Overview
- Newly filed 2024 accounts show Costa’s operating loss widened to £13.5m from £5.8m a year earlier.
- Sales in 2024 rose about 1% to roughly £1.2bn, highlighting pressure on profitability despite slight growth.
- Coca‑Cola is seeking around £2bn for the chain, with negotiations with TDR Capital reported to be stalled over valuation.
- Analysts point to a triple threat from value players such as Greggs, premium rivals and fast‑growing independents, with one describing a UK market at “peak Costa.”
- Higher wage and National Insurance costs plus sharply rising coffee‑bean prices are squeezing margins, while Costa says it is investing in its UK estate and global expansion.