International cafÉ franchise Esquires Coffee Houses has continued its expansion in Ireland with the opening of its 11th cafÉ in Ennis, Co Clare. The franchise aims to increase its Irish chain to 15 cafes by opening four more cafes across Ireland in Dublin, Kilkenny, Cork and Nass this year. Esquires Coffee Houses is also looking for 20 more suitable sites for its expansion across Ireland and Britain.

Last year the company had a turnover of 4.9 million euros after the company made an executive decision to only sell Fairtrade tea, coffee and hot chocolate. This year the company's expansion plans are set to increase the turnover to 6.75 million euros.

Managing Director of Esquires Coffee Houses Tony McVerry said: "Esquires has committed itself to exclusively Fairtrade tea, coffee and hot chocolate. Some Esquires Coffee Houses have reported in the last 12 months a 10 to 15 per cent increase in hot beverages sales since the company announced its decision on Fairtrade."

Esquires Coffee Houses was founded in Canada in the 1990s and can be found in North America, New Zealand, Britain and Ireland. The company expanded into Ireland in 2001 and has cafes in Belfast, Carlow, Dublin, Ennis, Gorey, Maynooth, Lisburn, Limerick, Newtownards and Wexford.