Waterford-bound: leading ice cream chain Baskin Robbins.
Baskin Robbins, the world’s largest ice-cream chain, is planning to open outlets in both Waterford and Wexford, The Munster Express has learned.
The company, which announced its entry into the Irish market a fortnight ago, is part of the Dunkin’ Brands franchisor, which also includes the ‘Dunkin’ Donuts’ brand.
Baskin Robbins, which is already selling 1200 different in 500 restaurants across Europe, is also planning to open shops in Cork, Galway, Dublin and Belfast.
Speaking to this newspaper, Jeremy Vitaro (Dunkin’ Brands Vice President of International Development) stated: “We chose this market because it is a large city in Ireland with an urban population of 52,000 and metro population of 68,000. Waterford also benefits from tourism which helps the Baskin Robbins business.”
Mr Vitaro believes there is a gap in the Irish market which he believes their company can fill. “We think there is a good opportunity in the market,” he stated. “Other brands, such as Ben & Jerry’s and Häagen Daas, operate primarily as take-home products in supermarkets and vending machines. We are planning to further expand Baskin as high-quality ice cream parlors in local neighborhoods and high footfall shopping or leisure locations.”
Dunkin’ Brands are looking even further into the future as part of their strategy to further increase their presence in Europe, Mr Vitaro added.
“As part of Dunkin’ Brands’ ongoing strategy to increase its presence across Europe, we also have plans to also bring Dunkin’ Donuts to Northern Ireland and The Republic of Ireland in the near future.”