Retail Food Group (RFG) indicates that Germany is a key market for its European expansion after signing Master Franchise Agreement with the Winkel Group
Photo: Gerard Adriaanse
The deal will see the Winkel Group open 40 new Gloria Jean’s stores across Germany within the next years, with the first set to open in Cologne in mid-2018.
The terms of the deal include an option for the Winkel Group to expand its current 10-year agreement with Retail Food Group to 20 years.
Gloria Jean’s already has a presence in more than 50 markets across Europe, North and South America, Middle East, Asia and the South Pacific.
The new deal marks a significant expansion of the Australian speciality coffee chain in Germany, with RFG Chief Executive, International, Mike Gilbert hailing Europe’s coffee market potential.
“Germany has a growing speciality coffee market and Gloria Jean’s Coffees has an outstanding offering to meet that need. It’s an offering that is already very successful with close to 900 outlets throughout the world,” said RFG Chief Executive, International, Mike Gilbert.
“Retail Food Group is actively marketing our brands in Europe and see this region as a key part of our international growth strategy,” he added.
Research by Allegra shows Germany’s coffee shop market is one of the most developed in Europe. Recent market stagnation saw a 1.4% decline in coffee shop outlets between 2016-17, but Allegra forecasts the market will grow to exceed 2,100 stores by 2022.