US ice cream maker eyes local entry

DİLEK KÖSEDAĞ ISTANBUL - Radikal

Foreign food producers have been flocking in the local market as Turkey promises high growth potential. Hürriyet photo

With the recent boom in foreign ice cream chains entering the Turkish market, such as L’era Fresca, Giolitti, and Cremeria Miliano, America’s Cold Stone ice cream franchise is looking to open its label in Turkey. 

Cold Stone is looking for a Turkish guarantor and is advertising in local papers. If the U.S. ice cream maker is able to find a local investor, it plans to open its first stores within two years. 

The Turkish market has been the recent focus of foreign ice cream makers. Low-calorie U.S. Yoort already has branches in Turkey. Shaya Gıda’s Pinkberry opened its first Turkish branch last June and Italy’s famous Giolitti opened its fourth branch in Turkey in May 2011 after Copenhagen, New York, and Seoul.

Giolitti plans to open 10 more chains in two years with a $6 million investment, according to Radikal.