Cold Stone Creamery Opens First International Co-Branded Locations in Scandinavia

By: Cold Stone Creamery | 11 Shares 165 Reads

Joint Venture Signifies the Company's Interest in the European Market

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Cold Stone Creamery recently opened the first two of 13 international co-brand locations in Copenhagen, Denmark. The worldwide super-premium ice cream concept partnered with Sv. Michelsen Chokolade, the leading chocolate manufacturer and retailer of Denmark, to open the first two co-branded units in June. Plans call for 11 more co-branded stores over the next year in Denmark.

Michelsen's well-known quality desserts and reputation as a "Purveyor to the Danish Royal Court" is the perfect complement to Cold Stone's premium ice cream experience. The synergy between both brands offers quality and decadence to the sweet treat lovers of Denmark.

"It's long been known that chocolate and ice cream go hand-in-hand. These premium concepts are coming together to create the ultimate dessert experience," said Scott Keppel, Kahala's International Chief Operating Officer.

The co-branding development was a major reason behind Cold Stone's recent investment in its master franchise partner for the Scandinavian region. The partnership between the United States and Scandinavian Cold Stone Creamery companies is a joint venture. This arrangement signifies Cold Stone's interest in not only understanding and capturing the Scandinavian dessert lover but in also creating the infrastructure to develop the brand throughout Europe.

"Based on our early success, we believe there is tremendous potential for Cold Stone in Europe as both a standalone and co-branded concept," said Dan Beem, president of Cold Stone Creamery. "At a time when most companies are hunkering down, we're actively looking to invest in market opportunities that will drive the brand in the U.S. and internationally."

Cold Stone first entered Europe in Denmark's Tivoli Gardens in May 2008 and currently has four stores in Denmark. The first co-branded units are in two prominent shopping areas, the Fisketorvet shopping center and the Illum department store.

Cold Stone Creamery's explosive international growth began in November 2005 when the company opened its first international store in Tokyo, Japan. Today, Cold Stone stores are operational with more than 160 international locations in 13 different countries including China, Korea, Canada, Mexico and the United Arab Emirates.

About Cold Stone Creamery

Cold Stone Creamery delivers The Ultimate Ice Cream Experience® through a community of franchisees who are passionate about ice cream. The secret recipe for smooth and creamy ice cream is handcrafted fresh daily in each store, and then customized by combining a variety of mix-ins on a frozen granite stone. Headquartered in Scottsdale, Ariz., Cold Stone Creamery is a subsidiary of Kahala, one of the fastest growing franchising companies in the world, with a portfolio of 12 quick-service restaurant brands. Cold Stone Creamery operates more than 1,450 locations in 13 countries.

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