Berjaya Food International, the international arm of Malaysia’s Berjaya Food, has secured the rights to launch Starbucks stores in the Nordic countries of Iceland, Denmark, and Finland, marking the company’s first foray into the Nordic coffee market.
This move represents a significant expansion for Berjaya Food, which has built a robust portfolio in the food and beverage industry. Known for operating brands such as Kenny Rogers Roasters, Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, and Paris Baguette, the company is now set to combine its extensive culinary and operational expertise with Starbucks’ renowned “quality, innovation, and hospitality,” as highlighted by BusinessToday.
Berjaya Food has already established a strong presence in the Southeast Asian market, operating over 400 Starbucks stores in Malaysia and Brunei, alongside five Paris Baguette stores, 70 Kenny Rogers Roasters outlets, seven Sala stores in Malaysia, and 34 Jollibean locations in Singapore, according to TheEdge Malaysia. The company’s international ambitions were further demonstrated in early 2024 when Berjaya Food International signed an agreement to operate Paris Baguette in Singapore, following the opening of its first store in the Philippines in April.
In Denmark, Berjaya Food International’s expansion plans will build upon the existing Starbucks store network established by the Salling Group, the largest retailer in the country.
Dato’ Sydney Quays, CEO of Berjaya Food Berhad, expressed excitement about this new venture, stating, “We are thrilled to announce our new venture of opening Starbucks Coffee stores in the Nordic region. We are excited to bring our expertise and passion for excellence to the vibrant Nordic coffee culture, introducing warm Malaysian hospitality and promising the exceptional Starbucks ‘third place’ experience cherished worldwide.”
This strategic partnership not only strengthens Starbucks’ presence in Europe but also reinforces the brand’s commitment to expanding its footprint in diverse and emerging markets. Starbucks Europe, Middle East, and Africa President Duncan Moir also voiced his support, saying, “We’re pleased to expand our presence in the Nordic markets alongside our trusted and long-term business partner, Berjaya Food Berhad, and contribute to the vibrant local coffee community in the region.”
Despite this expansion, Starbucks recently reported a decrease in attributable net earnings for the third quarter of the fiscal year 2024, with $1.05 billion, down 7.6% from $1.14 billion in the same quarter of 2023. Nonetheless, the brand remains focused on its global growth strategy.