25 May 2015 Krispy Kreme doughnuts coming to SA

Krispy Kreme, the American global doughnut company and coffeehouse chain, is opening shop in SA, the multinational’s first venture into Africa.

Krispy Kreme has signed a development agreement with local company, KK Doughnuts, SA to open 31 Krispy Kreme shops in South Africa over the next five years.

Fournews and John & Gerry’s Brands are the principal owners of KK Doughnuts SA. The majority owner, Fournews, is a 20-year-old South African company that has a footprint firmly placed throughout South Africa and is steadily expanding into Africa.

It currently operates several other well-established brands including Cafe Fino, News Cafe, Smooch, Moyo, illy and Go! It plans to launch Brooklyn Brothers soon.

“With our 15 years of experience in the industry and our joint venture with Fournews, we are extremely proud to bring this iconic global brand into the South African market,” said Gerry Thomas (left), CEO of KK Doughnuts SA.

“The South African consumer is looking for quality and value, which is exactly what the brand delivers. We’re confident that this popular international brand will quickly become a South African favourite.”

Dan Beem, Krispy Kreme’s Senior VP and President – International commented, “From Asia to the Middle East and now to Africa, the global demand for Krispy Kreme and its signature sweet treats continues to grow.

“We have collaborated with an operator who has extensive experience in food service throughout South Africa. We’re confident the brand will establish itself as the country’s premiere sweet treats provider under its leadership.”

Krispy Kreme is known for its Original Glazed doughnut, as well as a range of yeast-raised doughnuts, doughnut holes, mini doughnuts and doughnut pops. The menu of the South African branch is still under wraps, but USA flavours include dulce de leche, glazed blueberry cake, and currently, a peach pie doughnut. It does seem that flavours tend to vary from country to country,

Krispy Kreme doughnuts can be found in more than 1 000 shops in 24 countries.

You can view an interview with Gerry Thomas on Business Day TV here