Gloria Jean’s Coffees began operating in Malaysia in 2006 | Photo credit: Gloria Jean's Coffees

Perbadanan Nasional Berhad (Pernas) has announced that it will open 16 Gloria Jean's Coffees stores in 2023 as it seeks to boost franchising opportunities across Malaysia. 
 

Pernas, established by Malaysia’s Ministry of Finance in 1969 to generate franchising opportunities in the country, will invest RM 8m ($1.9m) in the expansion, which will target shopping centre sites and its first drive-thru outlet. 

The Kuala Lumpur-based enterprise currently manages 44 Gloria Jean's Coffees across Malaysia, following its latest opening at the University Putra Malaysia Teaching Hospital in Serdang. 

“In 2023, a total of 16 more branches are targeted to be opened with Pernas allocating as much as RM8 million for that purpose to produce more franchise entrepreneurs in the country,” said Datuk Seri Ir Hasni Mohammad, Chairman, Pernas. 

Gloria Jean’s Coffees began operating in Malaysia in 2006 via Pernas subsidiary Wonderful Lifestyle Sdn Bhd. The company also operates the coffee chain in Myanmar and Brunei. 

Founded in Illinois, USA, and headquartered in Sydney, Australia, Gloria Jean’s Coffees has over 890 franchised stores in more than 40 countries globally.  

World Coffee Portal research forecasts the Malaysian branded coffee shop market will exceed 2,750 outlets by 2025. 

Several international coffee chains have recently outlined expansion plans across Malaysia for 2023, including Starbucks and The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, which are both seeking to open 40 outlets to reach 400 and 180 respectively. 

Meanwhile, Indonesia’s Kopi Kenangan launched its first international store in Malaysia in October 2022 and Paris Baguette made its Malaysian debut in January 2023.