Auckland-based yogurt retailer KiwiYo has expanded to China, just 15 months after its local launch.

KiwiYo’s expansion into China will be carried out through franchise model. It has signed three franchise deals – the first franchisee will open 20 stores in Chongqing, Sichuan, Yunnan, Hubei and Guizhou. The second franchisee will initially develop three stores in Xian and a further eight over the next year or two while the third franchisee has agreed to open 20 stores in Hainan over 24 months.

Norman Markgraaff, who runs the business, believes KiwiYo will be a big hit among Chinese consumers.

“I’m getting franchise requests from all over China,” he said.

KiwiYo currently runs three stores in New Zealand, staffed with 90 people. Markgraaff plans to increase the store count to 26 by the end of next year.

The self-serve frozen yogurt concept allows customers to choose their own flavours from the self-serve machines and add their own toppings such as fruit, nuts, lollies and sauces. The price is determined by weight.