Especially lately These are the preferred countries for holidays from Turkey: Why don’t we see Starbucks in some of these?

The answer to this question is simple Don’t think it depends on the coffee cultures of these countries. It is also about their social structure and lifestyle.

Starbucks is a coffee shop chain that has spread all over the world since the first day of its establishment.

Nowadays it has become almost impossible to see a region where it does not exist. With more than 34,000 locations worldwide as of 2024 It has the title of the world’s largest coffee shop chain. But in some regions we can’t find it.

There are Starbucks branches in some Balkan countriesbut some countries do not have it. Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and Kosovo are among these countries. In fact, it would be appropriate to explain this situation with culture. Because people in this region see coffee not only as a drink, but also as a social ritual.

Drinking coffee is central to social interactions; therefore, a cup of coffee is often considered part of long conversations and social bonding.

According to Starbucks logic, you can drink the coffee you buy in a paper cup while you are running around, working or doing something. However, the coffee culture in these Balkan countries is not like that. Often a coffee break can last several hours, and anything that disrupts the flow of the conversation is frowned upon. Of course, this situation It doesn’t fit into Starbucks’ fast, convenient service approach.

In the Balkan countries, the places where coffee is drunk are generally through personal choice and loyalty is determined. Most people have cafes that they go to regularly and are used to. These places are central to people’s social lives, and it is thought that an unconventional chain could change the local cafe culture.

Moreover, coffee drinking habits in the Balkan countries are quite different.

For them, coffee is seen as a long, slow activity rather than a quick drink. In this situation Starbucks, which has a quick coffee service model It’s actually an antithetical approach to the business model.

Coffee drinking habits in the Balkan countries Another important aspect is the simple and traditional drinks that are preferred when ordering. The wide and complex menu options that Starbucks offers can be at odds with the simplicity of the coffee culture of these countries.

Global brands generally prioritize markets with large customer bases and great economic power.

Countries like Kosovo, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina A chain like Starbucks may not be able to find a lucrative market in these countries because their populations are smaller and their economic power is more limited. Since the company operates on a franchise model, the fact that local investors have not shown interest in these countries is of course a factor in the lack of branches.

Of course, all this They will not open a branch in the future It doesn’t mean either.

Our other content that may interest you: