Cold Stone Creamery has partnered with Denmark's leading chocolate manufacturer and retailer Sv. Michelsen to open the first two of 13 international co-brand locations in Copenhagen, Denmark. The two co-branded units opened in June.
Cold Stone first entered Europe in Denmark's Tivoli Gardens in May 2008 and has four stores in Denmark. The first co-branded units are in two prominent shopping areas, the Fisketorvet shopping center and the Illum department store.
"These premium concepts are coming together to create the ultimate dessert experience," said Scott Keppel, Kahala's International chief operating officer, in a news release. Kahala Corp. is the parent company of Cold Stone.
The co-branding development deal was a major reason behind Cold Stone's recent investment in its master franchise partner for the Scandinavian region. The partnership between the U.S. and Scandinavian Cold Stone companies is a joint venture, intended to develop the brand throughout Europe.
"Based on our early success, we believe there is tremendous potential for Cold Stone in Europe as both a standalone and co-branded concept," said Dan Beem, president of Cold Stone Creamery.
Cold Stone's international growth began in November 2005 when the company opened its first international store in Tokyo. Cold Stone stores are in more than 160 international locations in 13 different countries including China, Korea, Canada, Mexico and the United Arab Emirates.
The Danish co-branding effort follows Cold Stone's June announcement that it has extended its co-branding test with Tim Hortons in Canada to six stores.
