HARARE — South African specialty coffee chain Platō Coffee has launched its first outlets in Zimbabwe this week, marking the start of an ambitious regional expansion aimed at creating jobs, training opportunities, and stronger local supply networks in the hospitality sector.
Founded by brothers Stephan and Petrus Bredell, Platō Coffee operates in more than 100 locations across South Africa and has built a reputation for quality service and franchise support. The company’s expansion into Harare is being positioned as both a consumer venture and a skills-development initiative, with a focus on barista training and youth employment.
Local partners confirmed that the first stores have opened in prime shopping precincts and business districts, with plans to expand to Bulawayo and Victoria Falls early next year. Platō’s Zimbabwe rollout combines company-owned stores and franchise opportunities, supported by the Platō Academy — a training institution launched in Cape Town to professionalise coffee craftsmanship and retail management.
Industry experts say the move reflects renewed investor confidence in Zimbabwe’s urban retail market, especially in food and beverage ventures that cater to emerging middle-income consumers. “Quality coffee brands can scale fast if they pair product consistency with local supply relationships and affordable pricing for city consumers,” said a Harare-based retail analyst. He cautioned, however, that import costs and currency challenges could pressure margins unless the brand secures local procurement and cost-management strategies.
Franchisees at the launch praised Platō’s academy model and centralised supply-chain system, which they said reduce start-up risks through standardised training, sourcing, and marketing support. The company also indicated plans to partner with local coffee growers and suppliers to build integrated value chains, enhance sustainability, and lower dependency on imports.
“We want to build a coffee culture here, not just sell a drink — training and local partnerships are central to that plan,” a Platō representative said at the launch.
Source: Southerton Business Times
