The company managed to achieve this growth despite a challenging market environment characterised by sluggish consumer demand and rising costs.

By brand, the performance was mixed. KFC sales remained flat, at RON 641.7 million (€129.5 million), with growth tempered by weaker discretionary spending. Taco Bell, however, maintained a strong upward trajectory, with sales rising by 18.4% to RON 50.1 million (€10.1 million), appealing particularly to a younger demographic. 

Pizza Hut stabilised, recording RON 53.4 million (€10.7 million) in sales and reducing its operating losses by almost 75% compared to H1 2024.

The group's normalised EBITDA stood at RON 52.8 million (€10.6 million), a decrease of 33% year-on-year, primarily due to wage increases and higher operational costs across the industry. The normalised net profit was RON 17.7 million (€3.5 million), down around 56%  year-on-year.

In terms of operations, Sphera continued to expand its network, opening three new KFC restaurants. The group's total number of restaurants reached 177 at the end of June, spanning across Romania, Italy, and the Republic of Moldova. The company also entered the premium dessert category by launching its first Cioccolatitaliani store in Italy.

Călin Ionescu (in photo), CEO of Sphera Franchise Group, said, "In the first half of 2025, we navigated one of the most complex environments in recent years, marked by fiscal changes, rising costs and volatile consumer sentiment. Even so, our diversified portfolio across countries and segments allowed us to secure the level of sales."

The group has adjusted its financial estimates for 2025, anticipating total revenues between RON 1.6 billion and RON 1.65 billion (€322.8 million - €332.9 million), slightly lower than initial projections. 

However, the company is maintaining its objectives for operational efficiency and a solid financial position, with a normalised net profit estimated at RON 63–70 million (€12.7 million - €14.1 million).