Foodco Group Announces Acquisition

One of Australia’s leading retail food franchise companies, Foodco Group Pty Ltd, (Foodco) today announced it has consolidated its portfolio by purchasing Foodco New Zealand Ltd which has the licence rights to operate the Foodco Muffin Break™ concept in New Zealand.

With ownership of the well-known Jamaica Blue™ and Dreamy Donuts™ brands in addition to its flagship Muffin Break franchise, Foodco trades in over 250 retail outlets in Australia. The New Zealand acquisition, comprising 36 franchised businesses, will increase the number of Foodco outlets in Australasia and accelerate the company’s expansion plans.

In operation since 1989, the Foodco brands are each recognised as leaders in their respective retail niches. An Australian success story, Foodco has expanded its operations from Australia (256 stores) to New Zealand (42 stores), the UK (33 stores), the UAE (3 stores) and China (12 stores) and looks forward to continued national and global growth.

Mr Serge Infanti, Managing Director of Foodco, commented that “the consolidation of the Australian and New Zealand businesses will strengthen the Muffin Break specialty bakery brand through closer interaction with Foodco’s product, operational and marketing teams.

“The New Zealand team will join Foodco’s management team and continue to be heavily involved in the day to day running of the business. The transaction will also offer Foodco the opportunity to consolidate key business functions to improve efficiency and service to its franchisees and customers across Muffin Break outlets in New Zealand,” added Mr Infanti.


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About Muffin Break

The Muffin Break concept originated in Canada but was acquired by Foodco and refined for contemporary and franchise conditions. 1989 saw the birth of the new style Muffin Break business with the opening of the first store in Coolangatta, Queensland. The Muffin Break business currently operates in Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the UAE with 247 stores worldwide.

Specialising in freshly baked products and a proprietary coffee blend, the Muffin Break franchise occupies a unique niche in the Australian retail food industry. The concept is based on values of freshness, reliability and a real home feel. In addition to traditional muffin varieties and sweet treats, the Muffin Break consumer offer comprises a range of muffins and other products created to meet emerging nutritional trends including high fibre, gluten-free, Weight Watchers, soy & linseed muffins, lite wraps, a range of savoury items, soups, gourmet sandwiches coffee and cold beverages

About Jamaica Blue

Built on the foundations of fine coffees and fabulous food the Jamaica Blue concept leads the market in its retail niche delivering a truly unique café experience with a
diverse range of exclusive premium products. The Jamaica Blue offer comprises a fresh contemporary food menu with exclusive signature and seasonal dishes, a choice of three exclusive coffees as well as a range of take home coffee packs from around the world and an innovative cold beverage selection. Established in Australia in 1992 the Jamaica Blue operation has grown to over 80 locations throughout Australia, New Zealand, Dubai and China.

About Dreamy Donuts
Established in 2006, the Dreamy Donuts business opened its first store on Charlotte Street in the heart of the Brisbane CBD. Since being acquired by Foodco’s subsidiary Cookhouse Australia Pty Ltd in 2008, this premium donut and coffee franchise business has grown steadily and now boasts stores in QLD, NSW, VIC, WA and also New Zealand.
A unique yeast raised recipe using the finest ingredients including real chocolate and quality fillings distinguishes the Dreamy donut offer from that of its competitors and produces simply irresistible, simply the best, simply Dreamy™ donuts. The brand has also extended its range, offering customers 100% high grade Arabica bean coffee and a selection of eat in or take home sweet and savoury delights.