London-based coffee disruptor completes full regional franchise allocation in Scotland amid record-breaking sales and iced drink boom
Black Sheep Coffee is accelerating its Scottish expansion strategy with a new 10-store franchise deal across the country’s northern territories, confirming its intent to double its footprint in Scotland within the next five years.
The London-founded specialty robusta chain, known for its rebellious brand image and iced coffee innovations, now has franchise partners covering every region of Scotland — a significant operational milestone for the company as it eyes long-term dominance beyond the Central Belt.
The Deal: A Northern Takeover
Black Sheep Coffee has signed a franchise agreement with MDM Group Enterprises Ltd, a Glasgow-based firm led by seasoned operator David Moore, to open a minimum of 10 locations across North Scotland. Target regions include:
-
Aberdeenshire
-
Moray
-
The Highlands
-
Angus
-
Perth & Kinross
-
Fife
-
Clackmannanshire
This latest deal means the entire Scottish map has now been divided among franchisees — a first for the brand, which launched its debut Scottish site in Glasgow Central Station in October 2021.
“Every region in the country is now covered by our franchise network. This is a major step in our Scottish journey,” said a company representative.
MDM Group’s CEO, David Moore, brings decades of operational experience to the table, having previously managed successful franchise portfolios for both Costa Coffee and KFC. His familiarity with both high-street formats and rural rollout strategies is expected to be instrumental in navigating the logistical complexities of the northern expansion.
Sales Surge Fuels Growth Confidence
The announcement comes as Black Sheep rides a wave of momentum. In May 2025, the brand reported record-breaking sales, with £1.9 million in UK net sales for the week ending 27 April 2025, a 10% increase on the previous week. According to Chief Operating Officer Ben Fenton, the spike is largely due to the success of the brand’s latest iced beverage ranges, which have helped drive traffic during spring afternoons and evenings.
“We’re seeing iced drinks become core to our daily business mix,” Fenton said. “They’ve transformed customer behaviour and created entirely new peak periods for us.”
This was the ninth record sales week in 2025 alone, highlighting the brand’s resilience in a tightening consumer market and justifying continued store investment in less densely populated regions.
A Brand That Broke the Mold
Black Sheep Coffee, founded in London in 2013 by Gabriel Shohet and Eirik Holth, has carved out a distinctive identity in the UK coffee scene. Eschewing the industry’s obsession with 100% arabica beans, Black Sheep instead champions specialty-grade robusta, which has a bolder taste and significantly more caffeine.
Its rebellious messaging—complete with slogans like “Leave the Herd Behind”—targets urban, socially-aware coffee lovers. But as the Scottish expansion shows, its appeal is no longer confined to Shoreditch.
“There’s an appetite for bolder coffee, even in quieter parts of the UK. Customers are more educated and more adventurous now,” said franchise advisor Maya Barratt of BeanStreet Partners.
Rural Growth: Risk or Opportunity?
While Scotland’s central cities are home to a saturated coffee market, analysts say the North still offers underexploited territory. In towns like Elgin, Forfar, or Pitlochry, major chains are often limited to Costa, Starbucks, and Greggs—leaving space for a brand with distinct visual flair and an unconventional menu.
“There’s still room in the Highlands and Moray for challenger brands,” said Fiona Lockhart, senior consultant at the Scottish Retail Monitor. “Consumers there are increasingly lifestyle-focused, and they’re seeking brands that feel progressive but not corporate.”
The challenge, however, lies in managing rural logistics, staffing, and consistent service delivery in less densely populated areas. This is where MDM Group’s experience with Costa Coffee’s regional store models could prove invaluable.
Global Reach, Local Focus
Though rooted in London, Black Sheep is increasingly international in scope. Its current global footprint includes:
-
106 stores across the UK, including Northern Ireland and Wales
-
4 stores in the United Arab Emirates
-
3 stores in the United States, including locations in Dallas and Minneapolis
-
1 location in Paris, France
But the company continues to treat Scotland as a strategic market in its own right. “We see Scotland as a testbed for regional innovation,” a company source said, referencing the country’s diverse mix of commuter hubs, student cities, and rural communities.
What Comes Next?
With full franchise coverage now in place across all Scottish regions, the next phase will involve site selection, construction, and community integration.
No opening dates have yet been confirmed for the 10 new northern stores, but industry insiders expect the first wave of stores to launch by early 2026, with Black Sheep eyeing tourist hotspots, travel nodes, and university towns as primary locations.
“It’s not just about selling coffee,” said MDM Group’s David Moore. “It’s about building community anchors and giving people a place to meet, recharge, and feel part of something different.”
As Black Sheep Coffee prepares to scale deeper into the Scottish north, it does so with a blend of optimism, franchise expertise, and a bold product mix that continues to defy traditional coffee norms.
