On March 24, 2025, the leader of the Republican People's Party (CHP), Özgür Özel, made headlines during a rally in Saraçhane by announcing a boycott list that included the popular Turkish coffee chain, Espressolab. The boycott stems from a growing concern among critics regarding Espressolab's perceived influence in university campuses and its connections to political figures.
Espressolab, founded by Esat Kocadağ, has rapidly expanded since opening its first store in 2014 at Istanbul Bilgi University. The chain has grown to encompass 336 locations across not only Turkey but also Germany, Portugal, Egypt, Qatar, Jordan, Morocco, South Africa, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, and Iraq. Kocadağ, representing the fourth generation of his family in the food sector, has established Espressolab as part of a broader family business that also includes Sütiş, a prominent food brand.
In his speech, Özel highlighted his love for coffee but urged followers to avoid drinking Espressolab products. He stated, “I love all kinds of coffee… whether Turkish or filter coffee. But make sure not to drink it from Espressolab! They claim to invade campuses… We will not visit Espressolab on campus nor drink their coffee.” His remarks indicated a serious stance against what he views as corporate overreach and manipulation within educational spaces.
Espressolab has ambitions to expand its footprint further, aiming to increase the number of stores to 400. The coffee chain also boasts Espressolab Roastery, which is known as Europe’s largest coffee experience center, featuring a roasting area, coffee shop, bakery, and event spaces all under one roof, covering a massive 6000 square meters of space.
An intriguing aspect of Espressolab’s growth has been its visibility through notable political endorsements and appearances. In 2020, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) leader Devlet Bahçeli were seen enjoying coffee at Espressolab following a prayer at Hagia Sophia, which had recently been reopened as a mosque. The event attracted media attention, with a young attendee sharing a photo on social media that described the occasion, “We had coffee at Espressolab with friends after Friday prayers.” This incident is suggested to have sparked greater recognition for the coffee chain on a national level.
Additionally, Bilal Erdoğan, the son of President Erdoğan, also paid a visit to an Espressolab branch in Sakarya, further strengthening the connection between the political elite and the brand.
The Kocadağ family’s business interests are diverse, encompassing not just Espressolab but also Kocadağ İnşaat, Emirgan Sütiş, a popular dairy business, and various restaurants and cafes, such as Lokma and Staylab Hotel. These investments demonstrate the family's significant footprint within the Turkish economy, particularly within the food and beverage sector.
The Anchorage of the ongoing boycott highlights a contentious political climate, with calls for awareness of corporate influences in university settings. As Özel’s remarks resonate with some segments of society, the future impact of this boycott on Espressolab’s operations remains uncertain. Critics argue whether such political actions will affect consumer behavior or whether the coffee chain will withstand the storm due to its prominent connections and growing popularity.
Critics of the boycott caution against the potential ramifications, suggesting that it could lead to increased polarization among consumers. The broader implications of political boycotts are complex; they raise questions about how intertwined commerce and politics have become in Turkey’s evolving landscape. Many wonder if a successful boycott can be achieved against a brand that has established itself firmly and rapidly in the market.
In conclusion, as the situation develops, it represents a critical test for both CHP as a political entity and Espressolab as a commercial venture. How these dynamics play out will be watched closely by both supporters and opponents, steering discussions about the role of business in Turkey’s political fabric.
