The Coffee Industry in Halden: Current Status and Future Perspectives

The coffee industry in Halden is a small but dynamic sector with two registered businesses. One of them, Espresso House Norge As, has shown stable economic development with 9 employees and high sales figures, while Ayolaz As has gone bankrupt. The industry is part of the broader restaurant and café sector in the municipality, which has shown more stable growth over time. This presents both challenges and opportunities for new players looking to establish themselves in Halden.

Economic data shows that sales for café businesses in Halden have been highly variable over time. From a deep decline in 2018 (NOK 529.7K) to a record high value in 2023 (NOK 6.0M), the industry has experienced both major challenges and growth. Employees have followed a similar pattern, with a peak of 21 employees in 2023 before the decline in 2025. This shows an industry strongly influenced by market conditions and economic cycles.

Two businesses are registered in the coffee industry in Halden:

• Espresso House Norge As (Walkers gate 4): AS-form, 9 employees, high sales (NOK 5.1M) and positive EBITDA (NOK 256.7K)
• Ayolaz As (Walkers gate 4): AS-form, 0 employees, bankruptcy, zero sales and EBITDA

The corporate form AS dominates, and there are no companies in other forms such as ENKELTVIRKSOMHET or BOLIGSelskap. Ayolaz As is the only bankrupt business in the industry.

All businesses in the coffee industry in Halden are located in the Halden city center:

• Halden: 1 business, 9 employees, sales of NOK 5.1M, operating income of NOK 5.2M and EBITDA of NOK 256.7K

The data show that the coffee business in Halden is concentrated in the city center, which may indicate a certain dependence on tourist and local population needs.

The industry has been marked by a bankruptcy case (Ayolaz As), which shows a certain level of risk. Nevertheless, Espresso House Norge As has shown stability with high sales figures and positive EBITDA. Fluctuations in the number of employees and sales over time indicate an industry influenced by economic cycles and market conditions, but with potential to remain resilient.

For entrepreneurs in the coffee industry in Halden, it is important to be aware of both opportunities and challenges. One business (Espresso House) shows that it is possible to achieve stable results in the municipality, even with a bankruptcy nearby. It is, however, important to be flexible and adapt to market conditions, which have been highly variable. SmartGrunder can help find optimal locations in Halden for new cafés.

The broader restaurant and café sector in Halden has shown more stable growth than the coffee industry alone. In 2025, the sector had a total of 373 employees and sales of NOK 100.5M, showing a more robust structure. Peer businesses in the sector include both restaurants, pizzerias, and sushi kitchens, with EBITDA ranging from NOK 0 to over NOK 6M. This shows that the coffee industry is part of a larger, more diversified sector with various sub-sectors.

The coffee industry in Halden is small, but with potential for growth. With a stable business (Espresso House) and a bankruptcy (Ayolaz), the industry shows both opportunities and challenges. The broader restaurant and café sector in the municipality has shown more stable development, which can give entrepreneurs a solid foundation to establish themselves. SmartGrunder can help analyze locations and market conditions in Halden for new cafés.