Presented at the MYOB Excellence in Franchising Award, this award is for excellence in implementation of international expansion strategy.
Judges’ comment: This detailed submission reflected both the geographic spread and depth of international activities, and management’s investment in time, personnel and money being invested to create a global brand. The acquisition of the US parent was a standout strategy to consolidate the global brand.
The business has grown to 917 coffee houses worldwide with 37 master franchise agreements signed across 36 countries. This includes 489 coffee houses in Australia.
“This award recognises the contribution of our whole family of team members, franchise partners and supply partners who have made our international aspirations a reality,” says Nabi Saleh, executive chairman, Gloria Jean’s Coffees.
In the last 12 months the company has opened 10 new international markets, global sales have increased by more than 25 per cent and coffee house openings have grown 35 per cent encompassing 93 new openings.
Earlier this year affiliate company, Praise International North America Inc completed negotiations to buy Gloria Jean’s Coffees US retail and franchise operations from the US owner, comprising 102 coffee houses in 24 states.
“We expect continued growth into the future and our goal is to have 1450 coffee houses opened by 2011,” says Saleh. “The whole journey of Gloria Jean’s has been the fulfilment of a dream and it takes every member of the family to embrace the vision. This vision is not hung on a wall, it’s a living document. Whatever decision we make
around the boardroom table comes back to ‘is it in line with what we stand for?’
“It’s a partnership overseas too. Money is not the thing we want, we want to know ‘are you aligned?’ Do you have the same values and purpose? It’s much like a marriage, there is give and take. What is best for the vision? We have several people wanting to take the brand to their country but if they are not right, we say so upfront.
“This is a service business so we’ve opened offices globally to run workshops, to keep our partners abreast of our initiatives.”
This year marked the launch of the Gloria Jean’s Coffees International Foundation which is working closely with international charities including Opportunity International and Compassion as well as local causes.