Retail Food Group Sets its Sights on Russia as Part of Global Expansion

Global food and beverage company, Retail Food Group Limited (RFG, the Company or Group) (ASX:RFG), is making waves in international markets with expansion plans for some of the Group’s most successful and well-known Brand Systems brewing strong in Russia.

RFG is Australia’s largest multi-brand retail food franchisor, with a network of more than 2,500 outlets across 12 Brand Systems and 81 territories. As well, RFG is an emerging leader in the foodservice, dairy processing and wholesale bakery sectors.

Furthermore, the Company is a coffee specialist with an integrated approach to sourcing, roasting and distributing high-quality coffee. Combining passion with expertise, RFG creates an unforgettable experience, from crop to cup, through its premium Di Bella Coffee Co brand.

RFG Chief Executive - International, Mike Gilbert, expressed that RFG plans to introduce a selection of its retail food brands - all of which are supported by market-leading concepts, food innovations and high-quality coffee - to Russian shores.

“We’re excited to replicate our successful Australian operations in the Russian market and accelerate the growth of brands like Gloria Jean’s Coffees, Donut King, Crust Gourmet Pizza Bar, Brumby’s Bakery, Michel’s Patisserie, Pizza Capers Gourmet Kitchen, Café2U and It’s A Grind in the region,” he said.

RFG’s international expansion model is based on recruiting Master Franchise Partners who purchase a license to develop a certain Brand System in a defined territory, and provides the Company and local partners with the opportunity to forge sustainable alliances.

“Our franchise partners enjoy the benefits of working with Australia’s largest multi-food franchisor every day, dealing with our expert management teams, enjoying supply benefits from increased scale and gaining access to best-in-class initiatives,” Mike said.

A key strategy that is driving the Group’s global growth is its hub network, which provides a platform for fast tracking coffee and Brand System expansion in international markets, whilst also more efficiently servicing the Company’s existing markets.

RFG recently announced a Middle East Hub which, once established in 2018, will allow the Company to grow a substantial commercial coffee enterprise throughout the MENA region, whilst enabling the Group to more efficiently service and grow Brand System franchise networks in the Gulf.

“We currently have hubs in Australia, New Zealand and the USA, and plans for the Middle East underway, and will be looking to replicate them in Asia and Europe,” Mike said.

About Retail Food Group Limited:

RFG owns the Donut King, Brumby’s Bakery, Michel’s Patisserie, bb’s Café, Esquires, Gloria Jean’s Coffees, It’s A Grind, The Coffee Guy, Café2U, Pizza Capers Gourmet Kitchen and Crust Gourmet Pizza Bar franchise systems. Retail Food Group is a global coffee specialist with an integrated approach to sourcing, roasting and distributing high-quality coffee. Combining passion with expertise, the Company creates an unforgettable experience, from crop to cup, through its suite of coffee brands.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20171022005063/en/

For more information, images or interviews contact:Retail Food Group LimitedAnnie Lyon, 0431 306 727Senior Corporate Communications [e-mail]