News

Cold Stone Creamery's African footprint grows with Nigeria deal

September 6, 2012

Kahala, parent company of Cold Stone Creamery, has signed a 10-year master franchise agreement with Ivybridge Trading Ltd. to bring the brand to Nigeria with the goal of opening nine stores in the first five years.

Ivybridge Trading Ltd. consists of a group of Nigerian companies in the real estate, industrial production, construction, health care, hotels, catering, oil and retail industries.

"Cold Stone Creamery's ice cream is a custom-made work-of-art that reflects one's personality with its endless choices and combinations made of super-premium ingredients that are always fresh and tasty," said Marwan Dalloul, president of Ivybridge Trading Ltd. "At Ivybridge Trading Ltd., we only partner with the best, finest and most unique brands. We are delighted to start providing Nigeria with the 'Ultimate Experience' within the ice cream industry."

Cold Stone Creamery will be the first national ice cream chain and the first ice cream concept to provide a customizable serving experience in Nigeria, according to a company release.

"Since Nigeria is the trendsetter within Western Africa, finding a partner in this country was an undeniable next step to continue our growth within the continent," said Dan Beem, Cold Stone Creamery's president of International. "Ivybridge is an extremely well known company in Nigeria and the breadth of knowledge and experience they have in the market is second to none, which makes them the best and most perfect partner for Cold Stone Creamery in Nigeria."

This deal marks Cold Stone's second agreement signed to expand the brand in Africa this summer. In June, Kahala signed a franchise agreement to develop within Egypt, marking the chain's 19th country of operation and debut on the African continent.

That 10-year agreement was signed with Squadra and includes a goal of opening eight stores in the first four years.

Read more about franchising and growth.