Australian retail food franchise business, Foodco Group, (Foodco) is purchasing Foodco New Zealand which has the licence to operate the Foodco Muffin Break concept in New Zealand.

Foodco trades in more than 250 retail outlets in Australia with the Jamaica Blue and Dreamy Donuts brands in addition to its flagship Muffin Break franchise.

The New Zealand acquisition of 36 franchised businesses will increase the number of Foodco outlets in Australasia and accelerate the company’s expansion plans.

In operation since 1989, Foodco has expanded its operations from Australia (256 stores) to New Zealand (42 stores), the UK (33 stores), the UAE (three stores) and China (12 stores) and looks forward to continued national and global growth.

Serge Infanti, managing director of Foodco, said “the consolidation of the Australian and New Zealand businesses will strengthen the Muffin Break specialty bakery brand through closer interaction with FoodcoÕs product, operational and marketing teams.

“The New Zealand team will join Foodco’s management team and continue to be heavily involved in the day to day running of the business. The transaction will also offer Foodco the opportunity to consolidate key business functions to improve efficiency and service to its franchisees and customers across Muffin Break outlets in New Zealand,” he added.