Pret A Manger, a popular fresh food and coffee chain, is set to make its debut in South Africa, marking its first entry into the African continent.

Pret is globally acclaimed, celebrated for its widespread recognition, and renowned for offering freshly made food along with organic coffee.

Pret boasts almost 650 shops across the globe, employing 9,500 team members in 18 international markets, including the United Kingdom, Ireland, United States, Hong Kong, France, UAE, Kuwait, India, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Belgium, Singapore, Germany, Italy, and Spain.

South Africa is set for substantial growth in the next decade, with ambitious expansion plans already in place. This strategic development coincides with the promising prospect that the cost of one coffee in the United States equals the affordability of three in South Africa. The coffee culture is expected to thrive as the nation becomes a focal point for increased investment and presence by global chains. These expansion initiatives signal a dynamic period for South Africa’s culinary landscape, with the potential to reshape the local coffee scene and provide consumers with an enriched experience over the coming years.

The Millat Group recently inked a groundbreaking development deal with Pret A Manger, granting Millat the exclusive license to run Pret shops in Southern Africa.

Following Millat’s successful introduction of the Circle K forecourt convenience store brand to South Africa, this agreement aligns with the company’s extended strategy to enter and expand in this sector. The overarching goal is to provide customers with opportunities to access a range of fresh, organic, and sustainable food and beverage options as part of Millat’s long-term expansion plan in the region.

Millat Group CEO, Hamza Farooqui, states that Pret A Manger’s outstanding organic grab-and-go and distinctive food service align perfectly with Millat’s strategy of introducing top-tier global brands to South Africa.

The inaugural Pret A Manger store is poised to launch in Johannesburg, strategically positioned to serve the vibrant and fast-paced community of the city. In the ensuing months, more establishments are slated to open in strategic locations within South Africa’s major cities, including Cape Town, Durban, and Pretoria.

Pret A Manger is renowned for its premium, freshly crafted items and organic coffee. The brand presents an extensive menu comprising sandwiches, salads, wraps, baked goods, and snacks, featuring a variety of vegetarian and vegan choices. In addition to Pret’s diverse food selection, there is a lineup of organic coffees, teas, and various hot and cold beverages to complement the overall offering.

Pano Christou, CEO of Pret A Manger, expressed the significance of introducing Pret’s freshly prepared food and organic coffee to the African continent, marking a pivotal moment in their global expansion. The collaboration with the Millat Group to introduce Pret to South Africa is highly anticipated, with the Johannesburg store being the initial step in a broader expansion within the South African market. This partnership aligns with Millat’s commitment to promoting entrepreneurship, driving economic growth, and delivering a service that enhances the daily lives of South Africans. Christou looks forward to welcoming customers across the country in the upcoming months and years.