Bangkok--29 Nov--Thana Burin Asia Pacific
GFA Corporation (Thailand) Ltd, which currently operates four brands in its portfolio, including Coffee World, The Cream & Fudge Factory, New York Deli and Pizza Corner has experienced business growth of 44 percent this year. To continue with its business strategy as an innovative organisation, the company has announced today the launch of its two product brands ‘The Donut Baker’ and ‘Golden Pretzel’ which will target children and families.
Mr Fred Mouawad, Chairman & CEO of GFA Corporation (Thailand) Ltd, said whilst addressing business partners and press at a meeting this morning “We are very pleased with our business growth both in Thailand and internationally. During the 10 years of our operation we have seen steady growth but 2006 is certainly our golden year. We have opened an additional 52 stores throughout the world, of which some outlets operate as combination brands, providing customer the choice of a range of food and beverages under one roof. We have some stores we operate by ourselves and many under the franchise system which is generating a great deal of interest both in Thailand and internationally. We now have a total of 171 stores around the world.
“In Thailand, we have added 17 stores this year which means we have a total of 90 outlets from 73 outlets at the beginning of the year. This includes the first 4 brand combination store covering 256 sq/ms at Jung Ceylon Shopping Entertainment Complex in Phuket to be open on December 5th, and one new brand The Donut Baker at the Esplanade in Bangkok on December 15th. We have grown our number of stores by 23% this year, and our expansion highly depends on our ability to find the right locations at fair market rentals,” Mr Fred said.
“On the international market level, we currently operate in India (72 outlets) Bangladesh (6 outlets), Dubai (1 outlet), Myanmar (1 outlet) and Reunion Island (1). We recently signed a contract with Emperor Food Franchise Concepts Ltd (Hainan) as our first franchisee in China for the Hainan province to open a total of 12 stores within the next 3 years amongst the brands of Coffee World, The Cream & Fudge Factory, and Pizza Corner. And in the past month we have appointed a Master Franchisee for Indonesia to open 26 stores within the next 3 years amongst the brands Coffee World, The Cream & Fudge Factory and New York Deli.”
Mr Fred further added, “We are always innovating by building brands that can leverage our world class infrastructure and brands that are relevant to consumers. As such we are today announcing the launch of two new brands -- ‘The Donut Baker’ and ‘Golden Pretzel’. There is still a lot of scope for both categories in Asia Pacific. The Donut Baker will serve premium donuts targeted at families and children by using the image of the Baker to communicate directly to customers at the store through visuals. The Donuts will be made using the finest ingredients, and the stores will also serve hot and cold coffees. The price range for the donuts will be between Bt 10 and Bt 17 a piece.”
“Pretzel is another category we are excited about. Golden Pretzel will offer premium pretzels in the price range of Bt 32 to Bt 42. Our pretzels are larger and have a thicker crust better preserving the soft dough inside. The product will be mostly sold through kiosks located in high foot traffic areas. Some of the innovative flavours being offered are ‘Chocolate Chip’ and ‘Chocolate Coated’ pretzels,” Mr Fred said.
GFA expects new brands to grow both domestically and internationally. As for the number of new stores to be opened in the next year, Mr Fred said: “As many as we can find good locations and as long as our products are received well in the market place.”
For more information, please contact:
GFA Corporation (Thailand) Ltd
Public Affairs office
Thana Burin Asia Pacific Ltd
Yuwadi Chombun (08 1 699 5286)
Tel: +66 (0) 2231 6158
Email:
[email protected]
Kasemsri K Eufemio (08 1 611 4696)
Tel: +66 (0) 2231 6159
Email:
[email protected]
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