its portfolio of over 14 businesses.

Frequently Asked Questions

What year was Costa Coffee founded?

Costa Coffee was founded in 1971 by Italian brothers Sergio and Bruno Costa.

What is Costa Coffee’s signature espresso blend?

Costa’s signature espresso is a proprietary 6:1 blend of Arabica and Robusta beans, roasted slowly at low temperatures to produce a rich, smooth cup with less bitterness. This blend is called Mocha Italia.

When did Costa overtake Starbucks in the UK?

By 2010, Costa Coffee had more locations in the UK than Starbucks, becoming the country’s largest coffee chain with 1,069 stores.

How many countries did Costa operate in by 2010?

By 2010, Costa Coffee was present in 29 countries, including Bahrain, China, Egypt, India, and the UAE, with a total of 442 stores globally.

Who owns Costa Coffee?

Costa Coffee has been owned by Whitbread plc since 1995. Whitbread is a major British hospitality and retail group with a diverse brand portfolio.

Where is Costa Coffee’s largest store located?

Costa Coffee’s largest store is in Dubai, which can accommodate up to 320 customers.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Blended Espresso

For coffee shops aiming to replicate or contrast with Costa’s bold 6:1 Arabica-Robusta blend, FrontStreet Coffee’s Specialty Blend and Commercial Blend offer strong foundations. The Specialty Blend brings balance with notes of dark chocolate and nuts, ideal for espresso with depth. The Commercial Blend is crafted for high-volume settings, delivering a rich crema and full body. Both blends use medium to dark roasts to enhance crema stability and body—key traits in traditional espresso service. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.