JTG Holdings Ltd, the master franchisee for Jones the Grocer in the Middle East & North Africa has bought the global rights to the brand. In a separate transaction, L Capital Asia has taken a significant minority stake in JTG Holdings, with the aim of backing the brand in its international expansion. Another subsidiary of L Capital Asia has taken master franchise rights for the brand in various markets in North Asia, South East Asia, Australia and New Zealand. The headquarters of JTG Holdings will be based in the UAE, but will have a wider, global footprint, while remaining true to its Australian roots. JTG Holdings has said in a statement that it “remains committed to supporting existing and new franchisees around the world as true partners”. JTG Holdings & Jones the Grocer’s CEO Yunib Siddiqui said: “Our franchisees and employees are our true partners and the most important element of our offering. This new development will bring better focus and new global opportunities to all stakeholders in the business.” The success of Jones the Grocer in diverse international markets is testament to the universal appeal of a well-executed Australian foodie ethos, of high quality, simple, innovative fresh offerings. Ravi Thakran, chairman and managing partner for L Capital Asia, said: “We have been investors in the Jones the Grocer brand since 2012. While our investment faced many challenges, we keenly observed the passion and professionalism with which Yunib and his team have built a successful franchise in the Middle East. “They have made investments in a world-class infrastructure that is capable of supporting a global expansion of the brand. We are certain that as the new owners of the brand, they will do full justice to exploiting its true potential. We look forward to backing JTG Holdings, Yunib and the team in rapidly rolling out more stores on their own or with franchise partners in new and existing markets around the world.” Jones the Grocer is a café and retail outlet specialising in hand selected specialty products, and featuring a signature walk-in cheese room, charcuterie and deli. Established in 1996 with the launch of the flagship Australian store in Woollahra, Sydney, Jones the Grocer has now has 19 stores across Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Thailand, Qatar, Bahrain and the UAE.
• 26 Sep, 2019
