Time to buy local: war fuel price shocks reveal the folly of a long food supply chain 
Gold Prices Slip as Stronger Dollar and Iran Peace Talk Uncertainty Weigh on Market 
Nikkei Hits Record High as AI Chip Stocks Power Japan Market Rally 
Why a ‘rip-off’ degree might be worth the money after all – research study 
Dollar Slips as Iran Peace Hopes Ease Rate Hike Fears 
SQM Q1 Profit More Than Doubles as Lithium Prices Surge 
Why have so few atrocities ever been recognised as genocide? 
Glastonbury is as popular than ever, but complaints about the lineup reveal its generational challenge 
Xiaomi Shares Drop After Weak Q1 Earnings Amid Rising Smartphone Costs 
Locked up then locked out: how NZ’s bank rules make life for ex-prisoners even harder 
Toshifumi Suzuki, Founder of Seven-Eleven Japan, Dies at 93 
U.S.-Iran Talks May Take Days as Oil Prices React to Strait of Hormuz Tensions 
RBNZ Holds Interest Rates Steady but Signals More Hikes Ahead in 2026 
Yen Stays Near Intervention Zone as Iran Conflict Supports U.S. Dollar 
Why financial hardship is more likely if you’re disabled or sick 
Britain has almost 1 million young people not in work or education – here’s what evidence shows can change that 
Berjaya Food Berhad, the powerhouse behind brands like Starbucks and Kenny Rogers, will invest $1.5 million to introduce South Korean bakery giant Paris Baguette to the Philippine market, with the first café set to launch by year's end.
After gaining global recognition with over 4,000 stores worldwide, Paris Baguette is now focusing on expanding its presence in Southeast Asia, with the Philippines being its latest target market.
Berjaya Food, alongside Middle Trade Inc. and Paris Baguette Singapore, recently signed a master franchise agreement, allowing them to introduce the Paris Baguette brand in the local market this year. Berjaya Food and Middle Trade Inc. will act as the primary operators in the Philippines.
Dato' Sydney Quays, the Group CEO of Berjaya Food Berhad, has revealed that they aim to launch the first Paris Baguette café in the country during the fourth quarter of 2023.
On average, the company plans to allocate around $300,000 for each store, though the final amount will depend on the store's size and location. Quays mentioned that after the first store opens, they aim to establish five stores within the first year of operations.
When asked about the estimated total cost for the five stores, Quays stated that the ballpark figure of $1.5 million appeared to be accurate. However, he emphasized that the success of the initial stores would influence their decision on whether to open more locations in the following years.
Initially, Paris Baguette will focus on the capital region but may consider expanding to other provinces. Quays explained that they are exploring potential locations, although it is too early to provide specific details. The company aims to open its first store within six months, with discussions underway with larger shopping malls.
The expansion of Paris Baguette in the Philippines signifies Berjaya Food's commitment to bringing renowned international brands to the local market and satisfying the growing demand for quality bakery products.
