KiwiYo takes award in Deloitte Fast 50

posted on 14th November 2013

Frozen Yoghurt franchise KiwiYo has won the National Rising Star award in this year's Deloitte Fast 50 list. The self-styled 'bar for people who aren't allowed to drink' currently has seven outlets in Auckland and the Bay of Plenty, and is planning overseas expansion and an eventual stock exchange listing (following in the footsteps of other recent franchise listings). 'Rising Stars' are categorised as businesses that have not yet been operating for three years or which do not qualify by reason of turnover for the main Fast 500 list. The only franchise to be included in the main list was Pita Pit at number 30, with revenue growth of 263.86 percent.

KiwiYo’s concept is nothing new, with frozen yoghurt and the self-serve model having been around for many years, (KiwiYo CEO) Norman Markgraaff says.

What it has done differently is its in-store design using video screens, lighting and other effects to appeal to a younger market, combined with clever social media engagement. Online videos of staff rapping, Instagram pictures of celebrity customers such as former All Black Mils Muliaina, and sponsorship of the Mission Bay square on the Auckland Monopoly board are all part of the equation.

 

‘The nature of our stores is basically a bar for people who aren’t allowed to drink. It’s a social gathering spot,’ Markgraaff says.

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