Coffee bar chain Costa has opened its 1,000th outlet and first in Russia.

The Whitbread owned company has, as part of a joint venture with Rosinter Restaurants, opened a new café in Moscow’s Pushkin Square.

The partners have plans to launch 200 Costas in Russia during the next five years, with Moscow and St Petersburg their focus in the first twelve months.

Costa is due to open its 700th UK store next month.

John Derkach, managing director of Costa, said: “Costa’s arrival in Russia is another milestone on our journey to become a global coffee brand.”

Whitbread announced its deal with Rositer last December. The partners claim half of Moscow’s 11 million strong population visit coffee shops regularly and with rival Starbucks the only large chain operator in the territory they see plenty of potential.

Costa owner Whitbread recently unveiled a new senior management line-up. The company also ended talks with rival Travelodge about a potential tie-up.

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By Christopher Walton

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