Dippin’ Dots and Doc Popcorn to Debut in China

Two US fast-food chains, Dippin’ Dots and Doc Popcorn, have made their debut in China.

It is opening its first two locations, in Pudong and Yangpu in Shanghai, with a third location scheduled to open at the Shanghai South Railway Station in August. A flagship store is planned for the Shanghai Shimao Plaza Store on Nanjing Road.

“We look forward to serving our products at venues where families gather to have fun, and with more than 26 regional amusement parks in development, we are confident in the growth opportunity,” says Dippin’ Dots chief development officer Stan Jones.

Dippin’ Dots and Doc Popcorn plan to open corporate sites as well, targeting high-traffic areas like entertainment venues.

While the company says it plans to open outlets throughout China, it has not said if that includes Hong Kong or Macau.

“We’ve streamlined the supply-chain process to ensure fully stocked product,” says Jones.

Warehouses and cold storage have been set up in China as product will be shipped from the US. The sister brands’ franchising group established a business entity in Asia three years ago and signed its first licensing agreement with Shanghai Desire Food.

Dippin’ Dots has produced and distributed its flash-frozen beads of ice cream, yogurt, sherbet and flavoured ice products since 1988. Made in Paducah, Kentucky, the products are distributed throughout the US and in 11 countries.

Using whole-grain kernels and proprietary flavours, Doc Popcorn handcrafts popcorn free of trans fat, MSG, and artificial colours and preservatives. Founded in Boulder, Colorado, Doc Popcorn started franchising in 2009.