Vida e Caffè has marked a significant achievement by reaching 300 stores in South Africa, with the latest addition in Secunda, Mpumalanga province. Since its inception in Cape Town in 2001, inspired by traditional Portuguese street cafés, it has grown to become the largest branded coffee chain in the country. Its presence is widespread, not only through high – street and drive – thru locations but also via numerous concession stores. These concession stores are a result of partnerships with well – known names such as petrol station operators Shell and Sasol, convenience store chain SPAR, and DIY retailer Builders Warehouse.
Darren Levy, the CEO of Vida e Caffè, expressed pride in reaching this milestone. He emphasized that it’s not just about the number of stores but also a reflection of the passion, dedication, and loyalty of everyone involved in the brand’s journey. This shows that Vida e Caffè values the efforts of its employees, partners, and customers, which have all contributed to its success.
Vida e Caffè took its first step into the international market in 2013 with a franchised store in Ghana. Currently, it has an additional 35 international stores spread across Ghana, Mauritius, Zambia, Eswatini, and Botswana. This international growth indicates the brand’s appeal beyond South Africa’s borders, likely due to its unique coffee offerings and café experience inspired by Portuguese traditions.
In September 2023, Vida e Caffè announced ambitious plans to reach 500 stores across Africa and the Middle East by 2028. This includes expanding into the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) markets, which consist of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. These markets are known for their love of coffee and a growing café culture, presenting a great opportunity for Vida e Caffè to further expand its footprint and introduce its unique brand to new customers.
The chain sources its coffee from a diverse range of countries including Colombia, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Brazil, Ethiopia, and Tanzania. It also serves a South African grown coffee blend, RedBerry, from KwaZulu – Natal and Mpumalanga. This combination of international and local sourcing allows Vida e Caffè to offer a variety of coffee flavors to its customers. Additionally, it has a significant B2B customer base that includes big names like Discovery, TFG Group, Vodacom, Standard Bank, Old Mutual, KPMG, Mercedes, and Deloitte, as well as South African airline, LIFT. This shows that Vida e Caffè has not only captured the hearts of individual consumers but also businesses looking for quality coffee offerings. Overall, Vida e Caffè’s growth, both in South Africa and internationally, along with its unique sourcing and B2B partnerships, positions it well for continued success in the coffee industry.
Related Topics：
- Costa Coffee Launches New Winter Menu, Featuring the Spanish Latte
- 7-Eleven Launches Affordable “Good Americano Black” for Winter Market
- Students Launch Kahvia Coffee Company at Esko High School