News

Auntie Anne's opens door to China, Cinnabon to follow

June 22, 2018

Auntie Anne's parent company, Focus Brands, introduced the brand to the Chinese market this week with a launch event in Shenzhen, China. The first location, operated by Gaga Group, opens Monday, a news release said. 

The store is the start of a planned expansion throughout the country with additional openings in Beijing and Shanghai taking place in the near future. The brand, which is targeting young Chinese consumers, has developed a new store design and menu with more than 20 unique tea offerings.

"China is a key market for Auntie Anne's and we think our handcrafted, freshly baked and brewed products will really resonate with the country's consumers," Focus Brands President of International Mike Kehoe, said in the release. "We see enormous growth potential in China, as we know there is broad appeal for our classic pretzel and new tea offerings."  

The company said the launch of Auntie Anne's begins a strategic growth initiative in China that has the company also preparing to launch Cinnabon stores there.