Krispy Kreme has signed a franchise agreement with Jafa Holding to expand into the Netherlands.

As agreed, the doughnut chain is expected to open its first site in the country late this year.

The partnership is part of Krispy Kreme’s international expansion plan using a capital-light franchise structure.

Amsterdam-based Jafa Holding is owned by Roberto Fava, who has more than 35 years of experience in the food and beverage sector.

The first Dutch outlet will be a Hot Light Theater Shop, incorporating the brand’s “Hot Light” feature while acting both as a store and as a production base. Krispy Kreme expects 30 locations to open in the Netherlands over the next five years.

Krispy Kreme CEO Josh Charlesworth said: “We’re thrilled to bring Krispy Kreme’s delicious, fresh doughnuts to the Netherlands.

“Partnering with Jafa Holding, an experienced operator with deep knowledge of the local market, expands our European presence and reinforces our commitment to sustainable, profitable growth through our capital-light franchise model.”

The company plans to add at least 100 new shops worldwide this year and enter three to four new international markets, including the Netherlands, through collaborations with established franchise operators.

Based in Charlotte, North Carolina, US, Krispy Kreme operates in more than 40 countries through a network of doughnut shops, retail distribution partnerships, and an e-commerce business.

Last month, Krispy Kreme completed two transactions in the US and Japan.

The company sold its Japan operations to Unison Capital and finalised a transaction with WKS Restaurant Group to restructure its Western US joint venture.