London's The Hummingbird Bakery announces international franchise with Daud Arabian

New branches are to appear in regions including UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Jordan, The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, Lebanon and Egypt.

The first Hummingbird Bakery under the partnership is due to open in Dubai, 25 September 2012. Construction and fit out is in its final stages, at a premium location in the Dubai Mall.

Tarek Malouf, founder of The Hummingbird Bakery, comments: "We are absolutely thrilled to now be in the final stages of becoming an international brand. Since opening our first bakery on Portobello Road in London back in 2004, it has always been our mission to bring American baking to London. This is something we have achieved. We now look forward to the exciting challenge of bringing The Hummingbird Bakery's brand of high quality American baking to the world."

Daud Arabian is a subsidiary of The Daud Group of Oman, one of the Middle East's most successful conglomerates. It was selected as The Hummingbird Bakery's preferred franchise partner on the basis of its wealth of experience and proven track record in bringing a diverse selection of internationally recognised casual dining brands to the Middle East & India. The Daud Group's portfolio of brands include California Pizza Kitchen, YO! Sushi, Morelli's Gelato, Gourmet Burger Kitchen,Trader Vic's, and Pinkberry .

Sami Daud, Chief Executive Officer, said: "We always seek to invest in brands that we see substantial, ready-made opportunities for within the Middle East; The Hummingbird Bakery is no exception. The company offers something completely unique both in terms of the character of the brand and the exceptionally high quality of its products.

"The Hummingbird Bakery already benefits from widespread awareness amongst our target audiences thanks to its great locations across London and excellent reputation. We are proud to be adding the brand to our portfolio."

The Hummingbird Bakery currently operates five branches across London, the newest of which opened in Islington in January 2012. The company is best known for its cupcakes, which it was responsible for introducing into London when it first opened in May 2004. The Hummingbird Bakery prides itself on the fine quality of the ingredients it uses and on the freshness of its products. Every branch has its own team of resident expert bakers who bake products from scratch throughout the day. The focus on quality, freshness and on-site baking will continue at all forthcoming branches due to be opened as a part of the franchise agreement with Daud Arabian.

The Hummingbird Bakery intends to continue its international franchise programme and is already in talks with prospective franchisees in Russia, India and China. The Hummingbird Bakery's UK operations will continue under full company ownership. There are plans in place to open further branches in London and potential locations for UK branches outside of London are currently being considered.