The Sydney-based Muffin Break operator has launched its Jamaica Blue coffee chain in Qatar, its eighth international market and second in the Middle East alongside the UAE.
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The Doha outlet marks Jamaica Blue’s second market entry in the Middle East | Photo credit: Foodco Group
Australian food and beverage retailer and operator Foodco Group has continued the international expansion its Jamaica Blue coffee chain with a first store in Qatar.
The outlet, which has opened at Doha’s Gulf Mall shopping centre, marks Jamaica Blue’s second market entry in the Middle East and its eighth internationally. The coffee chain debuted in the UAE in 2009 and currently operates eight stores across the country.
Qatar is the sixth largest branded coffee shop market in the Middle East.
World Coffee Portal research found the Qatari market, led by Starbucks and McCafé with 49 stores each, grew by 51 stores last year to reach 400 outlets.
Project Café Middle East 2023 analysis indicates demand for premium coffee shops across Qatar continues to attract international operators, with the market forecast to reach 545 outlets by 2027.
Highlighting the opportunities for new market entrants, One PM Holding, which franchises Pret A Manger stores across Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, announced in February 2023 that Al Mana Holding will sub franchise the coffee and food-to-go brand in the Qatari market.
Sydney-based Foodco Group predominantly opens Jamaica Blue outlets in high footfall shopping centres.
The food and beverage group currently operates 98 Jamaica Blue stores across Australia, and a further 58 across the UAE, the UK, New Zealand, China, Malaysia and Singapore.
Foodco Group also operates the bakery café chain Muffin Break across Australia, New Zealand and the UK, as well as Australian online coffee channel BeanGiving Retail, which donates 10% of sales to local community groups.