Cold Stone Creamery, a subsidiary of Kahala, opened the first two of 13 international co-brand locations in Copenhagen, Denmark. The worldwide ice cream concept partnered with Sv. Michelsen Chokolade, the leading chocolate manufacturer and retailer of Denmark, to open the first two co-branded units in June. Plans call for 11 more co-branded stores over the next year in Denmark.
“It’s long been known that chocolate and ice cream go hand-in-hand,” says Scott Keppel, Kahala’s International CEO. “These premium concepts are coming together to create the ultimate dessert experience.”
The co-branding development was a major reason behind Cold Stone’s recent investment in its master franchise partner for the Scandinavian region. The partnership between the U.S. and Scandinavian Cold Stone Creamery companies is a joint venture.
“Based on our early success, we believe there is tremendous potential for Cold Stone in Europe as both a standalone and co-branded concept,” says Dan Beem, president of Cold Stone Creamery. “At a time when most companies are hunkering down, we’re actively looking to invest in market opportunities that will drive the brand in the U.S. and internationally.”
Cold Stone first entered Europe in Denmark’s Tivoli Gardens in May 2008 and currently has four stores in Denmark. The first co-branded units are in two prominent shopping areas, the Fisketorvet shopping center and the Illum department store.
