EspressoLab has become the target of criticism on social media due to its pricing policy in Turkey. It was noted that Turkish coffee, which is sold for 1 euro (approximately 43.65 TL) at the branch in Pristina, the capital of Kosovo, is sold for 95 TL in Turkey. This price difference has sparked a wide-ranging debate among social media users.
While espresso prices in Kosovo range between 1.30 and 1.50 euros, this price is around 115 TL at branches in Turkey, which corresponds to approximately 3.30 euros.
Espressolab;
— Turhan Çömez (@ComezTurhan) May 2, 2025
????Why does it sell the Turkish coffee it sells for 1€, or 43.65 TL, in Kosovo,
????for 95 TL in Turkey?
?? @espressolabtr does it have a grudge against Turks, I wonder? pic.twitter.com/Q3vmRGou6N
THE FOUNDING OF ESPRESSOLAB
EspressoLab was founded by Esat Kocadağ under the umbrella of Kocadağ Yatırım. One of the co-founders is Esat Kocadağ's brother, Emre Kocadağ. The company began operations with its first store opened at İstanbul Bilgi University in 2014. Today, it has a total of 336 branches in Turkey and abroad.
IT HAD BEEN BOYCOTTED
EspressoLab was previously included in a boycott call by Özgür Özel following the arrest of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu. It also came to the agenda during student protests at Boğaziçi University due to price increases.
It was alleged that Ethos Kafe, which opened on the university campus and drew reactions due to its high prices, was connected to EspressoLab.
As a result of the students' protests, the university administration allowed Zemin Kafe to resume tea and coffee sales. However, the students stated that they would continue their boycott until Ethos Kafe closes.
EspressoLab, as part of Kocadağ Yatırım, operates alongside Kocadağ İnşaat, Emirgan Sütiş, and various other businesses.
In a speech he gave in 2025, Özgür Özel called for a boycott of Espressolab, stating, 'We will not stop by Espressolab on campus, we will not drink its coffee.'
News Source: 12punto
