Baskin Robbins eyes 70 new outlets in UAE in 2011

US ice cream retail giant Baskin Robbins said on Sunday it is set to open 70 more outlets in the UAE this year.The company, which has a total of 500 outlets across the Middle East including 135 in the UAE, said it was pursuing an aggressive expansion plan in the emirates and was planning to spend up to $150,000 on the new stores.It said in a statement that revenue is up 15 percent this year compared with the same period last year.It added that despite an eight percent increase in the company's cost base - with the costs for cream and sugar rising by 65 percent - Baskin Robbins said it had kept its prices constant. Baskin Robbins said it also has also plans to widen its low fat and sugar free flavour range. Earlier, it was reported that dozens of US fast food brands are eyeing franchise opportunities in the Gulf in a bid to bolster their revenues as increased competition stalls growth in their domestic markets.At least six brands offering ‘healthy’ fast food options are actively scouting for partners in the region, World Franchise Associates said, hoping to meet demand for nutritious dining options. Burt Baskin and Irv Robbins started Baskin Robbins in 1946 in Glendale, USA. In 1948 they launched a franchising operation that has become the world's largest specialty ice cream brand with more than 5,600 stores across the globe. From / Arabian Business News