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Oporto expands in China

Sarah Stowe

Oporto is expanding in ChinaExpansion is on the cards for chicken and burger franchise, Oporto, with the company planning to build on the success of its first two stores in China and open a third.

Oporto CEO, Jeff Fisher said the first two stores, both located in Xiamen city in the Fuzhou province, had been very popular since opening in early 2010 and said this month’s opening of the third store, located in the city Fuzhou, will lay the foundations for significant growth of the brand.

“Our successful expansion into China is just the start of a potentially massive opportunity for Oporto and gives us access to a fast food market estimated to be worth more than $60 billion,” Fisher said.

“The fast food industry in China is one of the quickest growing sectors in the country. With a rapidly emerging middle class population, surging disposable income and growing enthusiasm for dining out, the industry is huge and will continue to grow in coming years. The opportunity for the Oporto brand in this market is obvious and we look forward to the opening of many more stores in the coming years.”

While Oporto’s Bondi Burger and fresh grilled chicken have been popular choices in China, there are a number of differences between the Australian and Chinese menus.

“One of the most significant differences between the Chinese and Australian menu is the use of fresh thigh fillets in the burgers rather than the 100 percent breast fillet used here in Australia. Our research showed that the Asian palette clearly preferred the strong flavour of the darker meat found in the thigh fillet and we were able to reproduce the authentic taste of our products while adapting to local tastes,” Fisher explained.

Seaweed, mushroom and shrimp soup, corn salad, milk tea and soft-serve icecream have also been added to Oporto’s Chinese offering.