SPC Group, best known for its Paris Baguette bakery franchise, is planning to launch the artisan bakery in Malaysia starting with an initial opening in the first half of next year, SPC officials said Friday.

The country’s leading confectionary brand, in partnership with Naza Corporation Holdings ― one of the largest privately owned conglomerates in Malaysia ― is planning to open up to 30 outlets in the country by 2019.

“We are confident that Malaysians will be receptive to new food and beverage concepts such as Paris Baguette,” said Nur Nadia SM Nasimuddin, director of Naza’s F&B team.

“This is due to the recent ‘cafe culture wave’ which is rising at a rapid rate locally, presenting opportunities for our collaboration with SPC Group,” she added.

SPC, however, said that the details of the location and the target number of stores it is planning to open in Malaysia have subject to change since the two sides have yet to ink a final contract.

An SPC spokesman said the agreement marks the first time for the group to export the bakery brand through a master franchise contract. The contract will give Naza the control of franchising activities while SPC benefits from lower initial investments and will gain royalty fees.

SPC currently operates 180 stores in five countries, including a Paris shop that opened in July. The move comes as part of its drive to grow into the world’s leading confectionary giant by 2020.

The Seoul-based bakery chain opened its first overseas outlet in Shanghai in 2004.

By Suk Gee-hyun (monicasuk@heraldcorp.com)