Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt

From Japan to Kenya, Cold Stone Creamery Rises Globally

LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr

Cold Stone Creamery continues to churn out new business internationally, with its ice cream shops now about to enter the East Africa market. Parent company Kahala Brands just announced that it has signed a 10-year master franchise agreement with Om Nom Nom Mauritius Ltd. (ONN Ltd.) in Kenya. Seven stores are slated to open over a five-year period, with the first set to begin scooping sweet treats in Nairobi this September.

The Scottsdale, Arizona, USA-headquartered operation has stepped up global expansion considerably in recent years. Growth outside North America began in 2005, when the company opened a store in Tokyo, Japan. Today its outlets are present in nearly 300 international locations in over 25 countries, including China, the Philippines, Cyprus, Kuwait, Qatar, Trinidad, Nigeria, Egypt and Indonesia.

Cold-Stone-asia

“We are excited about our new collaboration and to have the opportunity to introduce ‘The Ultimate Ice Cream Experience’ to Kenya,” said Roseanne Owiti, district manager for the Cold Stone Creamery brand in Kenya.

“Om Nom Nom has a great understanding of the Kenyan market, with vast experience in the food and beverage industry,” said Eddy Jimenez, senior vice president of international operations and development at Kahala Brands. “It already conducts business in Nairobi, has priceless in-market knowledge, and has been active with new start-ups in over 15 locations.”

The American company’s franchise expansion drive has seen the Cold Stone Creamery banner unfurled at more than 1,500 locations worldwide. Its concept of customizing ice cream with mix-in ingredients is popular with consumers, as is its range of cakes, shakes, smoothies, yogurt and sorbet.