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Pret A Manger to Launch in South Africa: A Fresh Approach to Fast Food

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Pret A Manger, the renowned British sandwich and coffee chain, is officially launching its first South African store on 14 February 2025 at Melrose Arch in Johannesburg. This marks an exciting step in the global expansion of the franchise, which has become a favorite for organic, freshly prepared meals in over 18 countries.

A Storied Global Brand Comes to South Africa

Pret A Manger was founded in 1986 in the United Kingdom, and it has grown into a global leader in the foodservice industry. With over 690 stores globally and a presence in countries such as the UK, France, USA, and India, the brand is well-known for its fresh, organic meals and high-quality coffee.

In 2023, Pret achieved impressive global sales of £1.1 billion (R25.5 billion), with its expansion efforts across the globe driving growth, especially in markets like India, where it has opened 15 shops in 12 months.

Pret’s Entry into the South African Market

The Millat Group, headed by Hamza Farooqui, signed an exclusive deal with Pret A Manger in February 2024 to bring the brand to Southern Africa. As part of Millat’s strategic expansion, this partnership aims to offer organic, sustainable food options to local customers, with Pret’s signature sandwiches, salads, and organic coffee taking center stage.

Pret A Manger CEO Pano Christou shared his enthusiasm about the South African entry, highlighting how the new Pret store will feature fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The partnership, he noted, aligns perfectly with the Millat Group’s vision of offering premium, sustainable food to South African consumers.

Freshness & Local Sourcing at Its Core

A hallmark of Pret A Manger is its commitment to fresh food, which is made in-store daily. Unlike many fast-food chains, Pret avoids using frozen ingredients, ensuring that customers enjoy freshly made meals. Christou praised South Africa’s fresh produce industry, noting that the local sourcing for the new store will be the highest ever.

While Pret will initially offer a focused menu at its South African location, the plan is to gradually expand it as the business grows. Customers can expect a range of organic and freshly made sandwiches, salads, and hot drinks, with a strong emphasis on local ingredients.

Cultural Adaptation & Spicy Flavours

During a recent visit to South Africa, Christou enjoyed the spicier flavors of local cuisine, and he emphasized that Pret A Manger will adapt its menu to local tastes. Pret’s adaptability will be tested when it opens in February 2025, with Christou acknowledging that connecting with local consumers will provide invaluable feedback for refining their offerings.

Pret A Manger will price its products to ensure they are competitive in the local market while providing value for money. Christou recognizes that building brand awareness will take time, but with quality food and a premium customer experience, Pret aims to build lasting connections with South African customers.

Expansion & Growth

The opening of Pret A Manger in South Africa is just the beginning of its African journey. With more stores planned in the future, the brand aims to cater to the growing demand for organic, fresh, and convenient food across the continent.

As the brand sets up shop in Joburg, it also cements South Africa’s role as an emerging market for global fast-food brands. Pret’s entry signals a growing appetite for healthy and sustainable dining experiences, offering a premium alternative to traditional fast-food chains.

Inside a Pret A Manager

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