New York-based Haagen-Dazs has opened the doors of its first store in Vietnam.

The French-inspired store at 11-13 Han Thuyen St in Ho Chi MInh City’s District 1, offers more than 60 flavors of ice cream, alongside coffee and other beverages.

The store is a partnership between General Mills, the parent company of Haagen-Dazs, and local business International Lifestyle Joint Stock Company.

General Mills MD for Asia, Wuthichai Ratanasumawongs, said the partnership will create a new group of customers for Haagen-Dazs in the Asia Pacific region.

Haagen-Dazs products launched in Vietnam through the grocery channel two years ago, through gourmet retailer Annam Fine Foods.

Earlier this year, Haagen-Dazs announced its plans to expand in China with further 50 stores to be opened by the end of 2013, capitalising on the growing number of middle-class and affluent families.

Haagen-Dazs was founded in 1961 by Reuben and Rose Mattus. The brand is available at select shopping malls, upscale hotels and now has some 900 stores in 50 countries.

GB