Korean coffee chains are eyeing international markets as they face tough domestic regulations and a saturated local market.

Caffe Bene, with 810 stores in Korea, has recently opened three stores in China and two in the US. It will also take its brand to the Middle East after signing a franchise agreement with Saudi Arabia-based Keden Group.

Keden Group has committed to opening 100 outlets in Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and the UAE within five years.

Caffe Bene also plans to expand in China and the US and enter new international markets such as Japan, Cambodia and the Philippines.

Another Korean coffee chain Hollys Coffee has also signed a partnership in the Middle East with Sure Business to open stores in Kuwait, Qatar and Bahrain.

Hollys Coffee already has a presence in China and Peru and is now looking to open in Chile and Mexico.

Meanwhile, Angel-In-Us coffee chain is concentrating on expanding market share in Asia where it has four outlets in Vietnam, three in Indonesia and nine in China.

GB