SPANISH FRANCHISOR Il caffè di Roma has announced an extensive international development plan, with South East Asia and the Arabian Emirates its priority markets. The brand, which has developed a network of 87 Italian coffee shops in Spain, Portugal, Italy and France, has opened a pilot shop in Singapore with more to follow shortly in Hong Kong and Abu Dhabi.

Part of multinational coffee brand Lavazza, Il caffè di Roma awarded a licence to Coffee Gurus Private Limited to expand the brand in Asia, with the first shop opening under the agreement in the Acetech Centre Singapore, a tourist resort of high hotel density and a huge pedestrian flow. The Hong Kong shop is set to open soon, as is the Abu Dhabi outlet which is being developed by Dubai firm Alphamed. "This pilot will allow the progress of the brand in the Arabian Emirates," says Il caffè di Roma, "and will set the foundations for further area development and a network of shops."

Il caffè di Roma is seeking National Master and Area Development Franchisees worldwide. For more information about international opportunities with Il caffè di Roma, email Paul Cairnie at paulc@fdsltd.com