Cafezal Expands Coffee Chain with New Openings

Specialty coffee roaster Cafezal is significantly expanding its footprint, with plans to open three new locations by the end of autumn. This strategic move includes two additional cafes in Milan and a pivotal international debut in Lisbon, Portugal. This expansion follows a period of robust growth for the company, which saw its revenues surge by 70% in 2025, reaching €2.3 million.

Founded by Brazilian engineer Carlos Eduardo Bitencourt, who previously held roles at consulting giants like BCG and KPMG, Cafezal has rapidly evolved from its origins. The company, currently operating five cafes in Milan, will extend its reach to the Gae Aulenti district and the Navigli area within the city. Simultaneously, its first international venture will launch in Lisbon's historic Chiado neighborhood, marking a significant step in its global ambitions.

The accelerated growth trajectory is underpinned by strong financial performance. After achieving €2.3 million in revenue in 2025, up from €1.35 million in 2024, Cafezal projects further revenue increases to approximately €3.4 million in 2026 and a substantial €6 million by 2027. This expansion is also reflected in its workforce, which is set to grow from 56 to 82 employees by late November.

This expansion phase is a direct result of a strategic development plan initiated in 2024, which included a successful equity crowdfunding campaign on Mamacrowd. This campaign garnered approximately €850,000 from investors, notably including the Rovati family's holding company Fidim and the club deal firm X-Equity. These funds were earmarked for expanding the cafe network in Northern Italy and initiating international market entry, with Lisbon identified as the initial target.

Cafezal's business model extends beyond retail, encompassing the entire coffee value chain from sourcing to roasting. The company procures roughly 80% of its green coffee beans directly from growers in countries such as Brazil, Colombia, Peru, and Panama. This direct sourcing approach has fueled a dramatic increase in processed volumes, escalating from 720 kg of green coffee roasted in 2018 to 28.5 tons in 2025, with projections for 40 tons in 2026. In addition to its own cafes and B2B clients, Cafezal also operates the Milan Coffee Academy, which trained over 500 students in 2025.

Further solidifying its market position, Cafezal launched the Italian Specialty Coffee Manifesto and became a Società Benefit in early 2026, with aspirations for B Corp certification by year-end. The Lisbon opening represents a critical test for Cafezal's strategy to transition from a Milan-centric brand to a recognized international player in the premium coffee segment, a market segment that continues to see strong consumer demand for quality and ethical sourcing.