New master franchise agreement is the US doughnut and coffee chain’s first since parting ways with CEO Betsy Hamm in January 2025
Duck Donuts operates over 140 US outlets alongside a dozen international stores | Photo credit: Duck Donuts
Duck Donuts has signed a master franchise agreement to launch in New Zealand.
The US donut and coffee chain has partnered with former Bakers Delight multi-unit franchisees Martin and Anita van der Velden to enter the market. The franchise partnership is the first deal struck by Duck Donuts since the resignation of CEO Betsy Hamm in January 2025, when the chain was reported to be making corporate layoffs.
“We look forward to seeing them [Martin and Anita van der Velden] bring our brand to life across New Zealand and deliver the unique Duck Donuts experience to local customers,” said Interim CEO Devon Mailey.
Founded in 2006, Duck Donuts operates over 140 US outlets alongside a dozen international stores across Thailand, the Philippines, Canada, Egypt, Pakistan, Qatar, Curacao and the Bahamas.
In April 2023, Duck Donuts signed a franchise agreement to launch in Australia with an initial five-store development plan in Sydney – a move which is yet to materialise.
Its planned New Zealand launch comes four months after US rival Cinnabon entered the market with a store at Auckland’s Westfield Newmarket shopping centre. Duck Donuts will also trade alongside fellow US brands Dunkin’ and Krispy Kreme, which operate 19 and six New Zealand stores respectively.