Espressolab issues 'Kadir Topbaş' statement! 'We did not receive state support'
In a statement regarding its inclusion on the CHP's boycott list, Espressolab stated that it has not received any incentives from the state and has fulfilled its tax obligations. The company argued that it has no connection to the political agenda and denied allegations of a partnership with the Kadir Topbaş family and monopolization in universities.
12punto
Coffee chain Espressolab, which was included in the boycott list announced by the CHP, has released a written statement following growing public criticism of the brand.
The statement claimed that the reason for their silence was that they had been “drawn into a political agenda with which they have no connection.”
Responding to allegations that “Espressolab is monopolizing universities,” the company argued that it has stores in only 17 of Turkey's 209 universities and that there is no monopolization in any of them. It was also emphasized that other major coffee chains continue to operate on these campuses.
The statement also denied allegations that the brand is associated with foundations. It was stated that only 2 out of 282 stores belong to foundation-like organizations, while the remaining stores are owned by private individuals.
The allegation of a partnership with the family of the late AKP Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Kadir Topbaş was denied, stating that there is only a kinship relationship and that Espressolab is an initiative of the Kocadağ family.
Responding to criticisms that it “received incentives from the state and did not pay taxes,” Espressolab announced that it paid over 278 million TL in taxes to the state in 2024 and that it achieved its growth solely through its own investments and franchise model.
Özgür Özel had announced that they were boycotting Espressolab, which was alleged to have bought out boutique coffee shops on campuses at the request of university students and sold coffee at exorbitant prices.