Australian owners bite into Muffin Break

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Australian retail food franchise business Foodco Group has purchased Foodco New Zealand, which operates the Muffin Break franchise in New Zealand.

Foodco trades in more than 250 outlets in Australia, and owns Jamaica Blue and Dreamy Donuts in addition to its flagship Muffin Break franchise.

The New Zealand acquisition has 36 franchised businesses and would accelerate the group's plans for expansion here, Foodco Group said.

Business manager Charlie Duffill said the food franchise wanted to add to its Jamaica Blue portfolio with further stores in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch by the end of the year.

It also wants to expand its presence from the current two Dreamy Donut stores it has in Auckland into other major New Zealand business hubs, before moving into the regions.

In addition, expansion plans are also in place for Muffin Break, which currently has 11 locations across the country.

Duffill said the group wanted to expand the number of Muffin Break franchises to more than 50 within 24 to 36 months.

Foodco managing director Serge Infanti said: "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."