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High Occupancy Rates for Cyprus Restaurants in October; Winter Decline Anticipated

Restaurants, cafes, and bars in Cyprus experienced a strong October, with occupancy levels reaching 80 to 90 per cent, according to Neophytos Thrasyvoulou, president of the Federation of Leisure Centre Owners (Osika). He described October as a “very successful month” for the food service industry.

However, with winter approaching, Thrasyvoulou acknowledged potential challenges, especially with the impact of regional instability. “Visitor numbers have seen a slight drop in recent days,” he noted, though he hopes that occupancy levels will remain steady until mid-November. By early November, Thrasyvoulou expects visitor occupancy to hover around 50 to 60 per cent, after which the responsibility will lie with businesses to keep operating, with support from the Labour Ministry’s programme to extend the tourism season.

Reflecting on the earlier summer months of June and July, Thrasyvoulou highlighted that visitor numbers were initially lower than expected, largely due to Middle East tensions. The trend eventually improved, leading to a stronger second half of the season.

Despite rising costs, Thrasyvoulou urged business owners to maintain affordable pricing, aiming to keep dining accessible for both locals and tourists amid economic pressures.

Mitsides Lifts First-Half Profit 14% As Margin Gains Offset Softer Sales

Mitsides Public Company Ltd posted a solid improvement in first-half profitability in 2026, with net profit rising almost 14 per cent despite a modest decline in revenue, supported by a stronger gross margin and lower financing costs.

According to the group’s interim financial statements, published on its website (Mitsides Group), profit after tax increased to €727,134 in the six months to June 30, from €640,011 a year earlier, an advance of 13.6 per cent.

Margins and Finance Costs Drive The Improvement

Turnover edged down 1.05 per cent to €18.92 million, compared with €19.12 million in the corresponding period of 2025. Mitsides, which produces and distributes flour and pasta, imports and distributes food products, trades grain and operates in Serbia through its wholly owned subsidiary Mitsides Point, nonetheless delivered stronger profitability across key lines.

The main driver was a wider gross margin, which increased to 27.96 per cent from 26.7 per cent a year earlier. Operating profit also improved, rising to €1.07 million from €1.03 million in the first half of 2025.

At the same time, selling, promotion and administrative expenses increased to €4.21 million, or 22.25 per cent of sales, from €4.03 million, or 21.08 per cent of sales, a year earlier. Even with that rise in overheads, the group benefited from lower borrowing costs, helping preserve momentum at the bottom line.

Lower Borrowing Costs Support Earnings

Net finance expenses fell 25 per cent to €163,225 from €217,775. As a result, profit before tax climbed to €902,192 from €810,508 in the comparable period of 2025. Earnings per share rose to 8.87 cents from 7.81 cents.

The company also reported an improvement in short-term liquidity. Its current ratio increased to 1.35 at the end of June from 1.25 at the end of 2025, although the quick ratio softened to 0.63 from 0.69.

Balance Sheet Strength Improves

Total assets stood at €38.01 million, down from €40.01 million at the end of December, while shareholders’ equity increased to €19.95 million from €19.23 million. Net asset value per share rose to €2.43 from €2.35.

At June 30, the group had €6.94 million in floating-rate borrowings, trade receivables of €7.75 million and bank balances of €717,088.

Growth Plans Continue Amid Geopolitical Uncertainty

Looking ahead, Mitsides said it will continue investing to expand exports while defending its position in the Cypriot market. The group also highlighted uncertainty linked to the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, as well as persistent inflationary pressures.

In Serbia, where operations are carried out through the wholly owned subsidiary Mitsides Point D.o.o., the business continued to operate against a backdrop of political and economic uncertainty. The company noted that Serbia remains committed to its European path, with the government aiming to complete the technical criteria for EU accession by the end of 2026.

The board did not recommend an interim dividend for the period. Separately, Mitsides completed payment in August of a €410,000 final dividend, equivalent to €0.05 per share, drawn from profits accumulated during the 2023 financial year.

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