World Franchise Associates signs deal with US bread and sandwich franchise Great Harvest Bakery eyes international expansion

By Gill Hyslop

- Last updated on GMT

World Franchise Associates will be assisting Great Harvest Bakery to expand to new markets. Pic: Great Harvest
World Franchise Associates will be assisting Great Harvest Bakery to expand to new markets. Pic: Great Harvest

Related tags franchise Great Harvest Bakery

UK franchise development consultancy World Franchise Associates (WFA) has signed an agreement with US company Great Harvest Bakery to extend its footprint into Europe, the Gulf, UK, Japan and Canada.

The London-based consultancy assists franchisors to enter new markets and provides franchise advisory services.

“Great Harvest is an exceptional brand for investors. Everything is made fresh, onsite and locally – nothing frozen or packaged. The brand’s freedom franchise model allows for flexibility for success including menu, pricing, local decor/design,”​ said Paul Cairnie, CEO of WFA.

From one to many

Pete and Laura Wakeman opened their first Great Harvest Bakery in 1976 in Great Falls, Montana, sourcing wheat from local farms.

The bakery became a franchise in 1978 with the opening of a second Great Harvest in Kalispell, Montana.

Four decades later, the company has transitioned into a national brand of 194 independently owned and operated whole grain bread bakeries located across 45 US states.

Great Harvest's system-wide sales have grown to exceed $100m annually.

However, authenticity remains at the foundation’s core, and each of its bakeries bake breads daily from scratch.

Customers can order sandwiches with made with the bread of their choice baked that day.

Cairnie also noted the brand’s partnership with artisan Italian coffee roaster Caffe D’arte offers a full line coffee and espresso program.

Related topics Markets Bread Cakes & Pastries Snacks

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