For the first time in its 55-year history, HoneyBaked Ham Company of Georgia is expanding its operations to Asia.
The company’s hams, turkeys and other menu items will be sold in Japan under an agreement with Toranomon Ham Co. Ltd.
Financial terms of the HoneyBaked’s deal with Toranomon were not disclosed.
HoneyBaked Ham also said it wants to expand in the Northeast, where it has only 20 locations collectively in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire. The company has more than 400 locations nationwide, including 189 franchisee-owned locations.
“Considering our strong brand recognition in the market, we are confident we can establish a strong base of franchisees and consumers to carry the brand into the next chapter of our history,” Melissa McFarlin, director of franchise development, said in a statement.
Toranomon will hold the rights to sell HoneyBaked hams, turkeys, sides and desserts in Japan. The company is a partnership between former Starbucks executive Paul Kraft and the investment firm FinTech Global.
“Our goal is to introduce HoneyBaked in a locally relevant way, including the establishment of retail stores,” Kraft said in a statement, adding the ham has been tested successfully in the Asian country.
The company said the launch this year will include a storefront, e-commerce, samplings and a marketing campaign tailored for the region.
About the Author
