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South Korea’s bakery chain Paris Baguette will open its first store in the Philippines as early as this year.
Known for its French pastries beloved across different markets, Paris Baguette is the top bakery chain in South Korea with over 3,500 stores, and more than 480 locations across the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, China, France, Vietnam, Indonesia, Cambodia, Malaysia, and Singapore.
The stores have been a backdrop across various K-Dramas and are backed by various Korean celebrities.
In the past, Filipinos could only enjoy their iconic croissants when visiting other countries. But thanks to the collaboration among Berjaya Food (International) Sdn. Bhd., Middle Trade Inc., and Paris Baguette Singapore, Paris Baguette Philippines Inc. plans to open the first store in the country within the fourth quarter of 2023 or towards the first quarter of 2024.
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Initially, the groups plan to invest as much as $1.5 million to build the first five stores in the country.
“Typical investment for a store is, on average, $300,000, but that would depend on how big the store is, and that will also depend on the location,” says Dato’ Sydney Quays, Group CEO of Berjaya Food Berhad. “But what we want to do when we open is to have a full-fledged Paris Baguette experience, meaning we would carry the full range of Paris Baguette. They have a lot of very reputable and good products. They also have some pasta. We also want to adopt some local food, just like what we've done in Malaysia.”
The collection of pastries, breads, and cakes at Paris Baguette are all baked fresh daily to offer a unique experience to guests. The company’s success has primarily been driven by its emphasis to provide innovative fare with a modern and wide selection of fresh, clean, and healthy products. At the company’s core, Paris Baguette is a bakery that is French-inspired and innovates through global influence.
“It gives us so much pride and excitement to be able to announce this partnership between Berjaya Food International and Middle Trade Inc. in establishing Paris Baguette Philippines Inc.,” Quay said. “This development came more than six months after a successful expansion in Malaysia, a feat which we hope will be replicated in the Philippines.”
He noted that the company is still in talks with “big malls” for the first Paris Baguette location in the Philippines.
“We are working on the right location to be able to present the brand to the Filipino people,” he said.
He hinted that the first location will be in Metro Manila.
“The entry of Paris Baguette in the Philippines marks a milestone in our continuous expansion in the ASEAN Region,” Quays said. “We in Berjaya Food have committed ourselves to delivering world-class food and restaurant concepts to our fellow Asian brothers and sisters. Our aim is to build on our aspiration to be a global, diversified, and holistic food group.”
Officials during the signing ceremony of the master franchise of Paris Baguette in the Philippines
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Born in 1988, Paris Baguette aims to satisfy cravings and taste buds of all ages and backgrounds still continuous with the spirit of Sangmidang, “which is to not leave a single piece of bread unchecked.”
