• Alka Group, a well-known name in the Romanian food industry, started from the production of snacks and coffee and ended up building a network of cafes that is gradually conquering cities across the country.
With a history spanning over three decades, the company demonstrates that innovation and diversification are the keys to success in a competitive market. Founded in 1994 by the Israeli Krenzia family, Alka started out as a family business, being one of the pioneers of local coffee processing in Romania.
From ground and packaged coffee, the company has expanded its portfolio, becoming today a group with a varied offer that includes Alfers wafers, Toortitzi pretzels, biscuits, cakes and Stretto coffee. With over 1.000 employees and several factories in the country, Alka Group has established itself as a leading player in the food industry.
In recent years, Alka has taken a bold step into the HoReCa sector by launching the coffee shop network Plug-in. These modern spaces, present both in large cities such as Bucharest, Brașov, Timișoara or Iași, as well as in smaller towns such as Popești-Leordeni, Ciorogârla or Fieni, offer an affordable alternative for coffee lovers. With competitive prices – an espresso costs 5 lei, and a latte or flat white reaches 10 lei – Plug-in positions itself as a direct competitor to other Romanian coffee shop chains.
Stretto coffee – a centerpiece in Plug-in cafes
Plug-in cafes operates on the franchise model, offering two types of partnerships: one for entrepreneurs with larger budgets and a special program for young people with an initial capital of at least 5.000 euros. This flexible approach reflects the company's desire to encourage entrepreneurial initiatives and expand rapidly. Alka's plans are ambitious: the Plug-in network is set to exceed 100 locations nationwide, strengthening the brand's presence in all regions of the country.
A central element of the Plug-in cafes is the Stretto coffee, an Alka own brand, known for its quality. Alongside Stretto, the company also promotes Gold Mocca, thus completing the offer for customers. In addition to beverages, the Plug-in cafes also capitalize on other products from the Alka portfolio, creating an integrated experience for consumers.
What makes the Alka story remarkable is its ability to constantly evolve, adapting to consumer preferences and market dynamics. From a small family business, the group has grown into a national brand that combines tradition with innovation. The Plug-in coffee shop chain is not only an extension of the business, but also a testament to Alka's vision of bringing its products closer to people, in a welcoming and accessible setting.
As Alka Group continues to expand its footprint, whether through its factories or Plug-in cafes, it remains true to its mission of providing quality and diversity. With a rich portfolio and a well-defined strategy, the company is ready to consolidate its leading position in the food industry and become a reference name in the Romanian cafe sector as well.
Article written by Gabriela Dan, Editor-in-Chief Arta Albă
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