In the bustling malls of Singapore, the aroma of freshly baked goods often leads shoppers to Paris Baguette, a Korean bakery chain. Despite its French-inspired name and decor, Paris Baguette is entirely Korean. Jin-soo Hur, CEO of SPC Group, emphasizes that their products are international, not limited to French origins. Established 80 years ago, SPC Group now employs 20,000 people and generated $5.6 billion in sales last year. Paris Baguette has expanded to 4,000 stores across 14 countries, with plans to open over 1,000 new branches internationally by 2030, focusing on the US market. The company is investing in a Texas factory to supply the Americas. Known for its variety, including Asian-inspired flavors, Paris Baguette also operates a halal-certified plant in Malaysia. While some critics question the quality of its frozen dough products compared to artisanal bakeries, the brand continues to capitalize on the global fascination with Korean culture.
— new from BBC
