US-based doughnut chain Krispy Kreme is looking for master franchisees in seven overseas markets to help expedite its global expansion.

The company owns and operates its businesses in the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, and Canada. In the Q4 2024 Earnings Call, CEO Josh Charlesworth said that the franchise model is the most capital-efficient approach for the company to expand abroad.

Krispy Kreme will also reportedly look to duplicate its franchise operations in France and South Korea, where the brand collaborates with established partners Columbus Cafe & Co and Lotte, respectively.

“Our profitable capital-light international franchise business grew points of access by 8 per cent in 2024,” said Josh Charlesworth. 

“Those have expanded in markets such as France and South Korea. For example, our franchise partner in France has rapidly grown to 19 doughnut shops across Paris and plans to add another 50 points of access as they enter the DFD channel in 2025.” 

Despite a cybersecurity problem last year, Krispy Kreme demonstrated sustained resiliency in the fourth quarter and full-year results, which ended December 29.

Fourth-quarter net sales were $404 million, with organic revenue up 1.8 per ent to $400.6 million.  Adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation) was $45.9 million, indicating a $10 million effect from the cyberattack.