The US doughnut brand Krispy Kreme plans to take its worldwide outlets to 1300 within five years from current 600 outlets in 20 countries.

Krispy Kreme president of international business Jeff Welch said the company will open 900 outlets outside the US as it sees huge market overseas while its home country will get additional 400 outlets.

In Asia, the doughnut brand will also expand its presence in existing countries and new markets will be entered.

“There are growing opportunities in Asia, and we haven’t opened outlets yet in some Asian countries,” said Welch.

Thailand, where Krispy Kreme currently has four outlets in The Mall Bangkapi, Siam Paragon, CentralPlaza Rama 9 and CentralPlaza Lardprao, will get an additional 10 outlets within five years.

“The performance of Krispy Kreme in Asia in the last 18 months has been very good, particularly in Thailand. Business in the US is still okay despite the economic downturn. We can grow our sales because people want to treat themselves,” said Welch.

Krispy Kreme franchisee in Thailand, KDN Company, will allocate 10 million baht (US$321,340) for each outlet.  

In Japan, Japanese franchisee Krispy Kreme Doughnut Japan Company Limited, will build an additional 19 locations in Chugoku and Kyushu regions.

Less successful was the partner in China which closed its outlets in Hong Kong after going bankrupt. Krispy Kreme says it will re-enter the market in the future with a new partner.

GB