Thu 23rd Oct 2025 - Zuma and Roka operator receives investment from Abu Dhabi-based luxury hospitality company DIAFA Zuma and Roka operator receives investment from Abu Dhabi-based luxury hospitality company DIAFA to drive next phase of global expansion: Azumi, which is led by Sven Koch and operates the Zuma and Roka high-end restaurant brands, has received investment from Abu Dhabi-based luxury hospitality company DIAFA. It joins existing partner Doğuş Hospitality to drive the next phase of global expansion for Azumi. The company said the undisclosed investment from DIAFA will accelerate its ambitions – enabling the evolution of its flagship brands, the international expansion of existing restaurant concepts such as Oblix, which operates from the 32nd floor of The Shard in London, and the creation of new lifestyle and experiential concepts already in development. Koch said: “This partnership represents an incredible alignment of values and vision. DIAFA’s belief in creativity, craftsmanship, and cultural authenticity resonates deeply with who we are and our heritage as a group. Together with our long-standing partners at Doğuş Hospitality and new partners at DIAFA, we are excited to shape the next era of Azumi – continuing to deliver exceptional experiences while exploring new ideas, destinations, and concepts around the world.” Azumi owns or has controlling stakes in seven restaurants in London, two in Florida, two in Dubai and individual restaurants in New York, Boston, Las Vegas, Abu Dhabi, Hong Kong, Rome, Madrid and Cannes. The group also had investments in restaurants in Istanbul, Bangkok, Mykonos and Jeddah and in two restaurants in Riyadh. For the year ending 29 December 2024, Azumi reported turnover of £203,071,000 compared with £205,129,000 the year before. Ebitda stood at £49,948,000 (2023: £60,200,000), while pre-tax profit stood at £29,929,000 (2023: £42,239,000). Structured as a permanent capital vehicle, DIAFA said it has been built to partner with high-potential consumer brands in the hospitality and lifestyle space. The platform said it “combines long-term investment with deep operational support to accelerate growth, building sustainable global businesses and backed by strategic expertise”. Last month, Propel revealed DIAFA had hired Ashley Saxton, former director of restaurants at Harrods, as its global food and beverage chief executive, as it looks to make a “number of high-profile acquisitions”, and has ambitions to become the largest luxury food and beverage business globally. Last month, DIAFA made a majority investment in The h.wood Group, the Los-Angeles-based, hospitality company known for creating some of the most exclusive and culturally influential nightlife and dining venues in the world. Azumi features in the Premium Club Turnover & Profits Blue Book, which is available exclusively to Premium Club subscribers and features 1,177 companies. Azumi’s turnover of £203,071,000 is the 66th highest in the database. Companies can now have an unlimited number of people receive access to Propel Premium for a year for £995 plus VAT – whether they are an operator or a supplier. The single subscription rate is £495 plus VAT for operators and £595 plus VAT for suppliers. Email kai.kirkman@propelinfo.com to upgrade your subscription.