News

Cold Stone Creamery plants flag in South Africa

September 9, 2013

Cold Stone Creamery has added South Africa to its portfolio — its 26th country.  To facilitate the expansion, Kahala, parent company of Cold Stone Creamery, signed a Master Franchise Agreement with Wilshire Foods SA LTD.

Wilshire Foods SA (PTY) LTD brings more than a decade of experience in several industries in South Africa including technology, real estate and mining. It also has a large food and beverage roster in the United Arab Emirates, is a supplier for snacks for supermarket chains inSouth Africa, and owns a five-star resort and various multiunit developments. Additionally, Wilshire holds an extensive land bank across South Africa and India.

"We are very excited about our new partnership and to have the opportunity to introduce The Ultimate Ice Cream Experience to the ice cream lovers of South Africa," said Ridwaan Gouse, executive chairman of Wilshire Foods SA LTD. "As we have grown to know the Cold Stone Creamery brand, we feel they are in the business of making people happy, which is right in line with our business philosophy. It's about making great memories for our customers and we are delighted to become a part of the Cold Stone Creamery family and feel the brand and its fun, unique customer experience is a perfect fit for the South African market."

"The blueprint to Cold Stone Creamery's global success over the last eight years has been our ability to partner with world class organizations," added Kevin Blackwell, co-CEO of Kahala. "Partnering with such a diverse and respected company as Wilshire Foods SA LTD strengthens the portfolio of our brand and aligns us with an organization that has played an integral role in South Africa’s growth."

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