The Dubai-based Al Abbas Group is investing Dh100 million to expand Malaysian fast-food chain Marrybrown across the Gulf and the Levant, a company official said.
"We have recently signed up with a Saudi company, which will open 40 new outlets in Saudi Arabia. This will be the brand's foray into the Saudi market," said Rami Wardeh, Al Abbas Group's franchise development and marketing manager.
"We have also partnered with a Jordanian company to launch the brand in the country. Over the next five years, we will have 100 new Marrybrown food outlets in the region," the official said.
Al Abbas Group laun-ched Marrybrown brand in the UAE three years ago.
It currently runs three outlets here.
"We have recorded 120 per cent growth in sales last year, compared with the previous year. With 350,000 orders served, we generated Dh10 million in revenue last year," Rami said.
"We are opening five new outlets in the UAE this year, which should help us to achieve a 350 per cent increase in sales.
"In the next five years, we expect to increase our annual revenue to Dh170 million," he said.
The brand is competing with Western franchises by offering 15 to 20 per cent more food at a 10 to 15 per cent lower price, the official said.
The company is growing rapidly, said Joshua Liew, Marrybrown's business development manager.
"We currently have 150 outlets. The company recorded $100 million [Dh367 million] in revenue last year," he said.
"We have also entered the Chinese and Indian markets. We have signed up with a partner in South India to open 25 outlets. We will establish more franchises in the Indian market and reach out to all the major cities."
