South Korean bakery chain Paris Baguette will debut its first presence in the Philippines, accelerating its expansion plan in Southeast Asia. 

Paris Baguette Philippines has reportedly inked a master franchise agreement with Berjaya Food, Middle Trade and Paris Baguette Singapore to bring the South Korean coffee bakery to the Philippine market, with the first store set to open in the fourth quarter of this year.

Berjaya Food and Middle Trade will be the primary operators of the Paris Baguette stores in the Philippines. The collaboration intends to increase the brand’s visibility by opening more stores in key locations around the country.

Dato’ Sydney Lawrance Quays, group CEO of Berjaya Food, said the firm intends to open five locations in its first year in the country at an estimated cost of $300,000 per location, with the flagship store potentially costing more.

Earlier this year, Paris Baguette opened its first operation in the UK and Canada as part of its plan to expand outside Asia.