Auntie Anne’s pretzels diversify Cambodia’s food scene

Pretzel franchise Auntie Anne’s has plans to build its brand in Cambodia.

The chain, which bakes and sells authentic American pretzels for customers to take away, has already launched four outlets in Cambodia’s capital city, Phnom Penh, and intends to open a minimum of two more in 2019.

The takeaway franchise boasts a menu which features 32 different pastries, offering fresh, handmade treats from ‘original’ pretzels and twists on the classic to pepperoni pretzel nuggets and mini pretzel hot dogs.

“Local consumers have [a] very good appetite for bread,” asserted Benjamin Jerome, Managing Director of Avanus Signature Brands, the franchisee for Cambodia. “In terms of food and beverage, there is always a demand, especially when you have the right snacks presented to consumers. We bake every 30 minutes so the pretzels are fresh and hot.”

Jerome detailed his ambitions for the future of the brand in Cambodia: “We will open one or two outlets in Phnom Penh and [are] looking for opportunities in Siem Reap, Shihanoukvile and other good locations. We are optimistic for 2019, especially with the National Bank of Cambodia’s forecast of good growth this year.”

The expansion into this new territory reflects international awareness of the increasing market for western foods in Cambodia. An increase in salaries and the resulting lifestyle changes mean that more Cambodians are sampling foreign cuisines. World-renowned brands such as Burger King and Starbucks have also benefited from the demand for more diverse food outlets.

Jerome continued: “Ours is a light meal and we cater for the local taste. We sell about 200 pieces (pretzels) daily in each of our outlets.”

With 90 percent of the ingredients sourced locally and the pretzels baked ‘on the spot to hit the spot’, it is no wonder Auntie Anne’s is such a hit. The franchise has now established more than 1,800 outlets in 25 countries across the world.