Australian franchise Donut King opened its first outlet in Shanghai on 1 November 2008, with additional stores to open in the city during the coming months. The opening was the result of a Master Licence Agreement between Donut KingÕs parent company Retail Food Group and Shanghai-based Mak Brands Limited to develop and proliferate the Donut King franchise system within the PeopleÕs Republic of China.

Retail Food Group Managing Director Tony Alford said Mak Brands Limited had plans to open at least 20 stores in China within five years, including another two stores in Shanghai prior to end December 2008, and stores in Hangzhou and Ningbo in the Yangtze River Delta. “China represents a fantastic opportunity for the Donut King system because of the growing attraction of western food,” he said.

“Following extensive market and consumer research, Donut King products have been subtly adjusted to meet the sensibilities, taste profiles and expectations of the Chinese market while retaining the systemÕs signature branding and products.

“This has included reducing the sweetness of some products and adding some special Chinese flavours including green and chia to the current Donut King iced beverage range

“Additional sites in China have already been identified by Mak Brands Limited for the other new Donut King outlets and these will help create a solid platform for the future growth of the system in that country.

“Retail Food Group is also continuing to investigate the launch of its other retail brands BrumbyÕs Bakery, MichelÕs Patisserie and bbÕs cafe in China during the next three years.”

Donut King opened its first outlet in Eastgarden Sydney in 1981 and there are now more than 309 Donut King outlets operating in Australia.

Retail Food Group is the franchisor and intellectual property owner of the Donut King, MichelÕs Patisserie, BrumbyÕs Bakeries and bbÕs cafe systems.