Pret has partnered with One PM Franchising to grow its business in Kuwait and pursue expansion across the Middle East
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Pret currently operates approximately 630 stores, including 200 outlets in markets outside of the UK | Photo credit: One PM
Pret A Manger has opened its first store in Kuwait as part of its plans to double the size of its global store count by 2026.
Located at the Al Hamra Business Tower in the nation’s capital, the outlet has been launched via Kuwaiti franchise partner One PM.
One PM Franchising is a subsidiary of One Franchising Holding, a regional food and beverage operator with a presence across eight countries.
The company’s chairman Hamad Al-Sayer said the Pret brand has ‘a rich legacy that promises a joyful experience’ to the people of Kuwait. He also suggested that One PM could help deliver Pret A Manger to other countries within the Middle East region.
Pret A Manger’s Middle East presence currently comprises three stores in Dubai, UAE, including two at Dubai international airport.
In June 2022, the company announced plans to grow its presence in the UAE with up to 20 new stores ‘in the years ahead’ as part of an agreement with long-term franchise partner Emirates Leisure Retail.
“We’re excited to be opening our first shop in Kuwait with our new franchise partner, One PM. We have ambitious plans to bring our freshly made food and organic coffee to more people across the world and we’re pleased to be growing Pret’s presence in the Middle East. We’re looking forward to working more closely with the One PM team, and we can’t wait for customers to visit our shops to try our high quality and great tasting food,” said Pano Christou, CEO, Pret A Manger.
Pret A Manger currently operates approximately 630 stores, including 200 outlets in markets outside of the UK. In September 2021 the company outlined plans to double the size of its business within five years and expand into five new markets by the end of 2023.
It has since announced agreements with franchise partners to enter Canada, Ireland, Spain and Portugal and India.
There is significant growth potential for branded chains and specialty independent cafés across the Middle East, with appetite for western hospitality brands increasing among Kuwaiti consumers.
US coffee company Starbucks is approaching 200 stores in Kuwait, while UK-based Costa Coffee operates nearly 100 outlets across the nation.
In September 2022 Canadian coffee chain Tim Hortons launched its first five stores in Kuwait in partnership with its Middle East franchisee AG Café. Danish coffee and juice brand Joe & The Juice also intends to launch in Kuwait by the end of 2022.