MH Alshaya Company, a leading global retail franchise operator, has signed an exclusive agreement with US gourmet popcorn brand, Garrett Popcorn Shops to launch its stores in the Middle East region.

As per the exclusive Middle East franchise partnership deal, the first store is expected to open at The Avenues in Kuwait later this year.

Founded in 1949 in Chicago, the Garrett Popcorn Shops brand has a reputation for producing handcrafted gourmet popcorn in old-fashioned copper kettles, and prides itself on using the highest quality ingredients and secret family recipes.

Its signature flavours include The Chicago Mix, CaramelCrisp and CheeseCorn. Today Garrett operates over 25 shops in the US and international locations including Singapore, Hong Kong and Malaysia.

The partnership with Alshaya will see the US brand grow inscale across the Middle East with potential for expansion in other markets.

Lance Chody, the Garrett Popcorn Shops CEO, said, 'We are delighted to be partnering with Alshaya to bring the Garrett experience to the Middle East. Though we have historic roots in Chicago we have seen the Garrett brand and our great tasting Garrett popcorn embraced globally in recent years.'

'We are very excited about the opportunities to grow the brand in new markets and look forward to benefitting from Alshaya’s experience in this exciting region,' Chody stated.

Mohammed Alshaya, the executive chairman of MH Alshaya Company said Garrett Popcorn Shops is a family-friendly brand that has built a reputation based on an unwavering commitment to quality and taste.

'The brand is a natural fit within the Alshaya portfolio, broadening and strengthening our food retail offer to Middle East consumers.We look forward to opening our first store later this year,' he added.-TradeAraba News Service