Auramon Supthaweethum, director-general of the DBD, reported that 415 new coffee-related businesses were registered between January and June 2025, marking an 8.92% year-on-year increase. All were categorised as small enterprises, with over 33% based in Bangkok, reflecting the continued strength of the coffee market.
However, financial data over the past three years show flat overall industry revenue, while net profits—particularly among producers—have declined due to rising costs and intense competition.Â
In 2024, total industry revenue stood at 206.75 billion baht (37.21 billion from producers and 169.53 billion from distributors), representing a 1.7% increase from 2023.
Coffee shops in Thailand fall into two key models:
Franchise/chains – Large-scale networks suitable for newcomers to the business.
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Independent – Owner-operated ventures that make up 94.4% of the market. These often include standalone shops, coffee trucks and kiosks, with 1–3 branches per brand.
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Franchise and chain coffee shops enjoy higher profitability, with an average net profit margin of 17.5% and annual revenue growth of 10%. In contrast, independent coffee shops—despite offering unique branding and high-quality products—earn an average margin of just 4.6%, underscoring the competitive pressure within this segment.
While the specialty and experience-driven segments still present strong growth potential, entrepreneurs face challenges from cost volatility and market saturation.Â