By Aimee Chanthadavong
Owned by Melbourne-based Franchised Food Company (FFCo), Pretzel World is looking to expand its retail footprint across the country following a rise in enquiries and a tripling in sales in some stores.
FFCo executive chairman Stan Gordon said in a statement that pretzels were developing a loyal following in the Australian snack food market and there was room for the brand to grow.
“While initially it has taken some time for the Australian consumer to understand and accept a soft hand-rolled pretzel, they are developing a loyal following in the retail snack food market. Pretzel World has room to grow across every state and we are keen to recruit more franchisees to the brand,” he said.
Pretzel World currently has 12 stores in NSW, Victoria, Tasmania and Western Australia and saw its sales in the fiscal year between 2009 and 2010 jump by 22 per cent and same store sales up 9 per cent.
Its top store in overall sales was in Penrith and was up 16 per cent alone in 2010 from 2009. Similarly, Pretzel World’s top performer year-on-year was at Mcarthur Square up 35 per cent from 2009 to 2010.
According to the company, its dedicated support framework, focused point-of-sale marketing and its diverse product offering has also assisted in the company’s overall growth.
Pretzel World launched in Australia in October 2000 and was purchased by FFCo in 2005.
FFCo also owns the Cold Rock Ice Creamery, Nutshack and Mr Whippy brands.