(Aug 5): Berjaya Food Bhd (KL:BJFOOD) said on Monday its international arm has secured the rights to operate Starbucks stores in Iceland, Denmark and Finland.

The expansion by Berjaya Food International, or BFI, marks the first entry of a Malaysian public-listed food-and-beverage company into Nordic markets. BFI will focus on local hiring and sourcing while lending its culinary and operational expertise, the company said in a statement.

“We are excited to bring our expertise and passion for excellence to the vibrant Nordic coffee culture, introducing warm Malaysian hospitality and promising the exceptional Starbucks ‘third place’ experience cherished worldwide,” said Berjaya Food Chief Executive Officer Datuk Sydney Quays.

Berjaya Food’s current portfolio include Starbucks Coffee, Kenny Rogers Roasters, Krispy Kreme Doughnuts and Paris Baguette. Earlier this year, BFI signed an agreement to operate Paris Baguette in Singapore after opening its first store under the same brand in the Philippines in April.

Currently there are more than 400 Starbucks stores across Malaysia and Brunei, five Paris Baguette stores in Malaysia, 70 Kenny Rogers Roasters stores in Malaysia, 34 Jollibean outlets in Singapore and seven Sala stores in Malaysia.

“We’re pleased to expand our presence in the Nordic markets alongside our trusted and long-term business partner, Berjaya Food, and contribute to the vibrant local coffee community in the region,” said Duncan Moir, president of Starbucks Europe, Middle East and Africa.

In Denmark, BFI’s expansion to the market will build on the store footprint established by the largest Danish retailer Salling Group A/S.

“We are pleased to welcome Berjaya Food as our new licensed retail operator partner and look forward to a strong collaboration that will strengthen our position in the Danish market even further,” said Marianne Bedsted, CEO Salling & Franchise, Salling Group. “This partnership will expand our footprint and grow the Starbucks brand in Denmark.”