Coffee shop chain Gloria Jean’s plans to expand the current nine-shop franchise to 150.

Paul Clegg, one of the company directors who own the England, Scotland and Wales franchise for Gloria Jean’s, told British Baker: "We have further openings planned for this year in key locations such as Liverpool One and Leicester Highcross shopping Centres, but our plan is steady growth. We expect to reach 150 over the next 10 years."

Clegg continued: "Coffee is our hero, with a full range on offer, including cappuccinos, lattes and syrup-based coffees, all made by our trained baristas. Our coffees are specially blended for us and are largely from Rainforest Alliance growers.

"Our baked goods offering is also very important. We are working with Rich Products, which is currently producing our signature range of Gloria Jean’s muffins. Another supplier is Handmade Cake Co. The baked goods offering is a mix of healthy with indulgence.

"Our ethos is ’great coffees with heart’, as we expect our franchisees to get involved in their local community through schools, charity events and local happenings. We want customers to feel it really is the coffee shop destination for their local community."

Gloria Jean’s started out in Chicago in 1979. In 1995, the chain was bought by two Australians. By 2004, 400 stores had opened in Australia and the current figure is 470. Globally, there are 870 Gloria Jean’s outlets, with America and Turkey having the most branches outside Australia. A separate franchisee operates on the island of Ireland with nine shops.

In England, Scotland and Wales, the baked goods include paninis, sandwiches and various cakes. On the drinks side, the company provides its own branded drinks, including fruit chillers and smoothies with a branded water called One Water. Many items come in from Gloria Jean’s own distribution hub in Rotterdam.

Each store is bespoke and designed for the franchise partner to help develop the "community ownership" and relationship. Franchisee and other details are available on [http://www.gloriajeanscoffees.co.uk].

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=== In Short ===

== Blaze at Walkers ==

Walkers Bakery in Stroud, Gloucestershire, has been slightly damaged by fire, following a blaze in a back storeroom. One of the four bakers in the building used a fire extinguisher to put out the flames, which damaged a wall and a flour sack crusher.

== NA golf raises £1k ==

The National Association of Master Bakers held a golf day and raised £1,000 for its London and South Eastern Region. The fundraiser took place on the 8 July at Surrey National Golf Club, Surrey, with 48 golfers taking part. It was the event’s 8th successful year.

== Charity café restored ==

Scotswood Community Café and Bakery is to be rebuilt using the insurance pay-out it received after it was destroyed by a fire in June last year. The charity-run café in Newcastle will now have two shop units rebuilt opposite its previous location in Armstrong Road.

== Courtauld success ==

WRAP’s announcement that the grocery sector has met the Courtauld Commitment target to end packaging growth has been welcomed by the food industry. Melanie Leech, Food and Drink Federation director general, said: "We are now on track to cut food and packaging waste by 2010." FDF members that have signed the Courtauld Commitment to date include: Britvic, Coca-Cola Enterprises, Greencore Group (UK), Premier Foods, United Biscuits and Warburtons.

== Rugby season tackled ==

Highland Spring is to sponsor rugby’s London Double Header, at Twickenham on 6 September, 2008, marking the start of the rugby season. London’s four rugby union teams - London Irish, Wasps, Saracens and Harlequins - will battle it out on the pitch.